CN118567102A - Expandable facial interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to inflatable facial interfaces. A head mounted view device may include a facial interface having an inflatable bladder. The inflatable bladder may be configured to conform to the facial contours of a user's face when the head mounted view device is worn. In various examples, the inflatable bladder may include one or more bladder segments that may be filled with a fluid. In some examples, based in part on receiving input, the pressure within the one or more bladder segments of the inflatable bladder may be adjusted from a first pressure to a second pressure in part by adjusting the volume of fluid within the one or more bladder segments of the inflatable bladder.

Description

Expandable facial interface

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/448,854 filed on February 28, 2023, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18/389,492 filed on November 14, 2023, the entire contents of both patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an inflatable facial interface.

Background Art

Extended reality devices (e.g., virtual reality devices, augmented reality devices, mixed reality devices, etc.) are becoming increasingly popular, and technological advances have facilitated their use in a variety of applications. However, conventional extended reality devices include facial interfaces (the portion of the device that contacts the user's face) that are formed from materials that have limited ability to evenly distribute pressure across a range of facial shapes and sizes. As a result, raised points on the user's face will experience higher localized pressures, which often causes discomfort and prevents the user from fully and comfortably utilizing the full potential offered by the extended reality device.

Summary of the invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a head-mounted view device is provided, which includes: a shell; an inflatable bladder coupled to the shell and configured to conform to the contour of the user's face when the user wears the head-mounted view device; and an inflator, which is in flow communication with the inflatable bladder and is configured to adjust the pressure in the inflatable bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure upon activation.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, the method comprising: providing a shell for a head-mounted device; providing an inflatable bladder coupled to the shell, the inflatable bladder being configured to conform to the face of a user when the head-mounted device is worn; filling the inflatable bladder with a fluid to a first pressure via an inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder; receiving an input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder; and activating the inflator to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder from the first pressure to a second pressure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an extended reality device is provided, comprising: a shell; a bladder coupled to the shell and configured to conform to the facial contour of the user's face when the user wears the extended reality device; and a pump, which is flow-connected to the bladder and configured to adjust the pressure within the bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure upon activation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit or digits of a reference number identify the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference number in different drawings indicates similar or identical components or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example head mounted viewer device with an inflatable facial interface according to an example of the present disclosure.

2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary inflatable bladder coupled to a head mounted viewer device according to an example of the present disclosure.

3A illustrates a rear view of an exemplary inflatable bladder that may be used with an inflatable facial interface according to an example of the present disclosure.

3B is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary inflatable bladder that may be used with an inflatable facial interface according to an example of the present disclosure.

4 is a front view of an exemplary inflatable bladder divided into a plurality of bladder sections according to an example of the present disclosure.

5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for regulating pressure within an inflatable bladder according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, existing facial interface designs do not provide adequate comfort for users of various head shapes and sizes, especially during extended periods of use. It is challenging to construct facial interfaces that remain comfortable for long periods of time for a target range of 5% to 95% of the population. A major source of discomfort caused by existing facial interface designs is localized pressure points on the user's face. The way in which traditional user interfaces distribute pressure on the user's face depends on the shape of the rigid frame of the facial interface and the properties of the materials that come into contact with the user's face.

Existing facial interfaces are formed by applying a strip of compliant foam over the surface of the frame of an extended reality device. However, the foam is limited in its ability to evenly distribute pressure across a variety of head shapes and sizes. In addition, the reaction force applied to the user's face is related to the amount of deformation. This ultimately results in raised points on the user's face experiencing high localized pressure points. Using softer and more compliant foam may present the risk of the foam becoming hard or rigid due to being compressed to the base of the rigid frame of the facial interface (i.e., the portion of the rigid frame to which the foam is bonded), and exacerbating pressure points. In addition, increasing the thickness of the foam moves the display of the extended reality device away from the user's eyes and reduces the stability of the extended reality device.

The present application describes a facial interface with an inflatable bladder for an extended reality device (e.g., a head-mounted viewer device, a head-mounted device, a headband, a hat, a helmet, goggles, glasses, or other wearable device). In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be coupled to a housing of the extended reality device and configured to conform to the facial contours of the user's face when the user wears the extended reality device. In each example, an inflator can be in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder and configured to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder (e.g., adjust the pressure from a first pressure to a second pressure) upon activation (e.g., automatically or based on user input). In each example, during manufacturing, the inflatable bladder can be filled with a fluid (e.g., gel, water, air, nitrogen, argon, or any fluid discussed throughout the application) to reach a reference volume or pressure.

In various examples, the inflatable bladder can include any number of bladder segments that are configured to abut the facial contours of the user's face. Controlling the pressure levels within each inflatable bladder segment can provide a more customized and comfortable facial interface. In some examples, the inflatable bladder includes: a first inflatable bladder segment that is configured to abut the user's forehead; a second inflatable bladder segment that is configured to abut the user's right temporal and right cheek; and a third inflatable bladder segment that is configured to abut the user's left temporal and left cheek. In various examples, the inflator can be in fluid communication with the first inflatable bladder segment, the second inflatable bladder segment, and the third inflatable bladder segment. In various examples, the inflatable bladder segments can be divided so that each inflatable bladder segment can be inflated to different pressures or filled with different volumes of fluid. In some examples, the inflatable bladder may include five bladder segments. For example, the inflatable bladder may include: a first inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a forehead of a user; a second inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a right temporal portion of a user; a third inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a right cheek of a user; a fourth inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a left temporal portion of a user; and a fifth inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a left cheek of a user, wherein the inflator is in flow communication with the first inflatable bladder segment, the second inflatable bladder segment, the third inflatable bladder segment, the fourth inflatable bladder segment, and the fifth inflatable bladder segment.

In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be at least partially covered by a foam layer or a fabric layer. In some examples, the foam layer or the fabric layer can be removably coupled to the inflatable bladder so that the foam layer or the fabric layer can be replaced or washed. In some examples, a first side of the inflatable bladder is partially covered by the foam layer or the fabric layer and is configured to conform to the facial contours of the user's face, and a second side opposite the first side at least partially extends around a portion of a housing associated with the extended reality device.

In some examples, the extended reality device may include an expansion/contraction system configured to increase or decrease the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder. In some examples, the expansion/contraction system may include one or more of the following: a reservoir filled with a fluid (e.g., any fluid described throughout the application), one or more sensors, one or more valves, one or more pistons, one or more pumps, one or more compressors, one or more controllers, one or more processors, one or more power supplies, one or more memories, one or more cables, one or more wires, one or more tubes, one or more ports, any combination of these, or any other component associated with regulating the pressure within the inflatable bladder as described throughout the application. In some examples, the extended reality device may include a pressure sensor coupled to the inflatable bladder to measure the pressure within the inflatable bladder, a reservoir suitable for containing the fluid, and a valve coupled to the reservoir and the inflatable bladder. The valve may be configured to release the fluid from the reservoir and allow the fluid to enter the inflatable bladder upon activation so as to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder.

In some examples, the extended reality device may include multiple inflatable bladders. For example, a first inflatable bladder may be positioned on a first side of the extended reality device and configured to conform to the user's face, and a second inflatable bladder may be positioned on a second side of the extended reality device opposite the first side and configured to conform to the back of the user's head.

In some examples, an inflation/deflation system associated with an extended reality device can receive input to adjust pressure within an inflatable bladder. In various examples, the inflation/deflation system can activate an inflator based at least in part on receiving the input to increase or decrease the pressure and/or volume of a fluid within the inflatable bladder. In some examples, receiving the input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder is based in part on determining that a length of a band associated with a housing of the extended reality device has been adjusted from a first length to a second length (i.e., from a first tightness to a second tightness). In some examples, receiving the input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder is based in part on a type of environment or action associated with an extended reality experience displayed via the head mounted device (e.g., diving, falling, running, riding a roller coaster, simulating a touch or an object hitting a user's face, etc.).

In some examples, the inflation/deflation system can adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder based at least in part on the length of time the user wears the augmented reality headset. In some examples, the inflation/deflation system can periodically change or cycle the pressure level within the inflatable bladder during use of the augmented reality device to temporarily relieve pressure and/or promote blood flow.

These and other aspects will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are only exemplary embodiments and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. For example, although the examples are shown in the context of a head-mounted electronic device, these techniques can be used in association with any electronic device.

Exemplary head mounted viewing device

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary head-mounted viewer 100A with a facial interface that includes an inflatable bladder 108. The head-mounted viewer 100A can be an extended reality device that enables a user to view, create, consume, and share media content. In some examples, the head-mounted viewer 100A can include a display structure 102A (including a lens structure 112), an external frame 104A coupled to the display structure 102A, and/or a belt assembly 106A. In some examples, the head-mounted viewer 100A can include a facial interface having an inflatable bladder 108 coupled (directly or indirectly) to the external frame 104A. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can be coupled to an interface mounting structure (as shown in FIG. 2), which is coupled to the external frame 104A.

The display structure 102A may include one or more display devices (e.g., one or more electronic display screens, one or more projectors, one or more lenses, one or more head-up displays, etc.) capable of providing an extended reality presentation of a virtual environment. The term "virtual environment" or "extended reality environment" refers to an environment that is at least partially computer-generated in which a user can fully or partially immerse himself. For example, an extended reality environment may include virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, etc. The display structure 102A may be located at the front end of the head-mounted view device 100A and may extend to cover at least a portion of the user's eyes. In some examples, the display structure 102A may include a content delivery system that can present media on a presentation surface. The content delivery system may include a near-eye display (NED) to be worn on the user's face to present visual content to the user. The content presented to the user may include, for example, one or more images, videos, or a combination thereof. The display structure 102A may include a lens structure 112 or be otherwise associated with a lens structure 112. The lens structure 112 may be located in a hole of the display structure 102A and/or the external frame 104A of the head-mounted view device 100A.

In some examples, the display structure 102A can be releasably coupled to the external frame 104A (e.g., by a tongue-and-groove joint). In some examples, the external frame 104A can be substantially rigid and define the general shape of the head-mounted view device 100A. The external frame 104A can be configured to stabilize the display structure 102A relative to the user's head. In some examples, the external frame 104A can house one or more components associated with regulating the pressure within the inflatable bladder 108 (e.g., a pump, a reservoir, a compressor, a piston, etc.).

The external frame 104A can be coupled to a strap assembly 106A. The strap assembly 106A can be used to adjustably mount or position the head-mounted view device 100A on the user's head. The strap assembly 106A can include one or more straps that are coupled to any portion of the head-mounted view device 100A and are configured to adjustably conform to the top and/or sides of the user's head when the user wears the head-mounted view device 100A. In some examples, one or more flexible straps of the strap assembly 106A can be at least partially located within the external frame 104A of the head-mounted view device 100A. The strap assembly 106A can be formed from one or more elastomeric materials, including relatively hard elastomeric materials (e.g., polyamide, polypropylene, polyurethane, and/or polyethylene, etc.) and/or relatively soft materials (e.g., natural materials (rubber, silk, cork, wool, felt, etc.), synthetic materials (styrene-butadiene block copolymers, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyurethane elastomers, nitrile rubber, neoprene, polyester, etc.)), or any combination thereof. In some examples, the strap assembly 106A can be coupled to an interface mounting structure associated with the head-mounted view device 100A. Applying tension to the strap assembly 106A via one or more tensioning mechanisms or adjustment mechanisms (not shown) can cause the external frame 104A to translate toward the user's head and face and/or be pressed against the user's head and face.

The head mounted viewer 100A may include a facial interface having an inflatable bladder 108. The inflatable bladder 108 may be configured to contact at least a portion of the user's face, such as the forehead, the temporal region, the cheek, and/or the nose. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 may be formed of a pliable material and/or an elastomeric material (i.e., a material that allows the inflatable bladder 108 to expand and contract), such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (e.g., using blow molding techniques), silicone (e.g., using liquid silicone injection molding techniques), a rubber compound or a rubber-like compound, natural rubber, latex nitrile, a flexible polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic co-polyester (TPC), or a polyether block amide (PEBA). In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 may be formed (in whole or in part) of a flexible but inextensible material. For example, the inflatable bladder 108 can be formed of a composite of a flexible polymer membrane configured to seal the inflatable bladder and an inextensible braided structure to physically limit the extent to which the bladder can expand (i.e., limit the expansion of the inflatable bladder). In some examples, the braided structure can be located in the membrane. In some examples, the braided structure can include inextensible strands that span the interior portion of the inflatable bladder. The braided structure can control the maximum size and/or shape of the inflatable bladder, as well as the hardness of the inflatable bladder when the inflatable bladder reaches a maximum volume. For example, when the inflatable bladder is inflated to the extent that the inextensible strands are tightened (i.e., the inflatable bladder is inflated to a maximum volume), the pressure level within the inflatable bladder can continue to increase the firmness of the inflatable bladder and maintain the shape of the inflatable bladder.

In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can be formed of a material having a hardness rating (Shore hardness) between about 80A and about 90A. For example, the inflatable bladder can be formed of a material (TPU) having a hardness rating of about 85A hardness. The inflatable bladder 108 can be made of a material having a thickness in a certain range (e.g., from about 0.2mm to about 3mm). In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be made of a non-stretchable (or non-extensible) material having a thickness ranging from about 0.2mm to about 1mm (e.g., 0.3mm, 0.5mm, or 0.7mm). In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be made of a stretchable (or inflatable) material (e.g., a silicone material) having a hardness rating of about 30A hardness and a thickness of about 0.6mm. The inflatable bladder 108 can have a uniform or non-uniform wall thickness. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 (or portions thereof) can include a compressible and/or breathable layer of a comfortable material (e.g., foam, fabric, etc.).

In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can have a non-planar shape and/or extend in multiple directions to better conform to the user's forehead, temples, cheeks, and/or nose. For example, a first portion of the inflatable bladder 108 configured to contact the user's forehead can have a curved profile to better conform to the forehead. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can have sides that taper to a smaller inner diameter. For example, the inner diameter of the middle portion of the inflatable bladder 108 (e.g., the portion intended to contact the user's forehead) can be progressively or gradually reduced along the lateral sides of the inflatable bladder 108 (e.g., the portion intended to contact the user's temples and/or cheeks). In some examples, when the inflatable bladder 108 is inflated, the inner diameter of the inflatable bladder 108 can be in the range of about 2 mm to about 25 mm. In some examples, inflatable bladder 108 may include internal structures and/or internal fusion joints (not shown) to control the shape of inflatable bladder 108 when adjusting the internal pressure or volume of the fluid in the inflatable bladder.

The inflatable bladder 108 can be filled with a gas (e.g., air, nitrogen, argon, etc.), water, saline, oil, or gel (e.g., synthetic hydrogels, natural hydrogels including protein-based hydrogels, hydrogels based on polyesters obtained from low molecular weight biomolecules, etc.), or any other fluid discussed throughout the application. The inflatable bladder 108 can be formed of an impermeable, semi-permeable, or permeable material so that the flow of air and/or fluid through the inflatable bladder 108 can be at least partially inhibited. In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be filled with compressible beads made of polystyrene, rubber, elastomers, gels, etc. The compressible beads can provide a cushioning effect while being able to move freely within the bladder and redistribute pressure. The material forming the bladder will serve to confine the compressible beads within the bladder while allowing air to enter and exit the bladder as needed. In some examples, a first portion or first bladder section of the inflatable bladder may be filled with a fluid (eg, air) and a second portion or second bladder section of the inflatable bladder may be filled with compressible beads.

In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can be pressurized to above or about atmospheric pressure (i.e., zero gauge pressure). In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be filled to a maximum pressure of about 2 psi (pounds per square inch). The inflatable bladder 108 can be inflated to a baseline or predetermined pressure and sealed during the manufacturing process so that there is no leak path around the perimeter of the inflatable bladder. In some examples, due to changes in atmospheric pressure, the inflatable bladder 108 can include a low flow rate valve that is configured to equalize the pressure within the inflatable bladder over a period of time (e.g., 24 hours, 48 hours, etc.). This ensures that the cushioning effect of the inflatable bladder is consistent in multiple locations after the extended reality device is shipped to market.

The inflatable bladder 108 can be configured to have a single fluid-filled segment or chamber, or multiple separated or connected bladder segments or chambers. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can include any number of different bladder segments, chambers, and/or units (e.g., see the discussion of FIG. 4 ). In some examples, the inflatable bladder segments can be substantially separate from each other so that the various segments can be inflated to different pressures. This allows for a more customized fit and greater user comfort. In other examples, multiple bladder segments can be connected by one or more fluid channels so that they maintain substantially the same pressure. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 108 can be divided into two or more bladder segments extending along the length of the inflatable bladder, and the two or more bladder segments are configured to be substantially parallel to each other.

In some examples, the exemplary head mounted view device 100B may include a display structure 102B (including a lens structure), an external frame 104B coupled to the display structure 102B, a strap assembly 106B, and/or a rear head engaging structure 114 that includes one or more additional inflatable bladders filled with a fluid (e.g., any of the fluids discussed above) that are configured to conform to the back of the user's head. The one or more additional bladders in the rear head engaging structure 114 (when present) may be the same or different than the bladders provided in the front section of the head mounted view device 100B, and may be configured according to any of the examples given throughout the application of bladders in the front section of the head mounted view device.

2 shows a top view of an exemplary head mounted view device 200 including a facial interface having an inflatable bladder 202. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 202 can be at least partially coupled to an external frame 208 of the head mounted view device 200. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 202 can be coupled to an interface mounting structure 206, which is coupled to the external frame 208.

The inflatable bladder 202 may include a facial side 210 that contacts the user's face and a mounting structure side 212 opposite the facial side 210, the mounting structure side 212 being configured to contact the interface mounting structure 206. The inflatable bladder 202 in this example may be configured to contact the user's forehead (e.g., see forehead contour 204), temples, cheeks, and/or nose. During manufacturing, the inflatable bladder 202 may be filled with a gas or other fluid or gel (e.g., any of the fluids or gels described throughout the application) to reach a predetermined pressure and/or volume or a reference pressure and/or volume, and the inflatable bladder is sealed so that there is no leak path around the perimeter of the inflatable bladder 202. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 202 may be covered (in whole or in part) by a layer of foam, a layer of comfort material, and/or a layer of fabric, etc. In some examples, the layer of foam, the layer of comfort material, and/or the layer of fabric may be removably coupled to the inflatable bladder 202 (e.g., to enable the user to replace it or wash the material).

Inflatable bladder 202 can be coupled to interface mounting structure 206 in any suitable manner (e.g., by adhesive, snap-fit, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A portion of inflatable bladder 202 can be positioned such that it overlaps and/or extends over a portion of interface mounting structure 206. In some examples, inflatable bladder 202 can be removably coupled to interface mounting structure 206 (e.g., by a tongue-and-groove arrangement).

The interface mounting structure 206 can be coupled to the external frame 208 of the head mounted view device 200 in any suitable manner (e.g., by adhesive, snap-fit, mechanical fasteners, clamps, etc.). The interface mounting structure 206 can be formed of one or more of the following materials: a substantially rigid or semi-rigid polymer (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer blend (PC/ABS), polycarbonate-ABS, acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc.). In other examples, the interface mounting structure 206 can be made of a flexible and/or stretchable elastomeric material that can bend and flex with the inflatable bladder 202. In some examples, the interface mounting structure 206 can be made of a material having a higher elastic modulus than the material from which the inflatable bladder 202 is made. The interface mounting structure 206 can house one or more components associated with regulating the pressure within the inflatable bladder 202. For example, the interface mounting structure 206 can include an expansion/contraction system that includes one or more of: a reservoir (e.g., a rigid reservoir or a collapsible reservoir) filled with a fluid (e.g., any of the fluids described throughout the application), one or more sensors (e.g., a pressure sensor, a fluid volume sensor, a temperature sensor), one or more valves (e.g., a two-way valve, a double-acting valve), one or more pistons, one or more pumps, one or more compressors, one or more controllers, one or more processors, one or more power supplies, memories, one or more cables, one or more wires, one or more tubes, one or more ports, any combination of these, or any other component associated with regulating the pressure within the inflatable bladder.

In some examples, the interface mounting structure 206 can be coupled to the external frame 208. In some examples, the external frame 208 can house (in whole or in part) one or more components associated with adjusting the pressure and/or volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder 202. The external frame 208 can be associated with a first strap adjustment portion and a second strap adjustment portion. The first strap adjustment portion and the second strap adjustment portion can be associated with the strap assembly 106A, the strap assembly 106B as described with respect to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, adjusting one or more straps associated with the head-mounted view device 200 can apply pressure to the user's forehead (e.g., see the forehead contour 204) to adjust the force used to secure the head-mounted view device 200 to the user's head and face.

In some examples, the external frame 208 may include a pump 214 that is configured to maintain a certain volume of fluid (e.g., air). In each example, the pump 214 may have a cylindrical shape and extend across the surface of the external frame 208 (e.g., extending upward from the top surface of the external frame). Although the pump 214 is shown in FIG. 2 as having a circular shape, the pump can be of any shape and/or size. In some examples, the pump 214 can be fluidly connected to the inflatable bladder 202 (e.g., via a tube) and is configured to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder 202. In each example, the pump 214 can be disposed on the inside of the extended reality head-mounted viewer, the top surface of the extended reality head-mounted viewer, or the bottom surface opposite to the top surface. In some examples, the external frame 208 may include a plurality of pumps (not shown) configured to expand and/or contract one or more bladder segments. For example, a first pump may be configured to inflate one or more sections of inflatable bladder 202 , while a second pump may be configured to deflate one or more different sections of inflatable bladder 202 .

FIG3A is a rear view 300A (i.e., a view attached to one side of a housing or external frame of a head mounted view device) of an exemplary inflatable bladder 302 coupled to an interface mounting structure 304. The interface mounting structure 304 can be coupled to an external frame (not shown in this figure), such as the external frame shown in FIG2 of the head mounted view device. In some examples, the interface mounting structure 304 can be partially hollow. For example, the interface mounting structure 304 can include an internal chamber 306 that is configured to accommodate one or more components, such as any components associated with changing and/or maintaining pressure within the inflatable bladder 302 described with respect to FIG2 or elsewhere in this application.

As described above, the interface mounting structure 304 can accommodate one or more components associated with changing and/or maintaining the pressure within the inflatable bladder 302 (e.g., an inflation/deflation system). In the example shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the interface mounting structure 304 includes a reservoir 308 (which can be a rigid enclosure or a flexible enclosure), one or more sensors 310 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, a force sensor, etc.), one or more pistons 312, one or more pumps 314, one or more valves 316 (e.g., a two-way valve, a double-acting valve, a check valve, a pressure relief valve, etc.), one or more controllers 318, one or more processors 320, one or more actuators, one or more tubes 322, and/or a power source (e.g., an internal battery, an external battery, a fuel cell, a photovoltaic cell, etc.). Various components can be rearranged, combined, and/or omitted as required by a particular application or function. Alternative components or additional components can be used in other examples.

In some examples, the inflation/deflation system may be housed (in whole or in part) within the interface mounting structure 304. In some examples, one or more components of the inflation/deflation system (or portions of the components) may be housed within an external frame of the head mounted view device (e.g., external frame 208). The inflation/deflation system may be configured to increase and/or decrease the internal pressure of the inflatable bladder 302 at least in part by controlling the volume of fluid within the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, the inflation/deflation system may include a reservoir containing the fluid, a channel (e.g., tube 322) extending from the reservoir, and at least one valve coupled to an internal portion of the inflatable bladder 302. Valve 316 may be a two-way valve and may enable fluid to flow into and out of the reservoir and into the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, a double-acting valve may be coupled to the reservoir and the inflatable bladder 302 and configured to release fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable bladder upon activation. In some examples, the inflation/deflation system can include an inflator in flow communication with the inflatable bladder. The inflator can be configured to, upon activation, adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure in part by increasing or decreasing the volume of a fluid within the inflatable bladder.

In some examples, the reservoir can be a collapsible reservoir, and the fluid can be released when the user manually squeezes or pushes the collapsible reservoir or a pump associated with the collapsible reservoir. When the collapsible reservoir collapses due to an externally applied force, the fluid is squeezed out of the collapsible reservoir, flows through the channel (e.g., flows through the fluid line or flexible tubing) and the valve 316 and enters the inflatable bladder 302, thereby increasing the pressure within the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, in order to reduce the volume of the fluid in the inflatable bladder 302, the valve 316 (e.g., a release valve) can be activated. In some examples, the interface mounting structure 304 may include a reservoir 308, which contains a fluid volume that is less than the maximum volume in the inflatable bladder 302. The reservoir 308 can be configured to contain enough fluid to effectively change the internal pressure and/or volume of the fluid in the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, the reservoir 308 can be cylindrical, rectangular, square, or bag-shaped. In some examples, reservoir 308 can be formed to fit within the dimensions of interface mounting structure 304. Reservoir 308 can be configured to hold a percentage of the maximum volume of fluid that can be held within inflatable bladder 302. For example, reservoir 308 can be configured to hold approximately 10%-35% of the maximum volume of fluid that can be held within inflatable bladder 302.

In some examples, the reservoir 308 may include a piston 312 configured to discharge the fluid stored in the reservoir 308 (i.e., increase or decrease the internal volume of the fluid in the reservoir 308). In some examples, the piston 312 may have a piston head located in the reservoir and a piston shaft extending from the peripheral edge of the piston head to a position outside the reservoir 308. The outer peripheral surface around the piston head may include one or more seals for sealing relative to the inner surface of the reservoir 308. The piston 312 may be bidirectional and configured to be movable in the axial direction of the reservoir 308. In some examples, the piston 312 may be positioned in the reservoir 308 so that when the piston 312 is activated (e.g., activated by the controller 318), the fluid in the reservoir 308 changes as the piston 312 moves in the axial direction of the reservoir 308. In some examples, the piston 312 may be associated with an anti-rotation structure to inhibit the piston 312 from rotating around the axis. In some examples, one or more position sensors may be communicatively coupled to piston 312 and configured to detect a position of piston 312 relative to reservoir 308 .

In some examples, the expansion/contraction system may include one or more sensors 310. For example, the expansion/contraction system may include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, a force sensor, or any other sensor discussed throughout the application. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be an absolute pressure sensor, a gauge pressure sensor, or a differential pressure sensor. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be disposed on any portion of the extended reality device. For example, the pressure sensor may be coupled to an interior portion of the inflatable bladder, proximate a valve associated with the inflatable bladder, coupled to a tube associated with a pump, a reservoir, or coupled to any other component associated with the expansion/contraction system.

In some examples, the pump 314 can be fluidly connected to the inflatable bladder (e.g., by a tube). In various examples, the pump 314 can be disposed on a side of the extended reality head-mounted view device (e.g., near the inflatable bladder), the top surface of the extended reality head-mounted view device, or the bottom surface opposite to the top surface. In some examples, the pump can be coupled to the inflatable bladder through the tube 322. In some examples, the pump 314 can be connected to a separate bladder segment through a separate tube so that each bladder segment can be inflated/contracted separately. In some examples, the pump 314 can include a valve 316 that is associated with the tube 322 and is configured to be set in a closed position (i.e., to prevent fluid communication between the pump 314 and the inflatable bladder 302) when the pump 214 is inactive. In some examples, when the user (e.g., by pushing or pressing the pump 314 to apply force) activates the pump 314, the valve 316 can be switched from a closed position to an open position and enable fluid to enter or leave the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 302 can be associated with a release valve that is configured to release fluid and reduce the pressure level when activated. The controller 318 can control the internal pressure within the inflatable bladder in part by controlling the volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder. The controller 318 can be configured to set the minimum pressure and maximum pressure within the inflatable bladder 302. In some examples, the expansion/contraction system includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure within the inflatable bladder 302 and adjusts the pressure (or fluid volume) to keep the pressure within a desired comfortable pressure range. In some examples, the expansion/contraction system can determine that the length of the band associated with the head-mounted view device has been adjusted from a first length to a second length (or from a first tightness to a second tightness), and adjust the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder accordingly. For example, if the user increases the tightness of the strap (e.g., by adjusting the length of strap assembly 106A), the pressure in one or more sections of inflatable bladder 302 can decrease to reduce the amount of force applied to the user's face (or parts of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, temples, nose, etc.). In some examples, if the user decreases the tightness of the strap associated with the head mounted view device, the pressure in one or more sections of inflatable bladder 302 can increase to adjust the amount of force applied to the user's face (or parts of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, temples, nose, etc.).

In some examples, a dial can be used to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder. For example, the dial can be associated with the controller 318 and include multiple pressure settings (e.g., low, medium, high, 1-5, etc.). The user can adjust the pressure or volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder by adjusting the dial from a first dial setting to a second dial setting. The dial can be associated with a control circuit that sends an activation signal to a pump or inflator coupled to the inflatable bladder and causes the pump or inflator to adjust the pressure or volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder.

In some examples, the controller 318 can be configured to periodically change or cycle the pressure level in the inflatable bladder during use of the head-mounted view device to temporarily release pressure and/or promote blood flow. In some examples, the controller 318 can automatically change or cycle the volume of fluid in the inflatable bladder based on the time period of wearing the head-mounted view device (e.g., every 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). In some examples, the controller 318 can change or cycle the pressure level in one or more sections of the inflatable bladder 302. For example, the controller 318 can increase the pressure in one bladder section while reducing the pressure in the second bladder section. In some examples, the controller 318 can gradually change or cycle the pressure level in one or more sections of the inflatable bladder 302 based on the length of time the user wears the head-mounted view device. For example, the controller may change the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder 30 minutes after the user first puts on the headset, and thereafter the controller may change the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder every 15 minutes (i.e., 45 minutes after putting on the headset, then 1 hour later, etc.).

In some examples, controller 318 can be used to set and call pressure settings (or preference settings) associated with the inflatable bladder. For example, two or more users may use the same head-mounted view device, but may have different head shapes and/or sizes. In this way, a first user may prefer a first pressure level associated with one or more sections of the inflatable bladder, while a second user may prefer a second pressure level associated with one or more sections of the inflatable bladder. In various examples, controller 318 can enable users to set and call pressure settings (or preference settings) associated with the inflatable bladder. In some examples, controller 318 can enable two or more users to set and call various pressure settings by pressing or otherwise activating an activation mechanism (e.g., a physical switch, lever, button, control, etc.) associated with the inflation/deflation system.

In some examples, the inflation/deflation system can be configured to provide tactile feedback to enhance the user's extended reality experience. For example, the pressure within the inflatable bladder can increase or decrease based on the environment displayed by the extended reality experience. For example, the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder can increase and/or decrease smoothly to simulate virtual experiences, such as diving, riding a roller coaster, falling, touching, etc. In some examples, the inflatable bladder can include one or more vents, one or more nozzles, and/or one or more perforations that enable the inflation/deflation system to discharge air from the inflatable bladder to the user's face to simulate an environment such as a breeze. For example, the vent associated with the inflatable bladder can be configured to receive a signal from the extended reality device to discharge or release air from the bladder to simulate a breeze.

In some examples, one or more processors 320 may include hardware for executing instructions (e.g., instructions that constitute a computer program or application). For example, to execute instructions, one or more processors 320 may retrieve instructions from internal registers, internal caches, memory, or other computer-readable media, and decode and execute the instructions. By way of example and not limitation, one or more processors 320 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more holographic processing units, one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more integrated circuits, one or more programmable gate arrays, or other hardware components that can be used to execute instructions.

3B is a side cross-sectional view 300B (i.e., a view from one side adjacent to a user's face) of an inflatable bladder 302 according to some examples. In some examples, a portion of the inflatable bladder 302 can overlap a portion of the interface mounting structure 304. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 302 can be covered (in whole or in part) by a layer of foam, a layer of comfort material, and/or a layer of fabric, etc. In some examples, the interface mounting structure 304 can be coupled to an external frame 324 of the head mounted view device. In some examples, the inflatable bladder can include a valve 316 at least partially disposed within the inflatable bladder 302.

4 is a front view (i.e., a view adjacent one side of a user's face) of an exemplary inflatable bladder 400 divided into multiple sections according to some examples. Inflatable bladder 400 may include any number of different bladder sections. For example, inflatable bladder 400 may be divided into three sections, including a first bladder section 402 positioned adjacent to a user's forehead, a second bladder section configured to adjacent to a user's right temporal region and right cheek, and a third bladder section configured to adjacent to a user's left temporal region and left cheek. In some examples, the inflatable bladder 400 can include a first bladder segment 402 configured to abut a forehead of a user, a second bladder segment 404 configured to abut at least a portion of a right temporal portion of a user, a third bladder segment 406 configured to abut at least a portion of a right cheek of a user, a fourth bladder segment 408 configured to abut at least a portion of a left temporal portion of a user, and a fifth bladder segment 410 configured to abut at least a portion of a left cheek of a user.

In some examples, each inflatable bladder segment can be substantially separated from each other so that each bladder segment can be inflated to a different pressure. For example, each bladder segment can be separated by a partition wall (e.g., partition walls 412, 414, 416, and 418). In some examples, inflatable bladder 400 can be in fluid communication with reservoir 308 as described with respect to FIG. 3A. In some examples, reservoir 308 can be in fluid communication with inflatable bladder 400 via flexible tubing 420. Flexible tubing 420 can be coupled to valves 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430. In some examples, valves 422, 424, 426, 428, and 430 can be two-way valves. In some examples, each bladder segment of the inflatable bladder is associated with a pressure sensor that is configured to measure the pressure within each bladder segment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 500 for regulating pressure within an inflatable bladder, according to some examples.

At step 502, the method may include inflating an inflatable bladder associated with a head mounted device to a baseline pressure using a fluid (e.g., any of the fluids discussed above) (e.g., during manufacturing). In some examples, the inflatable bladder is formed by a blow molding process or other thermoforming technique. In some examples, the inflatable bladder can be sealed after it is pressurized.

At step 504, the method may include receiving input to adjust the pressure or volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder. For example, when the user initially puts on the head-mounted view device and adjusts one or more straps or the head-mounted view device, the inflation/deflation system may automatically adjust the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder to accommodate the user's facial features. In some examples, the user may activate a pump associated with the extended reality head-mounted view device (e.g., by pushing or pressing pump 214). In some examples, the user may use a controller associated with the head-mounted view device to adjust the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder. In some examples, the inflation/deflation system may adjust the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure based on determining that a period of time has passed (e.g., based on the length of time the user has worn the head-mounted view device). In some examples, an inflation/deflation system of the head mounted view device can receive input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder based in part on the type of environment or action associated with the extended reality experience in order to simulate a specific environment or action as described above (e.g., the inflation/deflation system can increase and/or decrease the pressure within one or more bladder segments to simulate a user diving, falling, experiencing touch, etc.).

At step 506, the method may include determining whether the pressure within the inflatable bladder is equal to or above a threshold. In some examples, the inflatable bladder may include one or more pressure sensors that measure the pressure within the inflatable bladder.

At step 508, in examples where the pressure within the inflatable bladder is equal to or above the threshold, the pressure within the inflatable bladder may be maintained. For example, a valve associated with the inflation/deflation system may be deactivated so that the volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder may be maintained.

At step 510, in examples where the pressure within the inflatable bladder is neither equal to nor greater than the threshold value, the method may include continuing to inflate the inflatable bladder. For example, a pressure sensor within the inflatable bladder may be used to measure the pressure within one or more sections of the inflatable bladder. If the pressure level is neither equal to nor greater than the threshold pressure, an inflator associated with the inflation/deflation system may increase the pressure within the inflatable bladder in part by increasing the volume of the fluid within the inflatable bladder. In some examples, the method may return to step 504 to receive input to adjust the pressure within the bladder. For example, a user may manually push or press a pump associated with the inflation/deflation system.

in conclusion

Although the above discussion has set forth exemplary embodiments of the described techniques and structural features, other architectures may be used to implement the described functionality and are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or method actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described. Rather, specific features and actions are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. For example, various structural features and/or method actions may be rearranged and/or combined with each other and/or with other structural features and/or method actions. In various examples, one or more structural features and/or method actions in various structural features and/or method actions may be omitted.

Claims (20)

1. A head mounted viewer device, the head mounted viewer device comprising: case; an inflatable bladder coupled to the housing and configured to conform to the facial contours of a user's face when the user wears the head mounted view device; and An inflator is in flow communication with the inflatable bladder and is configured to adjust a pressure within the inflatable bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure upon activation. 2. The head mounted view device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder comprises: a first inflatable bladder section configured to abut a forehead of the user; a second inflatable bladder section configured to abut a right temple and a right cheek of the user; and a third inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a left temple and a left cheek of the user; Wherein, the inflator is in flow communication with the first inflatable bladder segment, the second inflatable bladder segment, and the third inflatable bladder segment. 3. The head mounted view device of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable bladder comprises: a first inflatable bladder section configured to abut a forehead of the user; a second inflatable bladder section configured to abut a right temporal portion of the user; a third inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a right cheek of the user; a fourth inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a left temporal portion of the user; and a fifth inflatable bladder segment configured to abut a left cheek of the user; Wherein the inflator is in flow communication with the first inflatable bladder segment, the second inflatable bladder segment, the third inflatable bladder segment, the fourth inflatable bladder segment, and the fifth inflatable bladder segment. 4. The head mounted view device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is filled with one of gel, water, air, nitrogen, or argon. 5. The head mounted view device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is at least partially covered by a foam layer and/or a fabric layer. 6. A head mounted view device according to claim 1, wherein a first side of the inflatable bladder is configured to conform to the facial contours of the user's face, and a second side opposite the first side extends at least partially around a portion of the shell. 7. The head mounted view device of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor coupled to the inflatable bladder and configured to measure pressure within the inflatable bladder. 8. The head mounted view device according to claim 1, further comprising: a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid; and A valve is coupled to the reservoir and the inflatable bladder, the valve being configured to release fluid from the reservoir and into the inflatable bladder upon activation to regulate the pressure within the inflatable bladder. 9. The head mounted view device of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is a first inflatable bladder positioned on a first side of the head mounted view device, the head mounted view device further comprising: A second inflatable bladder is positioned on a second side of the head mounted view device opposite the first side and is configured to conform to the back of the user's head when the head mounted view device is worn. 10. A method comprising: Providing a housing for the head mounted device; providing an inflatable bladder coupled to the housing, the inflatable bladder configured to conform to a user's face when the head mounted device is worn; filling the inflatable bladder with a fluid to a first pressure via an inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder; receiving input to adjust pressure within the inflatable bladder; and The inflator is activated to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder from the first pressure to a second pressure. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the expandable bladder comprises: a first bladder section configured to abut a forehead of the user; a second bladder section configured to abut a right temple and a right cheek of the user; and a third bladder section configured to abut a left temple and a left cheek of the user; Wherein the inflator is in flow communication with the first bladder section, the second bladder section, and the third bladder section. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder is based in part on determining that a length of a strap associated with the housing of the head mounted device has been adjusted from a first length to a second length. 13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Determining that a period of time has passed; and The inflator is activated based at least in part on determining that the period of time has elapsed to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder from the second pressure to a third pressure. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the input to adjust the pressure within the inflatable bladder is based in part on a type of environment or action associated with an extended reality experience displayed via the head mounted device. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid within the inflatable bladder comprises air, the method further comprising: A vent is provided associated with the inflatable bladder, the vent being configured to discharge air toward the user's face to simulate a breeze associated with an extended reality experience. 16. An extended reality device, the extended reality device comprising: case; a bladder coupled to the housing and configured to conform to the facial contours of a user's face when the user wears the extended reality device; and A pump is in flow communication with the bladder and is configured to adjust a pressure within the bladder from a first pressure to a second pressure upon activation. 17. The extended reality device of claim 16, wherein the bladder is formed of an inextensible braided structure configured to limit expansion of the bladder when the pressure within the bladder is adjusted from the first pressure to the second pressure. 18. The extended reality device of claim 16, wherein the pump is disposed on the housing. 19. The extended reality device according to claim 16, further comprising: A vent associated with the bladder is configured to discharge air toward the user's face to simulate a breeze associated with an extended reality experience. 20. The extended reality device according to claim 16, further comprising: A pressure sensor is coupled to the bladder and is configured to measure pressure within the bladder.