Description

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/436,499, filed on Mar. 30, 2012; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/250,878, filed Sep. 30, 2011; both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Augmented reality is a technology that allows virtual imagery to be mixed with a real world physical environment. For example, an augmented reality system can be used to insert an image of a dinosaur into a user's view of a room so that the user sees a dinosaur walking in the room.

In many cases, augmented reality is accomplished using an apparatus that can be viewed by one person or a small number of people. Therefore, the augmented reality system can provide a personalized experience.

Technology is described herein provides various embodiments for implementing an augmented reality system that can provide a personalized experience for the user of the system. In one embodiment, the augmented reality system comprises a see-through, near-eye, augmented reality display that is worn by a user. The system can be used while the user exercises to provide a mixed reality experience.

One embodiment includes a method for presenting a personalized experience using a personal see-through A/V apparatus, comprising accessing a location of the personal see-through A/V apparatus, automatically determining an exercise routine for a user based on the location, and presenting a virtual image in the personal see-through A/V apparatus based on the exercise routine.

One embodiment includes a see-through, near-eye, augmented reality display that is worn by a user; one or more sensors; and processing logic in communication with the one or more sensors and the augmented reality display. The processing logic is configured to track actions of a user while the user is not exercising; access an activity goal for the user for a period of time including the time during which the user actions were tracked; determine an exercise routine for the user based on the tracked user actions for the user to meet the activity goal; and present a signal in the see-through, near-eye, augmented reality display based on the exercise routine to help the user meet the activity goal.

One embodiment includes a method for presenting an experience using a see-through A/V apparatus. The method comprises automatically determining a three dimensional position of the see-through A/V apparatus that allows a wearer to view a real scene; determining a course of action based on the determined three dimensional position; identifying data for another user; and rendering an image representing the other user indicating the other user's performance at the same time and three dimensional location. The rendering is performed on the see-through A/V apparatus so that the user can see the image inserted as a virtual image into the real scene.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting example components of one embodiment of a see-through, mixed reality display device with adjustable IPD in a system environment in which the device may operate. FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting example components of another embodiment of a see-through, mixed reality display device with adjustable IPD. FIG. 2A is a top view illustrating examples of gaze vectors extending to a point of gaze at a distance and a direction for aligning a far IPD. FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating examples of gaze vectors extending to a point of gaze at a distance and a direction for aligning a near IPD. FIG. 3A is a flowchart of a method embodiment for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD. FIG. 3B is a flowchart of an implementation example of a method for adjusting a display device for bringing the device into alignment with a user IPD. FIG. 3C is a flowchart illustrating different example options of mechanical or automatic adjustment of at least one display adjustment mechanism. FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. FIG. 4C illustrates yet another exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. FIGS. 4D , 4E and 4F illustrate different views of an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a sliding mechanism which a user may actuate for moving a display optical system. FIG. 4G illustrates an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a turn wheel mechanism which a user may actuate for moving a display optical system. FIGS. 4H and 4I illustrate different views of an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a ratcheting mechanism which a user may actuate for moving a display optical system. FIG. 4J illustrates a side view of a ratchet such as may be used in the mechanisms of FIGS. 4H and 4I . FIG. 5A is a side view of an eyeglass temple in an eyeglasses embodiment of a mixed reality display device providing support for hardware and software components. FIG. 5B is a side view of an eyeglass temple in an embodiment of a mixed reality display device providing support for hardware and software components and three dimensional adjustment of a microdisplay assembly. FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. FIG. 6B is a top view of another embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. FIG. 6C is a top view of a third embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. FIG. 6D is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. FIG. 7A is a block diagram of one embodiment of hardware and software components of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display unit as may be used with one or more embodiments. FIG. 7B is a block diagram of one embodiment of the hardware and software components of a processing unit associated with a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display unit. FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a system embodiment for determining positions of objects within a user field of view of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device. FIG. 8B is a flowchart of a method embodiment for determining a three-dimensional user field of view of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device. FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a method embodiment for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD. FIG. 9B is a flowchart of a method embodiment for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD based on image data of a pupil in an image format. FIG. 9C is a flowchart of a method embodiment for determining at least one adjustment value for a display adjustment mechanism based on a mapping criteria of at least one sensor for each display optical system not satisfying an alignment criteria. FIG. 9D is a flowchart of a method embodiment for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD based on gaze data. FIG. 9E is a flowchart of another version of the method embodiment of FIG. 9D . FIG. 9F is a flowchart of a method embodiment for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD based on gaze data with respect to an image of a virtual object. FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for re-aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device with an inter-pupillary distance (IPD). FIG. 10B is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for selecting an IPD from a near IPD or a far IPD. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for determining whether a change has been detected indicating the alignment with the selected IPD no longer satisfies an alignment criteria. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method embodiment for determining gaze in a see-through, near-eye mixed reality display system. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method embodiment for identifying glints in image data. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method embodiment which may be used to determine boundaries for a gaze detection coordinate system. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for determining a position of a center of a cornea in the coordinate system with optical gaze detection elements of the see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display. FIG. 16 provides an illustrative example of defining a plane using the geometry provided by an arrangement of optical elements to form the gaze detection coordinate system which may be used by the embodiment of FIG. 15 to find the cornea center. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for determining a pupil center from image data generated by a sensor. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for determining a gaze vector based on the determined centers for the pupil, the cornea and a center of rotation of an eyeball. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method embodiment for determining gaze based on glint data. FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an exemplary mobile device which may operate in embodiments of the technology. FIG. 21 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a computing system that can be used to implement a hub computing system. FIG. 22 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system used to provide a customized experience. FIG. 23 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system used to provide a customized experience. FIG. 24 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system used to provide a customized experience. FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for providing an exercising experience using technology described herein. FIG. 26A is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process 100 of determining an exercise routine. FIG. 26B is one embodiment of a process in which scenery is generated for an exercise route that the user is taking. FIG. 27A is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process of tailoring a person's exercise routine based on their daily activities. FIG. 27B is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process of tailoring a person's exercise routine based on their daily activities. FIG. 28A is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process of allowing a user to virtually exercise with another person at a remote location. FIG. 28B is a flowchart of one embodiment of a process of providing exercise feedback to a user wearing a personal A/V apparatus. FIG. 29 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a process for providing a customized experience to a user for personal A/V apparatus while exercising. FIG. 30 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a process for using the personal A/V apparatus to provide a customized experience by monitoring and assisting while the user is exercising. FIG. 31 is a flowchart describing one embodiment of a process for providing a personalized experience for a user while the user plays a sport. FIG. 32 is a flowchart describing one embodiment of a process for providing an exercise experience to a user of a personal A/V apparatus such that the user who is exercising can see enhancements to the real world scenery.

The technology described herein includes a personal A/V apparatus for providing customized experiences for a user. In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus includes a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device for providing customized experiences for a user. In one embodiment, the apparatus is used to provide a mixed reality exercise experience.

For too many people, exercising can be boring, tedious, and sometimes a solitary experience. Consequently, they may not get enough exercise. The personal A/V apparatus can make exercise more interesting, and more of a social event. In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus serves as an exercise program that is always with the user, provides motivation for the user, visually tells the user how to exercise, and lets the user exercise with other people who are not present.

In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus, in conjunction with a server, can display virtual images of other people (e.g., friends, famous people or the same person during a prior workout) performing the same exercise routine so that the user can compare their performance or use the other person's performance as motivation. For example, while the user is running, the personal A/V apparatus can show an avatar of another runner who is running the same course.

In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus allows a user to virtually exercise with someone who is at another physical location. A digital representation of the other person (sometimes referred to as an avatar) can be displayed in the personal A/V apparatus so that it seems that the other person is running alongside of them. The two exercisers can even carry on a conversation.

One of the biggest problems with exercise routines is that they can become stale and boring due to repetition. For example, a user might run the same, or a similar, route each time. In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus keeps an exercise routine fresh and interesting by presenting different scenery on the same or a similar exercise route. In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus augments the real scenery with virtual scenery. For example, the personal A/V apparatus makes it appear to the user that they are running through Paris, a forest, or a snowstorm.

In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus keeps track of what physical activities the user has performed during the day, such that the user's exercise routine that evening can be tailored to meet goals for the person. For example, the number or steps that the person took, the walking speed, their heart rate, etc. can be recorded during the day. Then, the user's exercise routine that evening can be tailored such that they have sufficient exercise for that day.

The personal A/V apparatus can also track a person's progress during a workout, provide tips/paths for proceeding, store the data for future comparisons, compare the data to past work outs, and share with friends (e.g., through social networking applications).

A wide variety of personal A/V apparatus may be used to personalize the experience for the user while the user is exercising. In one embodiment, the personal A/V apparatus includes a see-through, mixed reality display device. FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting example components of one embodiment of a see-through, mixed reality display device in a system environment in which the device may operate. System 10 includes a see-through display device as a near-eye, head mounted display (HMD) device 2 in communication with processing unit 4 via wire 6. In other embodiments, head mounted display device 2 communicates with processing unit 4 via wireless communication. Processing unit 4 may take various embodiments. In some embodiments, processing unit 4 is a separate unit which may be worn on the user's body, e.g. the wrist in the illustrated example or in a pocket, and includes much of the computing power used to operate near-eye display device 2. Processing unit 4 may communicate wirelessly (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, infra-red, or other wireless communication means) to one or more hub computing systems 12, hot spots, cellular data networks, etc. In other embodiments, the functionality of the processing unit 4 may be integrated in software and hardware components of the display device 2. The processing unit may also be referred to as “processing logic.” Processing logic may include any combination of hardware and/or software. For example, processing logic could include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processing logic could include a computer readable storage device having stored thereon processor executable instructions and a processor which executes the instructions.

Head mounted display device 2, which in one embodiment is in the shape of eyeglasses in a frame 115, is worn on the head of a user so that the user can see through a display, embodied in this example as a display optical system 14 for each eye, and thereby have an actual direct view of the space in front of the user. The use of the term “actual direct view” refers to the ability to see real world objects directly with the human eye, rather than seeing created image representations of the objects. For example, looking through glass at a room allows a user to have an actual direct view of the room, while viewing a video of a room on a television is not an actual direct view of the room. Based on the context of executing software, for example, a gaming application, the system can project images of virtual objects, sometimes referred to as virtual images, on the display that are viewable by the person wearing the see-through display device while that person is also viewing real world objects through the display.

Frame 115 provides a support for holding elements of the system in place as well as a conduit for electrical connections. In this embodiment, frame 115 provides a convenient eyeglass frame as support for the elements of the system discussed further below. In other embodiments, other support structures can be used. An example of such a structure is a visor, hat, helmet or goggles. The frame 115 includes a temple or side arm for resting on each of a user's ears. Temple 102 is representative of an embodiment of the right temple and includes control circuitry 136 for the display device 2. Nose bridge 104 of the frame includes a microphone 110 for recording sounds and transmitting audio data to processing unit 4.

Hub computing system 12 may be a computer, a gaming system or console, or the like. According to an example embodiment, the hub computing system 12 may include hardware components and/or software components such that hub computing system 12 may be used to execute applications such as gaming applications, non-gaming applications, or the like. An application may be executing on hub computing system 12, the display device 2, as discussed below on a mobile device 5 or a combination of these.

Hub computing system 12 further includes one or more capture devices, such as capture devices 20A and 20B. In other embodiments, more or less than two capture devices can be used to capture the room or other physical environment of the user.

Capture devices 20A and 20B may be, for example, cameras that visually monitor one or more users and the surrounding space such that gestures and/or movements performed by the one or more users, as well as the structure of the surrounding space, may be captured, analyzed, and tracked to perform one or more controls or actions within an application and/or animate an avatar or on-screen character.

Hub computing system 12 may be connected to an audiovisual device 16 such as a television, a monitor, a high-definition television (HDTV), or the like that may provide game or application visuals. In some instances, the audiovisual device 16 may be a three-dimensional display device. In one example, audiovisual device 16 includes internal speakers. In other embodiments, audiovisual device 16, a separate stereo or hub computing system 12 is connected to external speakers 22.

Note that display device 2 and processing unit 4 can be used without Hub computing system 12, in which case processing unit 4 will communicate with a WiFi network, a cellular network or other communication means.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting example components of another embodiment of a see-through, mixed reality display device. In this embodiment, the near-eye display device 2 communicates with a mobile computing device 5 as an example embodiment of the processing unit 4. In the illustrated example, the mobile device 5 communicates via wire 6, but communication may also be wireless in other examples.

Furthermore, as in the hub computing system 12, gaming and non-gaming applications may execute on a processor of the mobile device 5 which user actions control or which user actions animate an avatar as may be displayed on a display 7 of the device 5. The mobile device 5 also provides a network interface for communicating with other computing devices like hub computing system 12 over the Internet or via another communication network via a wired or wireless communication medium using a wired or wireless communication protocol. A remote network accessible computer system like hub computing system 12 may be leveraged for processing power and remote data access by a processing unit 4 like mobile device 5. Examples of hardware and software components of a mobile device 5 such as may be embodied in a smartphone or tablet computing device are described in FIG. 20 , and these components can embody the hardware and software components of a processing unit 4 such as those discussed in the embodiment of FIG. 7A . Some other examples of mobile devices 5 are a laptop or notebook computer and a netbook computer.

In some embodiments, gaze detection of each of a user's eyes is based on a three dimensional coordinate system of gaze detection elements on a near-eye, mixed reality display device like the eyeglasses 2 in relation to one or more human eye elements such as a cornea center, a center of eyeball rotation and a pupil center. Examples of gaze detection elements which may be part of the coordinate system including glint generating illuminators and at least one sensor for capturing data representing the generated glints. As discussed below (see FIG. 16 discussion), a center of the cornea can be determined based on two glints using planar geometry. The center of the cornea links the pupil center and the center of rotation of the eyeball, which may be treated as a fixed location for determining an optical axis of the user's eye at a certain gaze or viewing angle.

FIG. 2A is a top view illustrating examples of gaze vectors extending to a point of gaze at a distance and direction for aligning a far inter-pupillary distance (IPD). FIG. 2A illustrates examples of gaze vectors intersecting at a point of gaze where a user's eyes are focused effectively at infinity, for example beyond five (5) feet, or, in other words, examples of gaze vectors when the user is looking straight ahead. A model of the eyeball 1601, 160r is illustrated for each eye based on the Gullstrand schematic eye model. For each eye, an eyeball 160 is modeled as a sphere with a center of rotation 166 and includes a cornea 168 modeled as a sphere too and having a center 164. The cornea rotates with the eyeball, and the center 166 of rotation of the eyeball may be treated as a fixed point. The cornea covers an iris 170 with a pupil 162 at its center. In this example, on the surface 172 of the respective cornea are glints 174 and 176.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A , a sensor detection area 139 (139l and 139r) is aligned with the optical axis of each display optical system 14 within an eyeglass frame 115. The sensor associated with the detection area is a camera in this example capable of capturing image data representing glints 1741 and 1761 generated respectively by illuminators 153a and 153b on the left side of the frame 115 and data representing glints 174r and 176r generated respectively by illuminators 153c and 153d. Through the display optical systems, 14l and 14r in the eyeglass frame 115, the user's field of view includes both real objects 190, 192 and 194 and virtual objects 182, 184, and 186.

The axis 178 formed from the center of rotation 166 through the cornea center 164 to the pupil 162 is the optical axis of the eye. A gaze vector 180 is sometimes referred to as the line of sight or visual axis which extends from the fovea through the center of the pupil 162. The fovea is a small area of about 1.2 degrees located in the retina. The angular offset between the optical axis computed in the embodiment of FIG. 14 and the visual axis has horizontal and vertical components. The horizontal component is up to 5 degrees from the optical axis, and the vertical component is between 2 and 3 degrees. In many embodiments, the optical axis is determined and a small correction is determined through user calibration to obtain the visual axis which is selected as the gaze vector. For each user, a virtual object may be displayed by the display device at each of a number of predetermined positions at different horizontal and vertical positions. An optical axis may be computed for each eye during display of the object at each position, and a ray modeled as extending from the position into the user eye. A gaze offset angle with horizontal and vertical components may be determined based on how the optical axis must be moved to align with the modeled ray. From the different positions, an average gaze offset angle with horizontal or vertical components can be selected as the small correction to be applied to each computed optical axis. In some embodiments, only a horizontal component is used for the gaze offset angle correction.

The visual axes 1801 and 180r illustrate that the gaze vectors are not perfectly parallel as the vectors become closer together as they extend from the eyeball into the field of view at a point of gaze which is effectively at infinity as indicated by the symbols 1811 and 181r. At each display optical system 14, the gaze vector 180 appears to intersect the optical axis upon which the sensor detection area 139 is centered. In this configuration, the optical axes are aligned with the inter-pupillary distance (IPD). When a user is looking straight ahead, the IPD measured is also referred to as the far IPD.

When identifying an object for a user to focus on for aligning IPD at a distance, the object may be aligned in a direction along each optical axis of each display optical system. Initially, the alignment between the optical axis and user's pupil is not known. For a far IPD, the direction may be straight ahead through the optical axis. When aligning near IPD, the identified object may be in a direction through the optical axis, however due to vergence of the eyes necessary for close distances, the direction is not straight ahead although it may be centered between the optical axes of the display optical systems.

FIG. 2B is a top view illustrating examples of gaze vectors extending to a point of gaze at a distance and a direction for aligning a near IPD. In this example, the cornea 1681 of the left eye is rotated to the right or towards the user's nose, and the cornea 168r of the right eye is rotated to the left or towards the user's nose. Both pupils are gazing at a real object 194 at a much closer distance, for example two (2) feet in front of the user. Gaze vectors 1801 and 180r from each eye enter the Panum's fusional region 195 in which real object 194 is located. The Panum's fusional region is the area of single vision in a binocular viewing system like that of human vision. The intersection of the gaze vectors 180l and 180r indicates that the user is looking at real object 194. At such a distance, as the eyeballs rotate inward, the distance between their pupils decreases to a near IPD. The near IPD is typically about 4 mm less than the far IPD. A near IPD distance criteria, e.g. a point of gaze at less than four feet for example, may be used to switch or adjust the IPD alignment of the display optical systems 14 to that of the near IPD. For the near IPD, each display optical system 14 may be moved toward the user's nose so the optical axis, and detection area 139, moves toward the nose a few millimeters as represented by detection areas 139ln and 139rn.

Users do not typically know their IPD data. The discussion below illustrates some embodiments of methods and systems for determining the IPD for the user, and adjusting the display optical systems accordingly.

FIG. 3A is a flowchart of a method embodiment 300 for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD. In step 301, one or more processors of the control circuitry 136, e.g. processor 210 in FIG. 7A below, the processing unit 4, 5, the hub computing system 12 or a combination of these automatically determines whether a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device is aligned with an IPD of a user in accordance with an alignment criteria. If not, in step 302, the one or more processors cause adjustment of the display device by at least one display adjustment mechanism for bringing the device into alignment with the user IPD. If it is determined the see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device is in alignment with a user IPD, optionally, in step 303 an IPD data set is stored for the user. In some embodiments, a display device 2 may automatically determine whether there is IPD alignment every time anyone puts on the display device 2. However, as IPD data is generally fixed for adults, due to the confines of the human skull, an IPD data set may be determined typically once and stored for each user. The stored IPD data set may at least be used as an initial setting for a display device with which to begin an IPD alignment check.

A display device 2 has a display optical system for each eye, and in some embodiments, the one or more processors store the IPD as the distance between the optical axes of the display optical systems at positions which satisfy the alignment criteria. In some embodiments, the one or more processors store the position of each optical axis in the IPD data set. The IPD for a user may be asymmetrical, for example with respect to the user's nose. For instance, the left eye is a little closer to the nose than the right eye is. In one example, adjustment values of a display adjustment mechanism for each display optical system from an initial position may be saved in the IPD data set. The initial position of the display adjustment mechanism may have a fixed position with respect to a stationary frame portion, for example a point on the bridge 104. Based on this fixed position with respect to the stationary frame portion, and the adjustment values for one or more directions of movement, a position of each optical axis with respect to the stationary frame portion may be stored as a pupil alignment position for each display optical system. Additionally, in the case of the stationary frame portion being a point on the bridge, a position vector of the respective pupil to the user's nose may be estimated for each eye based on the fixed position to the point on the bridge and the adjustment values. The two position vectors for each eye provide at least horizontal distance components, and can include vertical distance components as well. An inter-pupillary distance IPD in one or more directions may be derived from these distance components.

FIG. 3B is a flowchart of an implementation example of a method for adjusting a display device for bringing the device into alignment with a user IPD. In this method, at least one display adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of an at least one display optical system 14 which is misaligned. In step 407, one or more adjustment are automatically determined for the at least one display adjustment mechanism for satisfying the alignment criteria for at least one display optical system. In step 408, that at least one display optical system is adjusted based on the one or more adjustment values. The adjustment may be performed automatically under the control of a processor or mechanically as discussed further below.

FIG. 3C is a flowchart illustrating different example options of mechanical or automatic adjustment by the at least one display adjustment mechanism as may be used to implement step 408. Depending on the configuration of the display adjustment mechanism in the display device 2, from step 407 in which the one or more adjustment values were already determined, the display adjustment mechanism may either automatically, meaning under the control of a processor, adjust the at least one display adjustment mechanism in accordance with the one or more adjustment values in step 334. Alternatively, one or more processors associated with the system, e.g. a processor in processing unit 4,5, processor 210 in the control circuitry 136, or even a processor of hub computing system 12 may electronically provide instructions as per step 333 for user application of the one or more adjustment values to the at least one display adjustment mechanism. There may be instances of a combination of automatic and mechanical adjustment under instructions.

Some examples of electronically provided instructions are instructions displayed by the microdisplay 120, the mobile device 5 or on a display 16 by the hub computing system 12 or audio instructions through speakers 130 of the display device 2. There may be device configurations with an automatic adjustment and a mechanical mechanism depending on user preference or for allowing a user some additional control.

In many embodiments, the display adjustment mechanism includes a mechanical controller which has a calibration for user activation of the controller to correspond to a predetermined distance and direction for movement of at least one display optical system; and the processor determines the content of the instructions based on the calibration. In the examples below for FIGS. 4D through 4J , examples are provided of mechanical display adjustment mechanisms which correlate a mechanical action or user activated action of a wheel turn or button press with a particular distance. Instructions to the user displayed may include a specific sequence of user activations correlating to a predetermined distance. The user is providing the force rather than an electrically controlled component, but the sequence of instructions is determined to result in the desired position change. For example, a cross hair may be displayed as a guide to a user, and the user is told to move a slider three slots to the right. This results in for example, a 3 mm predetermined repositioning of the display optical system.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. What appears as a lens for each eye represents a display optical system 14 for each eye, e.g. 14r and 14l. A display optical system includes a see-through lens, e.g. 118 and 116 in FIGS. 6A-6D , as in an ordinary pair of glasses, but also contains optical elements (e.g. mirrors, filters) for seamlessly fusing virtual content with the actual direct real world view seen through the lenses 118, 116. A display optical system 14 has an optical axis which is generally in the center of the see-through lens 118, 116 in which light is generally collimated to provide a distortionless view. For example, when an eye care professional fits an ordinary pair of eyeglasses to a user's face, a goal is that the glasses sit on the user's nose at a position where each pupil is aligned with the center or optical axis of the respective lens resulting in generally collimated light reaching the user's eye for a clear or distortionless view.

In the example of FIG. 4A , a detection area 139r, 139l of at least one sensor is aligned with the optical axis of its respective display optical system 14r, 14l so that the center of the detection area 139r, 139l is capturing light along the optical axis. If the display optical system 14 is aligned with the user's pupil, each detection area 139 of the respective sensor 134 is aligned with the user's pupil. Reflected light of the detection area 139 is transferred via one or more optical elements to the actual image sensor 134 of the camera, in this example illustrated by dashed line as being inside the frame 115.

In one example, a visible light camera (also commonly referred to as an RGB camera) may be the sensor. An example of an optical element or light directing element is a visible light reflecting mirror which is partially transmissive and partially reflective. The visible light camera provides image data of the pupil of the user's eye, while IR photodetectors 152 capture glints which are reflections in the IR portion of the spectrum. If a visible light camera is used, reflections of virtual images may appear in the eye data captured by the camera. An image filtering technique may be used to remove the virtual image reflections if desired. An IR camera is not sensitive to the virtual image reflections on the eye.

In other examples, the at least one sensor 134 (134l and 134r) is an IR camera or a position sensitive detector (PSD) to which the IR radiation may be directed. For example, a hot reflecting surface may transmit visible light but reflect IR radiation. The IR radiation reflected from the eye may be from incident radiation of the illuminators 153, other IR illuminators (not shown) or from ambient IR radiation reflected off the eye. In some examples, sensor 134 may be a combination of an RGB and an IR camera, and the light directing elements may include a visible light reflecting or diverting element and an IR radiation reflecting or diverting element. In some examples, a camera may be small, e.g. 2 millimeters (mm) by 2 mm. An example of such a camera sensor is the Omnivision OV7727. In other examples, the camera may be small enough, e.g. the Omnivision OV7727, e.g. that the image sensor or camera 134 may be centered on the optical axis or other location of the display optical system 14. For example, the camera 134 may be embedded within a lens of the system 14. Additionally, an image filtering technique may be applied to blend the camera into a user field of view to lessen any distraction to the user.

In the example of FIG. 4A , there are four sets of an illuminator 153 paired with a photodetector 152 and separated by a barrier 154 to avoid interference between the incident light generated by the illuminator 153 and the reflected light received at the photodetector 152. To avoid unnecessary clutter in the drawings, drawing numerals are shown with respect to a representative pair. Each illuminator may be an infra-red (IR) illuminator which generates a narrow beam of light at about a predetermined wavelength. Each of the photodetectors may be selected to capture light at about the predetermined wavelength. Infra-red may also include near-infrared. As there can be wavelength drift of an illuminator or photodetector or a small range about a wavelength may be acceptable, the illuminator and photodetector may have a tolerance range about a wavelength for generation and detection. In embodiments where the sensor is an IR camera or IR position sensitive detector (PSD), the photodetectors may be additional data capture devices and may also be used to monitor the operation of the illuminators, e.g. wavelength drift, beam width changes, etc. The photodetectors may also provide glint data with a visible light camera as the sensor 134.

As described below, in some embodiments which calculate a cornea center as part of determining a gaze vector, two glints, and therefore two illuminators will suffice. However, other embodiments may use additional glints in determining a pupil position and hence a gaze vector. As eye data representing the glints is repeatedly captured, for example at 30 frames a second or greater, data for one glint may be blocked by an eyelid or even an eyelash, but data may be gathered by a glint generated by another illuminator.

In FIG. 4A , each display optical system 14 and its arrangement of gaze detection elements facing each eye (such as camera 134 and its detection area 139, optical alignment elements [not shown in this Figure; see 6A-6D below], the illuminators 153 and photodetectors 152) are located on a movable inner frame portion 117l, 117r. In this example, a display adjustment mechanism comprises one or more motors 203 having a shaft 205 which attaches to an object for pushing and pulling the object in at least one of three dimensions. In this example, the object is the inner frame portion 117 which slides from left to right or vice versa within the frame 115 under the guidance and power of shafts 205 driven by motors 203. In other embodiments, one motor 203 may drive both inner frames. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B , a processor of control circuitry 136 of the display device 2 is able to connect to the one or more motors 203 via electrical connections within the frame 115 for controlling adjustments in different directions of the shafts 205 by the motors 203. Furthermore, the motors 203 access a power supply via the electrical connections of the frame 115 as well.

FIG. 4B illustrates another exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. In this embodiment, each display optical system 14 is enclosed in a separate frame portion 115l, 115r, e.g. a separate eyeglass framed section, which is movable individually by the motors 203. In some embodiments, the movement range in any dimension is less than 10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the movement range is less than 6 millimeters depending on the range of frame sizes offered for a product. For the horizontal direction, moving each frame a few millimeters left or right will not impact significantly the width between the eyeglass temples, e.g. 102, which attach the display optical systems 14 to the user's head. Additionally, in this embodiment, two sets of illuminator 153 and photodetector 152 pairs are positioned near the top of each frame portion 115l, 115r for illustrating another example of a geometrical relationship between illuminators and hence the glints they generate. This arrangement of glints may provide more information on a pupil position in the vertical direction. In other embodiments like that in FIG. 4A where the illuminators are closer to one side of the frame portions 115l, 115r, 117l, 117r, the illuminators 153 may be positioned at different angles with respect to the frame portion for directing light at different portions of the eye, for also obtaining more vertical and horizontal components for identifying a pupil position.

FIG. 4C illustrates another exemplary arrangement of a see through, near-eye, mixed reality display device embodied as eyeglasses with movable display optical systems including gaze detection elements. In this example, the sensor 134r, 134l is in line or aligned with the optical axis at about the center of its respective display optical system 14r, 14l but located on the frame 115 below the system 14. Additionally, in some embodiments, the camera 134 may be a depth camera or include a depth sensor. In this example, there are two sets of illuminators 153 and photodetectors 152.

An inter-pupillary distance may describe the distance between a user's pupils in a horizontal direction, but vertical differences may also be determined. Additionally, moving a display optical system in a depth direction between the eye and the display device 2 may also assist in aligning the optical axis with the user's pupil. A user may actually have different depths of their eyeballs within the skull. Movement of the display device in the depth direction with respect to the head may also introduce misalignment between the optical axis of the display optical system 14 and its respective pupil.

In this example, the motors form an example of a XYZ transport mechanism for moving each display optical system 14 in three dimensions. The motors 203 in this example are located on the outer frame 115 and their shafts 205 are attached to the top and bottom of the respective inner frame portion 117. The operation of the motors 203 are synchronized for their shaft movements by the control circuitry 136 processor 210. Additionally, as this is a augmented/mixed reality device, each image generation unit (e.g., microdisplay assembly 173 for creating images of virtual objects or virtual images for display in the respective display optical system 14) is moved by a motor and shaft as well to maintain optical alignment with the display optical system. Examples of microdisplay assemblies 173 are described further below. In this example, the motors 203 are three axis motors or can move their shafts in three dimensions. For example, the shaft may be pushed and pulled in one axis of direction along a center of a cross-hair guide and move in each of two perpendicular directions in the same plane within the perpendicular openings of the cross-hair guide.

FIGS. 4D , 4E and 4F illustrate different views of an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a sliding mechanism which is an example of a mechanical controller a user may activate for moving a display optical system. FIG. 4D illustrates different components of the slidable display adjustment mechanism 203 example in a side view. In this example, the motors have been replaced with supports 203a. The attachment element 205a for each support 203a to the movable support for the display optical system, e.g. frame portion 115r or inner frame 117r, includes a fastener like a nut and bolt assembly within the movable support to secure the support 203a to the frame 115r or inner frame 117r. Additionally, another attachment element 205b, in this example an arm and a fastener within the support 203a couples each support to a sliding mechanism 203b including a slider 207 for each frame side having a flexible fitting 211 which holds the slider in a slot defined by slot dividers 209 and can change shape when the slider is actuated to move the slider to another slot. Each slider 207 has a lip 210 which grips on both edges 213a, 213b of the sliding mechanism 203b.

FIG. 4E provides a top view of the sliding mechanism 203b when the supports 203a are in an initial position. A slider 2071, 207r for each support 203a is held in place by flexible fitting 211 between slot dividers 209. As illustrated in FIG. 4F , when a user squeezes both ends of a slider, in the case the slider 2071 for the left display optical system, the slider retracts or shortens in length and the flexible fitting 2111 contracts in shape so as to move in the central opening 121 past the end of the slot dividers 209 so the user can push or pull the slider to another slot, in this example one slot to the left. In this example, each slot may represent a calibrated distance, e.g. 1 mm, so when instructions are displayed for the user, the instructions may be for a specific number of discrete movements or positions. The user applies the moving force to increase or decrease the IPD, but does not have to determine the amount of adjustment.

FIG. 4G illustrates an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a turn wheel mechanism which a user may activate for moving a display optical system. In this example, supports 203a in the bridge 104 are replaced by a turn wheel or dial 203a attached to each display optical system. The attachment element to the movable support 115r or 117r includes an arm or shaft from the center of the turn wheel or dial to the top of screw. The end of the arm or shaft on the screw or nut side fits the head of the screw or nut for turning it. A fastener secures the screw to the frame 115l or inner frame 117l. The rotational force generated from turning the wheel causes a linear force on the screw, and the end of the shaft fitted to the screw head also rotates the screw causing a linear force to push the frame portion 115l, 117l to the left.

Each turn wheel or dial extends for a portion outside the from the of bridge 104, e.g. the top portion in this example. The portion of the wheel rotated through the opening section may also be calibrated to an adjustment distance, e.g. 1 mm. A user may be instructed to do 2 turns of the left wheel towards his or her nose to cause the screw to also turn down towards the nose and push the frame 115l or inner frame 117l to the left 2 mm.

FIGS. 4H and 4I illustrate different views of an example of a mechanical display adjustment mechanism using a ratcheting mechanism which a user may activate for moving a display optical system. The ratcheting mechanism is shown for moving the left movable support 115l, 117l. One for the right movable support 115r, 117r would work similarly. In this example, support 203a is attached via a fastener, e.g. an arm and nut to the frame portion 115l, 117l on its left side and is itself fastened via a nut and arm for each of two ratcheted wheels 204a and 204b. As shown, each ratchet wheel has teeth. A respective pawl 219a latches a new tooth as the wheel is turned. Each ratchet wheel turns in one direction only and the wheels turn in opposite directions. The rotation in opposite directions produces a linear torque at the centers of the wheels in opposite directions as indicated by the left and right arrows. FIG. 4J illustrates a side view of a ratchet such as may be used in the mechanisms of FIGS. 4H and 4I . Ratchet wheel 204a includes a center opening 123 for connecting to the fastening mechanism 205b and another opening 127 allowing another fastening mechanism 205b to pass through to the center of the other ratchet wheel 204b.

A slider button 223l slides within a grooved guide 225l to push a top 227 of an arm 221 down to rotate each ratcheted wheel 204 one increment, e.g. one tooth spacing which causes a linear torque either pushing or pulling the support 203a. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 4I , if the slider 223l pushes down top 227b and arm 221b, the wheel 204b rotates to cause a torque towards the bridge which pulls support 203a via arm 205b through an opening 127 in the other wheel 204a, and hence the frame portion 115l, 117l, towards the bridge 104 as indicated by the dashed extension of the top arm of 205b within ratchet wheel 204b. Similarly, if the slider 223l is positioned to push down the top 227a of the arm 221a, wheel 219a is rotated one increment which causes a torque away from wheel 219a to push support 203a towards the frame portion 115l, 117l. In some embodiments, for each increment the slider returns to the center, so each slide to one side or the other results in one increment and one calibrated adjustment measurement length, e.g., 1 mm.

The examples of FIGS. 4D through 4J are just some examples of mechanical display adjustment mechanisms. Other mechanical mechanisms may also be used for moving the display optical systems.

FIG. 5A is a side view of an eyeglass temple 102 of the frame 115 in an eyeglasses embodiment of a see-through, mixed reality display device. At the front of frame 115 is physical environment facing video camera 113 that can capture video and still images. Particularly in some embodiments, physical environment facing camera 113 may be a depth camera as well as a visible light or RGB camera. For example, the depth camera may include an IR illuminator transmitter and a hot reflecting surface like a hot mirror in front of the visible image sensor which lets the visible light pass and directs reflected IR radiation within a wavelength range or about a predetermined wavelength transmitted by the illuminator to a CCD or other type of depth sensor. Other types of visible light camera (RGB camera) and depth cameras can be used. More information about depth cameras can be found in U.S. Published Patent Application 2011/0307260, filed on Jun. 11, 2010, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The data from the sensors may be sent to a processor 210 of the control circuitry 136, or the processing unit 4, 5 or both which may process them but which the unit 4,5 may also send to a computer system over a network or hub computing system 12 for processing. The processing identifies objects through image segmentation and edge detection techniques and maps depth to the objects in the user's real world field of view. Additionally, the physical environment facing camera 113 may also include a light meter for measuring ambient light.

Control circuits 136 provide various electronics that support the other components of head mounted display device 2. More details of control circuits 136 are provided below with respect to FIG. 7A . Inside, or mounted to temple 102, are ear phones 130, inertial sensors 132, GPS transceiver 144 and temperature sensor 138. In one embodiment inertial sensors 132 include a three axis magnetometer 132A, three axis gyro 132B and three axis accelerometer 132C (See FIG. 7A ). The inertial sensors are for sensing position, orientation, and sudden accelerations of head mounted display device 2. From these movements, head position may also be determined.

The display device 2 provides an image generation unit which can create one or more images including one or more virtual objects. In some embodiments a microdisplay may be used as the image generation unit. A microdisplay assembly 173 in this example comprises light processing elements and a variable focus adjuster 135. An example of a light processing element is a microdisplay unit 120. Other examples include one or more optical elements such as one or more lenses of a lens system 122 and one or more reflecting elements such as surfaces 124a and 124b in FIGS. 6A and 6B or 124 in FIGS. 6C and 6D . Lens system 122 may comprise a single lens or a plurality of lenses.

Mounted to or inside temple 102, the microdisplay unit 120 includes an image source and generates an image of a virtual object. The microdisplay unit 120 is optically aligned with the lens system 122 and the reflecting surface 124 or reflecting surfaces 124a and 124b as illustrated in the following Figures. The optical alignment may be along an optical axis 133 or an optical path 133 including one or more optical axes. The microdisplay unit 120 projects the image of the virtual object through lens system 122, which may direct the image light, onto reflecting element 124 which directs the light into lightguide optical element 112 as in FIGS. 6C and 6D or onto reflecting surface 124a (e.g. a mirror or other surface) which directs the light of the virtual image to a partially reflecting element 124b which combines the virtual image view along path 133 with the natural or actual direct view along the optical axis 142 as in FIGS. 6A-6D . The combination of views are directed into a user's eye.

The variable focus adjuster 135 changes the displacement between one or more light processing elements in the optical path of the microdisplay assembly or an optical power of an element in the microdisplay assembly. The optical power of a lens is defined as the reciprocal of its focal length, e.g. 1/focal length, so a change in one affects the other. The change in focal length results in a change in the region of the field of view, e.g. a region at a certain distance, which is in focus for an image generated by the microdisplay assembly 173.

In one example of the microdisplay assembly 173 making displacement changes, the displacement changes are guided within an armature 137 supporting at least one light processing element such as the lens system 122 and the microdisplay 120 in this example. The armature 137 helps stabilize the alignment along the optical path 133 during physical movement of the elements to achieve a selected displacement or optical power. In some examples, the adjuster 135 may move one or more optical elements such as a lens in lens system 122 within the armature 137. In other examples, the armature may have grooves or space in the area around a light processing element so it slides over the element, for example, microdisplay 120, without moving the light processing element. Another element in the armature such as the lens system 122 is attached so that the system 122 or a lens within slides or moves with the moving armature 137. The displacement range is typically on the order of a few millimeters (mm) In one example, the range is 1-2 mm. In other examples, the armature 137 may provide support to the lens system 122 for focal adjustment techniques involving adjustment of other physical parameters than displacement. An example of such a parameter is polarization.

For more information on adjusting a focal distance of a microdisplay assembly, see U.S. patent Ser. No. 12/941,825 entitled “Automatic Variable Virtual Focus for Augmented Reality Displays,” filed Nov. 8, 2010, having inventors Avi Bar-Zeev and John Lewis and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In one example, the adjuster 135 may be an actuator such as a piezoelectric motor. Other technologies for the actuator may also be used and some examples of such technologies are a voice coil formed of a coil and a permanent magnet, a magnetostriction element, and an electrostriction element.

There are different image generation technologies that can be used to implement microdisplay 120. For example, microdisplay 120 can be implemented using a transmissive projection technology where the light source is modulated by optically active material, backlit with white light. These technologies are usually implemented using LCD type displays with powerful backlights and high optical energy densities. Microdisplay 120 can also be implemented using a reflective technology for which external light is reflected and modulated by an optically active material. The illumination is forward lit by either a white source or RGB source, depending on the technology. Digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and Mirasol® display technology from Qualcomm, Inc. are all examples of reflective technologies which are efficient as most energy is reflected away from the modulated structure and may be used in the system described herein. Additionally, microdisplay 120 can be implemented using an emissive technology where light is generated by the display. For example, a PicoP™ engine from Microvision, Inc. emits a laser signal with a micro mirror steering either onto a tiny screen that acts as a transmissive element or beamed directly into the eye (e.g., laser).

As mentioned above, the configuration of the light processing elements of the microdisplay assembly 173 create a focal distance or focal region in which a virtual object appears in an image. Changing the configuration changes the focal region for the virtual object image. The focal region determined by the light processing elements can be determined and changed based on the equation 1/S1+1/S2=1/f.

The symbol f represents the focal length of a lens such as lens system 122 in the microdisplay assembly 173. The lens system 122 has a front nodal point and a rear nodal point. If light rays are directed toward either nodal point at a given angle relative to the optical axis, the light rays will emerge from the other nodal point at an equivalent angle relative to the optical axis. In one example, the rear nodal point of lens system 122 would be between itself and the microdisplay 120. The distance from the rear nodal point to the microdisplay 120 may be denoted as S2. The front nodal point is typically within a few mm of lens system 122. The target location is the location of the virtual object image to be generated by the microdisplay 120 in a three-dimensional physical space. The distance from the front nodal point to the target location of the virtual image may be denoted as S1. Since the image is to be a virtual image appearing on the same side of the lens as the microdisplay 120, sign conventions give that S1 has a negative value.

If the focal length of the lens is fixed, S1 and S2 are varied to focus virtual objects at different depths. For example, an initial position may have S1 set to infinity, and S2 equal to the focal length of lens system 122. Assuming lens system 122 has a focal length of 10 mm, consider an example in which the virtual object is to be placed about 1 foot or 300 mm into the user's field of view. S1 is now about −300 mm, f is 10 mm and S2 is set currently at the initial position of the focal length, 10 mm, meaning the rear nodal point of lens system 122 is 10 mm from the microdisplay 120. The new distance or new displacement between the lens 122 and microdisplay 120 is determined based on 1/(−300)+1/S2= 1/10 with all in units of mm. The result is about 9.67 mm for S2.

In one example, one or more processors such as in the control circuitry, the processing unit 4, 5 or both can calculate the displacement values for S1 and S2, leaving the focal length f fixed and cause the control circuitry 136 to cause a variable adjuster driver 237 (see FIG. 7A ) to send drive signals to have the variable virtual focus adjuster 135 move the lens system 122 along the optical path 133 for example. In other embodiments, the microdisplay unit 120 may be moved instead or in addition to moving the lens system 122. In other embodiments, the focal length of at least one lens in the lens system 122 may be changed instead or with changes in the displacement along the optical path 133 as well.

FIG. 5B is a side view of an eyeglass temple in another embodiment of a mixed reality display device providing support for hardware and software components and three dimensional adjustment of a microdisplay assembly. Some of the numerals illustrated in the FIG. 5A above have been removed to avoid clutter in the drawing. In embodiments where the display optical system 14 is moved in any of three dimensions, the optical elements represented by reflecting surface 124 and the other elements of the microdisplay assembly 173, e.g. 120, 122 may also be moved for maintaining the optical path 133 of the light of a virtual image to the display optical system. An XYZ transport mechanism in this example made up of one or more motors represented by motor block 203 and shafts 205 under control of the processor 210 of control circuitry 136 (see FIG. 7A ) control movement of the elements of the microdisplay assembly 173. An example of motors which may be used are piezoelectric motors. In the illustrated example, one motor is attached to the armature 137 and moves the variable focus adjuster 135 as well, and another representative motor 203 controls the movement of the reflecting element 124.

FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a movable display optical system 14 of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device 2 including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. A portion of the frame 115 of the near-eye display device 2 will surround a display optical system 14 and provides support for elements of an embodiment of a microdisplay assembly 173 including microdisplay 120 and its accompanying elements as illustrated. In order to show the components of the display system 14, in this case 14r for the right eye system, a top portion of the frame 115 surrounding the display optical system is not depicted. Additionally, the microphone 110 in bridge 104 is not shown in this view to focus attention on the operation of the display adjustment mechanism 203. As in the example of FIG. 4C , the display optical system 14 in this embodiment is moved by moving an inner frame 117r, which in this example surrounds the microdisplay assembly 173 as well. The display adjustment mechanism is embodied in this embodiment as three axis motors 203 which attach their shafts 205 to inner frame 117r to translate the display optical system 14, which in this embodiment includes the microdisplay assembly 173, in any of three dimensions as denoted by symbol 145 indicating three (3) axes of movement.

The display optical system 14 in this embodiment has an optical axis 142 and includes a see-through lens 118 allowing the user an actual direct view of the real world. In this example, the see-through lens 118 is a standard lens used in eye glasses and can be made to any prescription (including no prescription). In another embodiment, see-through lens 118 can be replaced by a variable prescription lens. In some embodiments, see-through, near-eye display device 2 will include additional lenses.

The display optical system 14 further comprises reflecting surfaces 124a and 124b. In this embodiment, light from the microdisplay 120 is directed along optical path 133 via a reflecting element 124a to a partially reflective element 124b embedded in lens 118 which combines the virtual object image view traveling along optical path 133 with the natural or actual direct view along the optical axis 142 so that the combined views are directed into a user's eye, right one in this example, at the optical axis, the position with the most collimated light for a clearest view.

A detection area 139r of a light sensor is also part of the display optical system 14r. An optical element 125 embodies the detection area 139r by capturing reflected light from the user's eye received along the optical axis 142 and directs the captured light to the sensor 134r, in this example positioned in the lens 118 within the inner frame 117r. As shown, the arrangement allows the detection area 139 of the sensor 134r to have its center aligned with the center of the display optical system 14. For example, if sensor 134r is an image sensor, sensor 134r captures the detection area 139, so an image captured at the image sensor is centered on the optical axis because the detection area 139 is. In one example, sensor 134r is a visible light camera or a combination of RGB/IR camera, and the optical element 125 includes an optical element which reflects visible light reflected from the user's eye, for example a partially reflective mirror.

In other embodiments, the sensor 134r is an IR sensitive device such as an IR camera, and the element 125 includes a hot reflecting surface which lets visible light pass through it and reflects IR radiation to the sensor 134r. An IR camera may capture not only glints, but also an infra-red or near infra-red image of the user's eye including the pupil.

In other embodiments, the IR sensor device 134r is a position sensitive device (PSD), sometimes referred to as an optical position sensor. The position of detected light on the surface of the sensor is identified. A PSD can be selected which is sensitive to a wavelength range or about a predetermined wavelength of IR illuminators for the glints. When light within the wavelength range or about the predetermined wavelength of the position sensitive device is detected on the sensor or light sensitive portion of the device, an electrical signal is generated which identifies the location on the surface of the detector. In some embodiments, the surface of a PSD is divided into discrete sensors like pixels from which the location of the light can be determined. In other examples, a PSD isotropic sensor may be used in which a change in local resistance on the surface can be used to identify the location of the light spot on the PSD. Other embodiments of PSDs may also be used. By operating the illuminators 153 in a predetermined sequence, the location of the reflection of glints on the PSD can be identified and hence related back to their location on a cornea surface.

The depiction of the light directing elements, in this case reflecting elements, 125, 124, 124a and 124b in FIGS. 6A-6D are representative of their functions. The elements may take any number of forms and be implemented with one or more optical components in one or more arrangements for directing light to its intended destination such as a camera sensor or a user's eye. As shown, the arrangement allows the detection area 139 of the sensor to have its center aligned with the center of the display optical system 14. The image sensor 134r captures the detection area 139, so an image captured at the image sensor is centered on the optical axis because the detection area 139 is.

As discussed in FIGS. 2A and 2B above and in the Figures below, when the user is looking straight ahead, and the center of the user's pupil is centered in an image captured of the user's eye when a detection area 139 or an image sensor 134r is effectively centered on the optical axis of the display, the display optical system 14r is aligned with the pupil. When both display optical systems 14 are aligned with their respective pupils, the distance between the optical centers matches or is aligned with the user's inter-pupillary distance. In the example of FIG. 6A , the inter-pupillary distance can be aligned with the display optical systems 14 in three dimensions.

In one embodiment, if the data captured by the sensor 134 indicates the pupil is not aligned with the optical axis, one or more processors in the processing unit 4, 5 or the control circuitry 136 or both use a mapping criteria which correlates a distance or length measurement unit to a pixel or other discrete unit or area of the image for determining how far off the center of the pupil is from the optical axis 142. Based on the distance determined, the one or more processors determine adjustments of how much distance and in which direction the display optical system 14r is to be moved to align the optical axis 142 with the pupil. Control signals are applied by one or more display adjustment mechanism drivers 245 to each of the components, e.g. motors 203, making up one or more display adjustment mechanisms 203. In the case of motors in this example, the motors move their shafts 205 to move the inner frame 117r in at least one direction indicated by the control signals. On the temple side of the inner frame 117r are flexible sections 215a, 215b of the frame 115 which are attached to the inner frame 117r at one end and slide within grooves 217a and 217b within the interior of the temple frame 115 to anchor the inner frame 117 to the frame 115 as the display optical system 14 is move in any of three directions for width, height or depth changes with respect to the respective pupil.

In addition to the sensor, the display optical system 14 includes other gaze detection elements. In this embodiment, attached to frame 117r on the sides of lens 118, are at least two (2) but may be more, infra-red (IR) illuminating devices 153 which direct narrow infra-red light beams within a particular wavelength range or about a predetermined wavelength at the user's eye to each generate a respective glint on a surface of the respective cornea. In other embodiments, the illuminators and any photodiodes may be on the lenses, for example at the corners or edges. In this embodiment, in addition to the at least 2 infra-red (IR) illuminating devices 153 are IR photodetectors 152. Each photodetector 152 is sensitive to IR radiation within the particular wavelength range of its corresponding IR illuminator 153 across the lens 118 and is positioned to detect a respective glint. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C , the illuminator and photodetector are separated by a barrier 154 so that incident IR light from the illuminator 153 does not interfere with reflected IR light being received at the photodetector 152. In the case where the sensor 134 is an IR sensor, the photodetectors 152 may not be needed or may be an additional glint data capture source. With a visible light camera, the photodetectors 152 capture light from glints and generate glint intensity values.

In FIGS. 6A-6D , the positions of the gaze detection elements, e.g. the detection area 139 and the illuminators 153 and photodetectors 152 are fixed with respect to the optical axis of the display optical system 14. These elements may move with the display optical system 14r, and hence its optical axis, on the inner frame, but their spatial relationship to the optical axis 142 does not change.

FIG. 6B is a top view of another embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. In this embodiment, light sensor 134r may be embodied as a visible light camera, sometimes referred to as an RGB camera, or it may be embodied as an IR camera or a camera capable of processing light in both the visible and IR ranges, e.g. a depth camera. In this example, the image sensor 134r is the detection area 139r. The image sensor 134 of the camera is located vertically on the optical axis 142 of the display optical system. In some examples, the camera may be located on frame 115 either above or below see-through lens 118 or embedded in the lens 118. In some embodiments, the illuminators 153 provide light for the camera, and in other embodiments the camera captures images with ambient lighting or light from its own light source. Image data captured may be used to determine alignment of the pupil with the optical axis. Gaze determination techniques based on image data, glint data or both may be used based on the geometry of the gaze detection elements.

In this example, the motor 203 in bridge 104 moves the display optical system 14r in a horizontal direction with respect to the user's eye as indicated by directional symbol 145. The flexible frame portions 215a and 215b slide within grooves 217a and 217b as the system 14 is moved. In this example, reflecting element 124a of an microdisplay assembly 173 embodiment is stationery. As the IPD is typically determined once and stored, any adjustment of the focal length between the microdisplay 120 and the reflecting element 124a that may be done may be accomplished by the microdisplay assembly, for example via adjustment of the microdisplay elements within the armature 137.

FIG. 6C is a top view of a third embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. The display optical system 14 has a similar arrangement of gaze detection elements including IR illuminators 153 and photodetectors 152, and a light sensor 134r located on the frame 115 or lens 118 below or above optical axis 142. In this example, the display optical system 14 includes a light guide optical element 112 as the reflective element for directing the images into the user's eye and is situated between an additional see-through lens 116 and see-through lens 118. As reflecting element 124 is within the lightguide optical element and moves with the element 112, an embodiment of a microdisplay assembly 173 is attached on the temple 102 in this example to a display adjustment mechanism 203 for the display optical system 14 embodied as a set of three axis motor 203 with shafts 205 include at least one for moving the microdisplay assembly. One or more motors 203 on the bridge 104 are representative of the other components of the display adjustment mechanism 203 which provides three axes of movement 145. In another embodiment, the motors may operate to only move the devices via their attached shafts 205 in the horizontal direction. The motor 203 for the microdisplay assembly 173 would also move it horizontally for maintaining alignment between the light coming out of the microdisplay 120 and the reflecting element 124. A processor 210 of the control circuitry (see FIG. 7A ) coordinates their movement.

Lightguide optical element 112 transmits light from microdisplay 120 to the eye of the user wearing head mounted display device 2. Lightguide optical element 112 also allows light from in front of the head mounted display device 2 to be transmitted through lightguide optical element 112 to the user's eye thereby allowing the user to have an actual direct view of the space in front of head mounted display device 2 in addition to receiving a virtual image from microdisplay 120. Thus, the walls of lightguide optical element 112 are see-through. Lightguide optical element 112 includes a first reflecting surface 124 (e.g., a mirror or other surface). Light from microdisplay 120 passes through lens 122 and becomes incident on reflecting surface 124. The reflecting surface 124 reflects the incident light from the microdisplay 120 such that light is trapped inside a planar, substrate comprising lightguide optical element 112 by internal reflection.

After several reflections off the surfaces of the substrate, the trapped light waves reach an array of selectively reflecting surfaces 126. Note that only one of the five surfaces is labeled 126 to prevent over-crowding of the drawing. Reflecting surfaces 126 couple the light waves incident upon those reflecting surfaces out of the substrate into the eye of the user. More details of a lightguide optical element can be found in United States Patent Application Publication 2008/0285140, Ser. No. 12/214,366, published on Nov. 20, 2008, “Substrate-Guided Optical Devices” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, each eye will have its own lightguide optical element 112.

FIG. 6D is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a movable display optical system of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality device including an arrangement of gaze detection elements. This embodiment is similar to FIG. 6C's embodiment including a light guide optical element 112. However, the only light detectors are the IR photodetectors 152, so this embodiment relies on glint detection only for gaze detection as discussed in the examples below.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A-6D , the positions of the gaze detection elements, e.g. the detection area 139 and the illuminators 153 and photodetectors 152 are fixed with respect to each other. In these examples, they are also fixed in relation to the optical axis of the display optical system 14.

In the embodiments above, the specific number of lenses shown are just examples. Other numbers and configurations of lenses operating on the same principles may be used. Additionally, in the examples above, only the right side of the see-through, near-eye display 2 are shown. A full near-eye, mixed reality display device would include as examples another set of lenses 116 and/or 118, another lightguide optical element 112 for the embodiments of FIGS. 6C and 6D , another micro display 120, another lens system 122, likely another environment facing camera 113, another eye tracking camera 134 for the embodiments of FIGS. 6A to 6C , earphones 130, and a temperature sensor 138.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of one embodiment of hardware and software components of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display unit 2 as may be used with one or more embodiments. FIG. 7B is a block diagram describing the various components of a processing unit 4, 5. In this embodiment, near-eye display device 2, receives instructions about a virtual image from processing unit 4, 5 and provides the sensor information back to processing unit 4, 5. Software and hardware components which may be embodied in a processing unit 4, 5 are depicted in FIG. 7B , will receive the sensory information from the display device 2 and may also receive sensory information from hub computing device 12 (See FIG. 1A ). Based on that information, processing unit 4, 5 will determine where and when to provide a virtual image to the user and send instructions accordingly to the control circuitry 136 of the display device 2.

Note that some of the components of FIG. 7A (e.g., physical environment facing camera 113, eye camera 134, variable virtual focus adjuster 135, photodetector interface 139, micro display 120, illumination device 153 or illuminators, earphones 130, temperature sensor 138, display adjustment mechanism 203) are shown in shadow to indicate that there are at least two of each of those devices, at least one for the left side and at least one for the right side of head mounted display device 2. FIG. 7A shows the control circuit 200 in communication with the power management circuit 202. Control circuit 200 includes processor 210, memory controller 212 in communication with memory 214 (e.g., D-RAM), camera interface 216, camera buffer 218, display driver 220, display formatter 222, timing generator 226, display out interface 228, and display in interface 230. In one embodiment, all of components of control circuit 220 are in communication with each other via dedicated lines of one or more buses. In another embodiment, each of the components of control circuit 200 are in communication with processor 210.

Camera interface 216 provides an interface to the two physical environment facing cameras 113 and each eye camera 134 and stores respective images received from the cameras 113, 134 in camera buffer 218. Display driver 220 will drive microdisplay 120. Display formatter 222 may provide information, about the virtual image being displayed on microdisplay 120 to one or more processors of one or more computer systems, e.g. 4, 5, 12, 210 performing processing for the augmented reality system. Timing generator 226 is used to provide timing data for the system. Display out 228 is a buffer for providing images from physical environment facing cameras 113 and the eye cameras 134 to the processing unit 4, 5. Display in 230 is a buffer for receiving images such as a virtual image to be displayed on microdisplay 120. Display out 228 and display in 230 communicate with band interface 232 which is an interface to processing unit 4, 5.

Power management circuit 202 includes voltage regulator 234, eye tracking illumination driver 236, variable adjuster driver 237, photodetector interface 239, audio DAC and amplifier 238, microphone preamplifier and audio ADC 240, temperature sensor interface 242, display adjustment mechanism driver(s) 245 and clock generator 244. Voltage regulator 234 receives power from processing unit 4, 5 via band interface 232 and provides that power to the other components of head mounted display device 2. Illumination driver 236 controls, for example via a drive current or voltage, the illumination devices 153 to operate about a predetermined wavelength or within a wavelength range. Audio DAC and amplifier 238 receives the audio information from earphones 130. Microphone preamplifier and audio ADC 240 provides an interface for microphone 110. Temperature sensor interface 242 is an interface for temperature sensor 138. One or more display adjustment drivers 245 provide control signals to one or more motors or other devices making up each display adjustment mechanism 203 which represent adjustment amounts of movement in at least one of three directions. Power management unit 202 also provides power and receives data back from three axis magnetometer 132A, three axis gyro 132B and three axis accelerometer 132C. Power management unit 202 also provides power and receives data back from and sends data to GPS transceiver 144.

The variable adjuster driver 237 provides a control signal, for example a drive current or a drive voltage, to the adjuster 135 to move one or more elements of the microdisplay assembly 173 to achieve a displacement for a focal region calculated by software executing in a processor 210 of the control circuitry 13, or the processing unit 4,5 or the hub computer 12 or both. In embodiments of sweeping through a range of displacements and, hence, a range of focal regions, the variable adjuster driver 237 receives timing signals from the timing generator 226, or alternatively, the clock generator 244 to operate at a programmed rate or frequency.

The photodetector interface 239 performs any analog to digital conversion needed for voltage or current readings from each photodetector, stores the readings in a processor readable format in memory via the memory controller 212, and monitors the operation parameters of the photodetectors 152 such as temperature and wavelength accuracy.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of one embodiment of the hardware and software components of a processing unit 4 associated with a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display unit. The mobile device 5 may include this embodiment of hardware and software components as well as similar components which perform similar functions. FIG. 7B shows controls circuit 304 in communication with power management circuit 306. Control circuit 304 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 320, graphics processing unit (GPU) 322, cache 324, RAM 326, memory control 328 in communication with memory 330 (e.g., D-RAM), flash memory controller 332 in communication with flash memory 334 (or other type of non-volatile storage), display out buffer 336 in communication with see-through, near-eye display device 2 via band interface 302 and band interface 232, display in buffer 338 in communication with near-eye display device 2 via band interface 302 and band interface 232, microphone interface 340 in communication with an external microphone connector 342 for connecting to a microphone, PCI express interface 344 for connecting to a wireless communication device 346, and USB port(s) 348.

In one embodiment, wireless communication component 346 can include a Wi-Fi enabled communication device, Bluetooth communication device, infrared communication device, etc. The USB port can be used to dock the processing unit 4, 5 to hub computing device 12 in order to load data or software onto processing unit 4, 5, as well as charge processing unit 4, 5. In one embodiment, CPU 320 and GPU 322 are the main workhorses for determining where, when and how to insert images into the view of the user.

Power management circuit 306 includes clock generator 360, analog to digital converter 362, battery charger 364, voltage regulator 366, see-through, near-eye display power source 376, and temperature sensor interface 372 in communication with temperature sensor 374 (located on the wrist band of processing unit 4). An alternating current to direct current converter 362 is connected to a charging jack 370 for receiving an AC supply and creating a DC supply for the system. Voltage regulator 366 is in communication with battery 368 for supplying power to the system. Battery charger 364 is used to charge battery 368 (via voltage regulator 366) upon receiving power from charging jack 370. Device power interface 376 provides power to the display device 2.

The Figures above provide examples of geometries of elements for a display optical system which provide a basis for different methods of aligning an IPD as discussed in the following Figures. The method embodiments may refer to elements of the systems and structures above for illustrative context; however, the method embodiments may operate in system or structural embodiments other than those described above.

The method embodiments below identify or provide one or more objects of focus for aligning an IPD. FIGS. 8A and 8B discuss some embodiments for determining positions of objects within a field of view of a user wearing the display device.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a system embodiment for determining positions of objects within a user field of view of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device. This embodiment illustrates how the various devices may leverage networked computers to map a three-dimensional model of a user field of view and the real and virtual objects within the model. An application 456 executing in a processing unit 4,5 communicatively coupled to a display device 2 can communicate over one or more communication networks 50 with a computing system 12 for processing of image data to determine and track a user field of view in three dimensions. The computing system 12 may be executing an application 452 remotely for the processing unit 4,5 for providing images of one or more virtual objects. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the software and hardware components of the processing unit are integrated into the display device 2. Either or both of the applications 456 and 452 working together may map a 3D model of space around the user. A depth image processing application 450 detects objects, identifies objects and their locations in the model. The application 450 may perform its processing based on depth image data from depth camera like 20A and 20B, two-dimensional or depth image data from one or more front facing cameras 113, and GPS metadata associated with objects in the image data obtained from a GPS image tracking application 454.

The GPS image tracking application 454 identifies images of the user's location in one or more image database(s) 470 based on GPS data received from the processing unit 4,5 or other GPS units identified as being within a vicinity of the user, or both. Additionally, the image database(s) may provide accessible images of a location with metadata like GPS data and identifying data uploaded by users who wish to share their images. The GPS image tracking application provides distances between objects in an image based on GPS data to the depth image processing application 450. Additionally, the application 456 may perform processing for mapping and locating objects in a 3D user space locally and may interact with the GPS image tracking application 454 for receiving distances between objects. Many combinations of shared processing are possible between the applications by leveraging network connectivity.

FIG. 8B is a flowchart of a method embodiment for determining a three-dimensional user field of view of a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device. In step 510, one or more processors of the control circuitry 136, the processing unit 4,5, the hub computing system 12 or a combination of these receive image data from one or more front facing cameras 113, and in step 512 identify one or more real objects in front facing image data. Based on the position of the front facing camera 113 or a front facing camera 113 for each display optical system, the image data from the front facing camera approximates the user field of view. The data from two cameras 113 may be aligned and offsets for the positions of the front facing cameras 113 with respect to the display optical axes accounted for. Data from the orientation sensor 132, e.g. the three axis accelerometer 132C and the three axis magnetometer 132A, can also be used with the front facing camera 113 image data for mapping what is around the user, the position of the user's face and head in order to determine which objects, real or virtual, he or she is likely focusing on at the time. Optionally, based on an executing application, the one or more processors in step 514 identify virtual object positions in a user field of view which may be determined to be the field of view captured in the front facing image data. In step 516, a three-dimensional position is determined for each object in the user field of view. In other words, where each object is located with respect to the display device 2, for example with respect to the optical axis 142 of each display optical system 14.

In some examples for identifying one or more real objects in the front facing image data, GPS data via a GPS unit, e.g. GPS unit 965 in the mobile device 5 or GPS transceiver 144 on the display device 2 may identify the location of the user. This location may be communicated over a network from the device 2 or via the processing unit 4,5 to a computer system 12 having access to a database of images 470 which may be accessed based on the GPS data. Based on pattern recognition of objects in the front facing image data and images of the location, the one or more processors determines a relative position of one or more objects in the front facing image data to one or more GPS tracked objects in the location. A position of the user from the one or more real objects is determined based on the one or more relative positions.

In other examples, each front facing camera is a depth camera providing depth image data or has a depth sensor for providing depth data which can be combined with image data to provide depth image data. The one or more processors of the control circuitry, e.g. 210, and the processing unit 4,5 identify one or more real objects including their three-dimensional positions in a user field of view based on the depth image data from the front facing cameras. Additionally, orientation sensor 132 data may also be used to refine which image data currently represents the user field of view. Additionally, a remote computer system 12 may also provide additional processing power to the other processors for identifying the objects and mapping the user field of view based on depth image data from the front facing image data.

In other examples, a user wearing the display device may be in an environment in which a computer system with depth cameras, like the example of the hub computing system 12 with depth cameras 20A and 20B in system 10 in FIG. 1A , maps in three-dimensions the environment or space and tracks real and virtual objects in the space based on the depth image data from its cameras and an executing application. For example, when a user enters a store, a store computer system may map the three-dimensional space. Depth images from multiple perspectives, include depth images from one or more display devices in some examples, may be combined by a depth image processing application 450 based on a common coordinate system for the space. Objects are detected, e.g., edge detection, in the space, and identified by pattern recognition techniques including facial recognition techniques with reference images of things and people from image databases. Such a system can send data such as the position of the user within the space and positions of objects around the user which the one or more processors of the device 2 and the processing unit 4,5 may use in detecting and identifying which objects are in the user field of view. Furthermore, the one or more processors of the display device 2 or the processing unit 4,5 may send the front facing image data and orientation data to the computer system 12 which performs the object detection, identification and object position tracking within the user field of view and sends updates to the processing unit 4,5.

FIG. 9A is a flowchart of a method embodiment 400 for aligning a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display with an IPD. Steps 402 to 406 illustrate more details of an example of step 301 for automatically determining whether a see-through, near-eye, mixed reality display device is aligned with an IPD of a user in accordance with an alignment criteria. Steps 407 to 408 illustrate more detailed steps of an example for adjusting the display device for bringing the device into alignment with the user IPD as in step 302. As discussed for FIG. 3C , the adjustment may be automatically performed by the processor or instructions electronically provided to the user for mechanical adjustment.

In step 402, the one or more processors of the see-through, near-eye, mixed reality system such as processor 210 of the control circuitry, that in processing unit 4, the mobile device 5, or the hub computing system 12, alone or in combination, identify an object in the user field of view at a distance and a direction for determining an IPD. For the far IPD, the distance is at effective infinity, e.g. more than 5 feet, the direction is straight ahead with respect to the optical axis of each display optical system. In other words, the distance and direction are such that when each pupil is aligned with each optical axis, the user is looking straight ahead. In step 403, the one or more processors perform processing for drawing the user's focus to the object. In one example, the one or more processors electronically provide instructions requesting the user to look at the identified real object. In some instances, the user may be asked simply to look straight ahead. Some examples of electronically provided instructions are instructions displayed by the image generation unit 120, the mobile device 5 or on a display 16 by the hub computing system 12 or audio instructions through speakers 130 of the display device 2. In other examples, the object may have image enhancements applied to it for attracting the user's eyes to focus on it. For example, eye catching visual effects may be applied to the object during an observation period. Some examples of such visual effects are highlighting, blinking, and movement.

In step 404, the at least one sensor such as sensor 134r or the photodetectors 152 or both in an arrangement of gaze detection elements for the respective display optical system capture data for each eye during an observation period for the object. In one example, the captured data may be IR image data and glints reflecting from each eye captured by an IR camera. The glints are generated by IR illuminators 153. In other examples, the at least one sensor is an IR sensor like a position sensitive detector. The at least one sensor may also be the IR photodetectors 152. In some examples, the at least one sensor 134 may be a visible light camera. However, as previously mentioned, if an image of a virtual object is used in a process for determining IPD alignment, the reflections of the virtual object in the user's eye may be accounted for, for example, by filtering them out. If visible light illuminators generate glints, the user's eyes may react to the visible light of the illuminators.

In step 406, the one or more processors determine based on the captured data and the arrangement of the gaze detection elements whether each pupil is aligned with the optical axis of its respective display optical system in accordance with an alignment criteria. An alignment criteria may be a distance from the optical axis, e.g. 2 millimeters (mm) If so, the display device 2 has been aligned with each pupil and hence the IPD, and the one or more processors in step 409 store the position of each optical axis in the IPD data set.

If the alignment criteria is not satisfied, then in step 407, the one or more processors automatically determine one or more adjustment values for at least one display adjustment mechanism for satisfying the alignment criteria for at least one display optical system. By “automatically determines” means the one or more processors determine the values without a user identifying the adjustment values through mechanical manipulation. In many embodiments, based on stored device configuration data, the current position of the optical axis with respect to a fixed point of the support structure is tracked. In step 408, the processor causes adjustment of the at least one respective display optical system based on the one or more adjustment values. In automatic adjustment, the one or more processors control the at least one display adjustment mechanism 203 via the one or more display adjustment mechanism drivers 245 to move the at least one respective display optical system based on the one or more adjustment values. In the mechanical adjustment approach, the processor electronically provides instructions to the user for applying the one or more adjustment values to the at least one display adjustment mechanism via a mechanical controller. The instructions may provide a specific number of user activations which 