Patent Application
20240210652
The present disclosure is directed to a membrane assembly for optics in a head-mounted display device (e.g., a virtual reality (VR) display device), and a display device assembly including the membrane assembly.
Virtual reality (VR) display devices have become increasingly popular due to their ability to implement applications, such as gaming applications, that deliver immersive and interactive audiovisual experiences. For example, a conventional VR display device is configured to be secured on a user's face over the user's eyes, and includes a pair of optics modules including respective lenses configured to pass the stereoscopic images therethrough from a screen of the VR display device. The optics modules can be disposed inside of a frame in an interior space of the VR headset. To prevent interior components of the VR display device from being contaminated, damaged, or otherwise functionally interfered with by foreign objects and foreign materials, it is important to provide a sealing member that surrounds the lenses and seals the interior of the VR display device.
Additionally, in some VR display devices, the optics modules are moveable to move the lenses to adjust an interpupillary distance (IPD) of the lenses. In a VR display device including moveable optics modules, it is important to seal the interior of the device from foreign objects and foreign materials while allowing movement of the optics modules.
The features and aspects introduced here may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a membrane assembly including a flexible membrane configured to seal an interior of a head-mounted display device from foreign objects and foreign materials. The head-mounted display device can be a virtual reality (VR) display device, for example. The membrane assembly can include a flexible membrane, and bezels attached to the flexible membrane and configured to be attached to a frame and optics modules of the head-mounted display device. The flexible membrane is configured to extend around lenses respectively mounted in the optics modules. The optics modules can be configured to move in the frame to change and interpupillary distance (IPD) of the lenses. An inner surface of the flexible membrane includes surface deviations configured to deform when the optics modules move, thereby allowing the flexible membrane to deform, without impeding movement of the optics modules, while sealing the interior of the head-mounted display device.
Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a head-mounted display device assembly including the membrane assembly, the frame, and the optics modules.
According to embodiments described herein, a membrane assembly for a head-mounted display device can include a flexible membrane configured to be attached to a frame of the head-mounted display device. The flexible membrane can include: a first lens opening configured to accommodate a first lens of the head-mounted display device; a second lens opening configured to accommodate a second lens of the head-mounted display device; a perimeter portion disposed around the first and second lens openings; a central portion disposed between the first and second lens openings; at least one first deviating surface feature disposed around the first lens opening; and at least one second deviating surface feature disposed around the second lens opening. The at least one first deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to displacement of first inner edge portions of the flexible membrane that define the first lens opening. The at least one second deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to displacement of second inner edge portions of the flexible membrane that define the second lens opening.
In some embodiments, the membrane assembly can further include an outer bezel attached to an outer edge portion of the flexible membrane and configured to be attached to a frame of the head-mounted display device.
In some embodiments, the outer bezel can be attached to the flexible membrane by a snap fit or a press fit.
In some embodiments, the outer bezel can be molded with the flexible membrane.
In some embodiments, the outer bezel can be constructed of a material that is more rigid than a material of which the flexible membrane is constructed.
In some embodiments, the outer bezel can include a perimeter portion supporting the perimeter portion of the flexible membrane and central portion supporting the central portion of the flexible membrane.
In some embodiments, the membrane assembly can further include: a first optics mounting bezel attached to the first inner edge portions of the flexible membrane, and configured to be attached to a first optics module including the first lens; and a second optics mounting bezel attached to the second inner edge portions of the flexible membrane, and configured to be attached to a second optics module including the second lens.
In some embodiments, the first and second optics mounting bezels can be attached to the flexible membrane by a snap fit or a press fit.
In some embodiments, the first and second optics bezels can be molded with the flexible membrane.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can include a first depression disposed on an inner surface of the flexible membrane in the perimeter portion, and extending around the first lens opening. The at least one second deviating surface feature includes a second depression disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane in the perimeter portion, and extending around the second lens opening.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can further include a first convex portion disposed on an outer surface of the flexible membrane, and corresponding to the first depression. The at least one second deviating surface feature further can include a second convex portion disposed on the outer surface of the flexible membrane, and corresponding to the second depression.
In some embodiments, the membrane assembly can further include a third concave depression disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, in the central portion, and configured to accommodate a user's nose.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can further include a first protruding pleat disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the first lens opening and the central portion. The at least one second deviating surface feature can further include a second protruding pleat disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the second lens opening and the central portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can further include a first recessed pleat disposed on an outer surface of the flexible membrane, and corresponding to the first protruding pleat. The at least one second deviating surface feature can further include a second recessed pleat disposed on the outer surface of the flexible membrane, and corresponding to the second protruding pleat.
According to embodiments described herein, an assembly for a head-mounted display device can include: a frame configured to be installed in an outer case of the head-mounted display device; a first optics module including a first lens, and configured to be mounted to the frame; a second optics module including a second lens, and configured to be mounted to the frame; and a flexible membrane configured to be attached to the frame. The flexible membrane can include: a first lens opening configured to accommodate the first lens; a second lens opening configured to accommodate the second lens; at least one first deviating surface feature disposed around the first lens opening, and at least one second deviating surface feature disposed around the second lens opening. The first and second optics modules can be configured to move to change an interpupillary distance between the first and second lenses. The at least one first deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to movement of the first optics module to change the interpupillary distance. The at least one second deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to movement of the second optics module to change the interpupillary distance.
In some embodiments, the frame can include: a main body configured to be attached to the outer case; a first inner ring disposed in a space within the main body; and a second inner ring disposed in the space within the main body and spaced apart from the first inner ring. The first and second optics modules can be configured to be mounted in the first and second inner rings, respectively. The flexible membrane can further include: an outer bezel attached to an outer edge portion of the flexible membrane and configured to be attached to the main body of the frame; a first optics mounting bezel attached to first inner edge portions of the flexible membrane that define the first lens opening, and configured to be attached to the first optics module; and a second optics mounting bezel attached to second inner edge portions of the flexible membrane that define the second lens opening, and configured to be attached to the second optics module.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can include a first depression disposed on an inner surface of the flexible membrane in a perimeter portion of the flexible membrane, and extending around the first lens opening. The at least one second deviating surface feature can include a second depression disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane in the perimeter portion, and extending around the second lens opening.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can further include a first protruding pleat disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the first lens opening and a central portion of the flexible membrane. The at least one second deviating surface feature can further include a second protruding pleat disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the second lens opening and the central portion of the flexible membrane.
According to embodiments described herein, a head-mounted display device can include: an outer case; a frame disposed in the outer case; a first optics module mounted to the frame and including a first lens; a second optics module mounted to the frame and including a second lens; and a flexible membrane attached to the frame. The flexible membrane can include: a first lens opening accommodating the first lens; a second lens opening accommodating the second lens; at least one first deviating surface feature disposed around the first lens opening; and at least one second deviating surface feature disposed around the second lens opening. The first and second optics modules can be configured to move to change an interpupillary distance between the first and second lenses. The at least one first deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to movement of the first optics module to change the interpupillary distance. The at least one second deviating surface feature can be configured to change in shape in response to movement of the second optics module to change the interpupillary distance.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can include a first depression disposed on an inner surface of the flexible membrane in a perimeter portion of the flexible membrane, and extending around the first lens opening. The at least one second deviating surface feature can include a second depression disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane in the perimeter portion, and extending around the second lens opening.
In some embodiments, the at least one first deviating surface feature can include a first protruding pleat disposed on an inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the first lens opening and a central portion of the flexible membrane. The at least one second deviating surface feature can include a second protruding pleat disposed on the inner surface of the flexible membrane, between the second lens opening and the central portion of the flexible membrane.
Several embodiments are discussed below in more detail in reference to the figures.
Referring to
The first and second optics modules 300 and 400 include a first (e.g., left) lens 320 and a second (e.g., right) lens 420, respectively. The first and second lenses 320 and 420 are configured to respectively pass first and second (e.g., left and right) images therethrough from a screen of the head-mounted display device. For example, the first and second lenses 320 and 420 can be stereoscopic lenses configured to present a stereoscopic image to the user.
As shown in
The first and second inner rings 220 and 240 have an annular shape and are disposed in an interior space 201 inside of the outer ring 210, which is an internal space of the display device assembly 10 and the head-mounted display device when the frame 200 is installed in the head-mounted display device. As shown in
The first and second optics modules 300 and 400 are mounted in the first and second inner frames 220 and 240, respectively. As described above, in
Referring to
For example, the flexible membrane 160 includes a perimeter portion 162 forming an inclined outer wall, and a central portion 166 extending between opposite sides of the perimeter portion 162. The flexible membrane 160 further includes a first (e.g., left) lens opening 167 and a second (e.g., right) lens opening 168 defined between the perimeter portion 162 and the central portion 166. The first and second lens openings 167 and 168 are configured to surround edge portions of the first and second lenses 320 and 420, respectively, such that the first and second lenses 320 and 420 are exposed to eyes of the user through the first and second lens openings 167 and 168. The central portion 166 of the flexible membrane 160 is configured to accommodate the user's nose. The perimeter portion 162 and the central portion 166 of the flexible membrane 160 are configured to surround the eyes of the user and the first and second optics modules 300 and 400.
As shown in
As shown in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the first and second optics mounting bezels 120 and 140 have shapes corresponding to the boundaries of the first and second lens openings 167 and 168, respectively. The first and second optics mounting bezels 120 and 140 have respective protrusions 122 and 142 that are configured to engage the first and second optics modules 300 and 400, respectively.
The outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, the second optics mounting bezel 140, and the flexible membrane 160 can be assembled together in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, and the second optics mounting bezel 140 can be insert-molded (e.g., in an injection molding tool or a compression molding tool) with the flexible membrane 160. In some embodiments, the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, and the second optics mounting bezel 140 can be two-shot molded with the flexible membrane 160. In some embodiments, the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, and the second optics mounting bezel 140 can be attached to the flexible membrane 160 with adhesive after each of these parts is molded. Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, and the second optics mounting bezel 140 can be clamped or otherwise secured in place on the flexible membrane 160, after each of these parts is molded, by a snap fit, a press fit, or fasteners. When the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, the second optics mounting bezel 140, and the flexible membrane 160 are assembled together in any of the ways described above, the resulting membrane assembly 100 includes the flexible membrane 160 with rigid substrate features (e.g., the outer bezel 110, the first optics mounting bezel 120, the second optics mounting bezel 140) that allow the membrane assembly 100 to be assembled to the head-mounted display device.
Referring back to
The flexibility of the material forming the flexible membrane 160 and the excess amount of material provided by the first, second, and third valleys 172, 174, and 178 and the corresponding first, second, and third convex portions 173, 175, and 177 enable the flexible membrane 160 to deform while remaining securely attached to the outer ring 210 and the first and second optics modules 300 and 400. That is, as the first and second optics modules 300 and 400 move to change the IPD, the inner edge portions 163 and 164 of the flexible membrane 160 are displaced and, in response, the first, second, and third valleys 172, 174, and 178 and the corresponding first, second, and third convex portions 173, 175, and 177 change in shape to accommodate the movement of the first and second optics modules 300 and 400. Therefore, the flexible membrane 160 seals the interior space 201 without restricting movement of the first and second optics modules 300 and 400 when the IPD is adjusted.
To reduce the appearance of wrinkles at extreme IPD settings of the optics modules 300 and 400, the flexible membrane 160 can have a textured surface. Additionally, a coating can be applied to the inner surface 160a of the flexible membrane 160 to provide improved comfort for portions of the user's face that contact the inner surface 160a.
As shown in
A third valley 578 is formed on the inner surface 560a in a central portion 566 of the flexible membrane 560. A first protruding pleat or bellows (e.g., convex fold) 572 is disposed on the inner surface 560a between the third valley 578 and the first elevated annular wall 582 surrounding the first lens opening 567, and a second protruding pleat or bellows 574 is disposed on the inner surface 560a between the third valley 578 and the second elevated annular wall 584 surrounding the second lens opening 568. The first and second valleys 570 and 576 transition to the first and second pleats 572 and 574, respectively, in areas adjacent to the central portion 566.
As shown in
The first and second valleys 570 and 576 disposed on the inner surface 560a, the first and second pleats 572 and 574 disposed on the inner surface 560a, and the first and second pleats 573 and 575 disposed on the outer surface 560b are configured to deform when the first and second optics modules 300 and 400 move and displace inner edge portions 563 and 564 that define the first and second lens openings 567 and 568, respectively. In addition to enabling the flexible membrane 560 to deform without inhibiting movement of the first and second optics modules 300 and 400, the pleats 572, 573, 574, and 575 mitigate the formation of unsightly wrinkles on the inner surface 560a.
According to the embodiments described herein, a membrane assembly effectively seals an interior space of a head-mounted display device to prevent foreign objects and substances from entering the interior space and thereby damaging or negatively impacting the performance of optical components of the head-mounted display device. Additionally, a flexible membrane of the membrane assembly includes deviating surface portions that are configured to deform when optics modules of the head-mounted display device are moved to adjust an IPD of lenses in the optics modules, such that the membrane assembly is deformable and does not impede movement of the optics modules. Further, the flexible membrane provides a comfortable surface for contacting a user's face during operation of the head-mounted display device.
Reference in this specification to “embodiments” (e.g., “some embodiments,” “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” etc.) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of these phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.
Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween.
Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections, these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or section from another member, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein may also be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the examples.
Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's relationship to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will then be “below” or “lower” relative to the other element. Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, and is not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “includes” and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof.
Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but various modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments. The specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims that follow. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited except as by the appended claims.
Any patents, patent applications, and other references noted above are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments. If statements or subject matter in a document incorporated by reference conflicts with statements or subject matter of this application, then this application shall control.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/476,408 filed on Dec. 21, 2022 and currently pending, having Attorney Docket No. 3589-0173PV01, titled “Membrane Assembly for Optics in a Virtual Reality (VR) Display Device” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63476408 | Dec 2022 | US |
