JP7642752B2 - HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULARIZED EYEWEAR SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS - Patent application - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/711,340, entitled "MODULAR EYEWEAR SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD," filed Dec. 11, 2019, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/778,709, entitled "MODULAR EYEWEAR SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FRAME AND TEMPLES WITH EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS FOR MOBILE AUDIO-VISUAL AUGMENTED AND ASSISTED REALITY," filed Dec. 12, 2018. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/778,709, entitled "MODULAR EYEWEAR SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE FRAME AND TEMPLES WITH EMBEDDED ELECTRONICS FOR MOBILE AUDIO-VISUAL AUGMENTED AND ASSISTED REALITY," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/873,889, entitled "WEARABLE DEVICE APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD," filed Jul. 13, 2019. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/873,889, entitled "Wearable Device Apparatus, System, and Method," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16/711,340, entitled "Modular Eyewear System, Apparatus, and Method," is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to eyewear devices, and more specifically to an apparatus, method, and system for providing information to a user via a modular eyewear device.

Modern life is fast paced. A person is often under time pressure, his or her hands are occupied, and the person is placed in situations where information is difficult to obtain. This can cause problems. Currently available glasses are expensive, and prescription glasses, for example, prescription reading glasses or prescription sunglasses, cannot be easily reconfigured to suit different user needs. That can cause problems. Personalized audio transmission is often done using occlusive in-ear devices called earbuds or earphones. Such devices can block the ear canal and prevent the user from hearing far-field audio. That can cause problems. Thus, a problem exists that requires a technical solution. Those technical solutions use technical means to produce a technical effect.

The present invention may be best understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are used to explain embodiments of the invention. The present invention is illustrated by way of example in embodiments and is not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

1 illustrates a modular reconfigurable eyewear system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a reconfigurable component for use in an eyewear device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a number of reconfigurable components for use in an eyewear device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates another modular reconfigurable eyewear system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5A-5C show perspective and top views of the modular reconfigurable eyewear system from FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a system configuration for use with a modularized eyewear device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6B illustrates a wireless network corresponding to a system configuration for use with the modularized eyewear device of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 illustrates another system configuration for use with the modular eyewear device of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a temple insertion module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a modularized eyewear device equipped with a back neck module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rear neck module assembly for positioning a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 illustrates connecting a temple interlock to a temple according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 illustrates the connection of the rear neck module assembly to electronics contained in the temples, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a combination of a rear neck module assembly with temple electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a user interface for a rear neck module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a rear neck electronics unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a wake-up control according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 illustrates a state diagram of button operations according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 illustrates a state diagram of touch sensor operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 illustrates a state diagram of proximity sensor operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates button locations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate like elements, and in which specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced are shown by way of example. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

In one or more embodiments, methods, apparatus, and systems are described that provide a user with a modular eyewear system. As described in the following description of the embodiments, various combinations and configurations of electronics are taught for incorporation into the eyewear device. Some electronics configurations can be removably coupled to the eyewear device. In some embodiments, the electronics configurations are incorporated into the eyewear device. In yet other embodiments, the back neck module assembly can be removably coupled to the eyewear device. In various embodiments, the modular reconfigurable eyewear device provides information to the user through the eyewear device. As used in the description of the embodiments, information includes streaming audio in the form of music, information also includes parameters of the user's biology (e.g., physiological biometrics, biomechanics, etc.), such as, for example, but not limited to, heart rate, respiratory rate, posture, stride rate, cadence, and information also includes information of interest to the user, such as, for example, but not limited to, information about the vehicle the user is using, such as, for example, engine parameters, such as, for example, revolutions per minute (RPM), RPM, oil pressure, coolant temperature, wind speed, water depth, air speed, and the like. In various embodiments, information is presented to the user, for example, by an audio broadcast that the user hears, and a video broadcast to a display that the user sees on an eyeglass device or an image projected into the pupil of the user's eye. Thus, within the scope of the embodiments taught herein, information should be given a broad meaning.

1 illustrates a modular reconfigurable eyewear system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a modular eyewear device is shown at 100 in a perspective view. The modular eyewear device 100 has a frame chassis 102. In various embodiments, the frame chassis 102 is ophthalmically configured to provide a frame rim portion that holds a lens 120 and a lens 122. The lenses 120 and 122 can provide any of the functions that the eyewear device provides, such as, but not limited to, a safety glass lens, a prescription lens, a sunglass lens, a welding glass lens, etc. The eyewear device can also include a single lens instead of the doublet lens shown. In some embodiments, a nose pad is provided to provide cushioning in the contact area with the user's nose. In some embodiments, the nose pad is made of a flexible material, such as silicone rubber.

Temple 104 (left temple) and temple 114 (right temple) are connected to frame chassis 102. Temples 104 and 114 can be flexibly connected to frame chassis 102 by hinges as shown, or temples 104 and 114 can be provided so as to be fixedly oriented relative to frame chassis 102.

In various embodiments, one or more of the temples (104 and 114) and the chassis frame 102 can be populated with electronics as described below. In the diagram of 100, a left temple insert module (TIM) 106 accommodates the left temple 104, and a right temple insert module (TIM) 116 accommodates the right temple 114. The temple insert modules (TIMs) are described in more detail in conjunction with the following figures.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, a modularized eyeglass device is shown at 130 in a perspective view. The frame chassis 132 is ophthalmically configured to surround the lenses 140 and 142 by a frame rim to secure the lenses 140 and 142 thereto. A brow bar 146 is secured to the frame chassis 132 in various ways, such as via assembly fasteners, adhesives, and the like. The temple 144 includes a left temple connector 152 that can be rotatably coupled to a left chassis connector 150. The left chassis connector 150 together with the left temple connector 152 form a rotatable mechanical and electrical connection between the chassis 132 and the left temple 144 to provide one or more electrical paths for connecting the frame chassis 132 to the left temple 144. Similarly, the right temple 134 can be rotatably coupled to the frame chassis 132 via a right hinge assembly 148.

Note that in some embodiments, the modular eyewear device is configured such that each temple can be detached from the hinge via an electrical/mechanical connector having one or more electrical contacts, not shown for clarity. Those electrical contacts can be made using, for example, pins, points, pads, slots, contact devices, etc. For example, the line indicated at 154 defines the junction of the right temple connector with the right temple 134. Similarly, the line indicated at 156 defines the junction of the left temple connector 152 with the left temple 144.

By providing electrical/mechanical connectors between each temple, such as 134, 144, and the frame chassis 132, the temples can be interchanged with the eyewear device. This functionality allows the user to exchange one temple for another. Different temples can be configured with different electronics to provide different functionality as described herein. Any temple can be configured to accommodate a variety of electronic configurations. For example, in one or more embodiments, the right interchangeable temple contains an electronic package that can include one or more of a biosensor, a biomechanical sensor, a vehicle sensor, an environmental sensor, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a global position system (GPS) receiver, a cable, a microphone, a micro-speaker, a power source (battery), a camera, a micro-display, a head-up display (HUD) module, a multi-axis inertial measurement unit, and a wireless communication system. It should be noted that the TIM can also include the electronic package and sensors described above. In various embodiments, one or more wireless communication systems are provided, such as those using Near Field Communication (NFC) using the 13.56 MHz Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency, Adaptive Network Topology (ANT) ANT+ wireless standard, Bluetooth® standard, Bluetooth Low Energy standard (BLE) wireless communication, Wi-Fi standard, and wireless communication using cellular standards such as 3G, 4G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or other wireless standards. In some embodiments, the electrical path from the electronics exits the temple through a cavity in the sheath, passes into the temple sheath, and continues into a cavity in the brow bar sheath. The right interchangeable temple includes a hinged connector 148 that secures to the brow bar 146 and chassis frame 132.

In one or more embodiments, the right interchangeable temple is attached to the front of the frame chassis via a hinge connector, which allows power and data transfer to the left interchangeable temple via the modular brow bar. The hinge connector mechanically interfaces with the frame chassis and allows power/data connection to electrical pin conductors. In one or more embodiments, when placed in an open orientation when worn, the hinge connector senses the open state of the device and allows power or data transfer. When in a closed position (temples folded inward), the hinge connector, in conjunction with signals received from one or more of the plurality of proximity sensors and the plurality of motion sensors, allows the system to sense the user-device interaction state and terminate power or data transfer. This function can reduce power consumption when folded and stored, and automatically power on when the user wears the device on their head. In addition to switchable data or power transfer from the hinge connector, the hinge connector can provide flexible circuitry and wired micro connectors that provide stable uninterrupted power and/or data transfer.

In some embodiments, it is convenient to route the electrical pathways within the volume of the brow bar 146. In some embodiments, the brow bar 146 is configured to provide a channel along its length within which the electrical pathways are routed. Thus, the brow bar 146 can provide one or more sheaths, channels, etc. along its length within which the electrical pathways and sensors can be housed. By way of example, and not limitation, the electrical pathways can be wires, printed circuit boards, flexible printed circuit boards, etc. In various embodiments, it is advantageous to attach one or more sensors to the brow bar 146 to create an electrical subassembly for the frame chassis 132. In some embodiments, additional electrical pathways from the frame chassis 132 are combined with the electrical pathways included in the brow bar 146. In some embodiments, flexible electronics are bonded to the lower top surface of the brow bar and exit the brow bar through the cavities of the left and right sheaths. Alternatively, or in combination, fully embedded flexible electronics can be cast into the brow bar with integrated contact points exiting the brow bar near each hinge. When these integrated contacts on either side of the brow bar are touched to the integrated contacts on the left and right temples, data or power transmission is permitted. In addition to facilitating connection to electronics, the brow bar can conceal an optional pupil module with a fixed flange, allowing the user to view a micro display through the pupil opening of the brow bar.

Similarly, the left temple is configured to be connected to the front frame of the eyeglasses by a left hinge connector as a left interchangeable temple. In various embodiments, the left interchangeable temple can include the same electronic configuration/functionality as the right interchangeable temple, or the interchangeable temple can include a different electronic configuration and different functionality.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, the left temple 164 and the right temple 174 are configured as shown at 160. Each of the temples 164 and 174 includes electronics configured to provide information and functionality to a user of the eyewear system. As shown at 160, the left temple 164 has a temple door (not shown) that has been removed to expose an electronics package shown at 186. The temple door protects the electronics from environmental exposure and hazards. The temple door is secured to the temple assembly by mechanical fasteners appropriate for a given application. In some embodiments, the temple door provides a rating for water ingress via IP Code from the International Protection Marking IEC standard 60529. A power source (battery) is shown at 184 and an audio speaker and port are shown at 182. The audio speaker and port 182 is typically located at the rear end of the temple and in some embodiments is an integrated directional projection speaker that personally directs sound to the user's ears. The projection stereo speaker can convey a variety of audio signals to the user, such as, but not limited to, voice prompts, streaming music, smart audio assistance, data, etc. It is noted that the design of the projection speaker does not block the user's ears. Thus, the user can hear far-field audio that is not degraded as with currently available earbud style headphones that block the user's ears.

The right temple 174 is also provided with an electronics package (not shown). The electronics package is contained within the right temple 174. The right temple is provided with an audio speaker with an audio speaker port 184, which may be an integrated directional projection speaker. In one or more embodiments, the right temple 174 is configured to accommodate an external assembly 190 that includes a micro-display assembly 192. Similarly, the left temple may be configured to accommodate the external assembly 190 and the micro-display assembly 192.

In various embodiments, a micro display assembly, e.g., 192, includes:
A Head Up Display (HUD) Pupil® Optical Module that houses the optics, electronics, and micro-display that form the optical system. The pupil mechanism can also house cables, flexible circuit boards, or wires that run from the housing to electrical contact paths. In one or more embodiments, those electrical paths are connected to the side of the left temple 174 so that the user has a see-through head up display external accessory and the visual element of the mobile reality experience can be enhanced.

In one or more embodiments, the wiring exiting the brow bar is concealed in the left and right sheaths of the temples and enters the left and right temples through cavities in the sheaths, thereby protecting the wiring from environmental hazards. The area near the contact point path can house a movement mechanism for customizing the interpupillary distance of the head-up micro-display module.

In various embodiments, the front frame portion, such as 102 or 132 (FIG. 1) or any similar configuration in the figures below, and the right and left temple portions, such as 104, 114, 134, 144, 164, 174 (FIG. 1) or any similar configuration in the figures below, are part of a set of interchangeable front frame portions and temple portions, each having the same or different combinations of devices, accessories, capabilities and/or functions. At least one of electronic boards, microphones, speakers, batteries, cameras, head-up display modules, wireless Wi-Fi radios, GPS chip sets, LTE cellular radios, multi-axis inertial measurement units, motion sensors, touch sensors, lights and proximity sensors, etc. may be included in the required combination. Electronics may further be included to enable a user to wirelessly connect to at least one of cellular services, smart phones, smart watches, smart bracelets, mobile computers, and sensor peripherals. The electronics may further include the ability to display see-through augmented reality images via a modular head-up display (HUD), provide stereo audio content, and provide voice and audio notifications, including music, via one or more integrated projection micro-speakers. The front frame electrical contact device and the temple electrical contact device may include electrical contact points in or near the respective hinge connectors. The contact points are in releasable electrical contact with each other to electrically transmit at least one of power, electrical signals, and data between the temple portion and the front frame portion when the contact points are in an electrically closed position. In some embodiments, when assembled together, the front frame hinge connector, the front frame electrical contact device, the temple hinge connector, and the temple electrical contact device may form an electromechanical hinge, hinge connector, assembly, or device. In some embodiments, folding the temple portion into a storage position may disconnect the contacts to power off the system.

In some embodiments, at least one of the front frame electronics and temple electronics may include at least one of a battery, a camera, a heads up display module, a controller, digital storage electronics, a CPU, a projection micro-speaker, a microphone, a wireless Wi-Fi radio, a GPS chip set, an LTE cellular radio, a multi-axis inertial measurement system or unit, and sensory, motion, touch, light, proximity, temperature and pressure sensors, etc.

In some embodiments, at least one temple can include a temple module insert (TIM) that carries selected temple electronics. In other embodiments, the neck smart cord is electrically connected to the rear neck electronics module. The neck smart cord has left and right connectors or connector ends for mechanically or electrically interconnecting the rear neck electronics module with the left and right temples of the eyewear device.

2 illustrates a reconfigurable component for use in an eyeglass device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2 at 200, a temple 202 is provided with an engagement portion 204. In the description of this embodiment, a temple insertion module, designated 210 and referred to as a "TIM", is configured to be removably coupled to the engagement portion 204 of the temple 202. The TIM 210 is attached to the temple 202 as indicated by arrows 212a and 212b. In various embodiments, the engagement portion 204 is achieved by a mechanical connection, such as, but not limited to, a press fit, a clip, a mechanical interlock, a hook and loop, a magnetic surface, an external clamp to the temple, a flange and a mechanical connection to the temple. In yet other embodiments, the engagement portion 204 and the TIM 210 utilize a magnetic surface to secure the TIM 210 by magnetic force. The shape of the engagement portion designated 204 and the shapes of the engagement portions shown elsewhere in the figures illustrated herein are provided merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. In the diagram shown at 200, the TIM 210 is only mechanically connected to the temple 202, and no electrical connection is provided between the TIM 210 and the temple 202.

In some embodiments, the TIM 210 is provided with a speaker and speaker port 214, which may be a micro-projection speaker. The speaker provides information to the user through audio broadcast. It is noted that the speaker provided here is a speaker that is external to the user's ear and is not inserted into the user's ear like an inserted earphone. Disposed in the TIM 210 is an electronics package that includes a processor, memory, power, and one or more wireless communication protocols that enable the TIM 210 to wirelessly communicate 222 with one or more devices 220. The devices 220 may be external sensors such as, for example, but not limited to, biosensors or vehicle sensors, local user devices, network nodes such as wireless routers, remote networks, or remote user devices such as mobile phones accessed via a network. Various sensors, networks, and remote devices are described in more detail in conjunction with the following figures.

In accordance with the architecture of 200 in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a second temple and a second TIM are provided. The two TIMs in such a system can participate in wireless communication between and among the devices 220 as needed to provide a level of design functionality to the user. For example, in one embodiment, the left TIM includes wireless network capabilities sufficient to communicate with the remote device 220 utilizing a first network protocol. Additionally, the left TIM and the right TIM have wireless network capabilities that support communicating utilizing a second network protocol. To conserve power, the first network protocol has a wider range than the second network protocol because the distance between the left TIM and the remote device is greater than the separation distance between the left TIM and the right TIM (nominal: the width of the user's head). Because there is no wired connection between the left TIM and the right TIM, the architecture shown in 200 is referred to as true wireless. In one or more embodiments, an audio stream is provided from the user device to the first TIM utilizing a first wireless network. A second wireless audio stream is then provided from one TIM to the other TIM using a second wireless network to provide the audio stream to each of the left and right projection speakers of the eyewear device.

As described in conjunction with the figures herein, the temples and TIMs described at 200 provide a reconfigurable component for an eyewear device. The front end 206 of the temple 202 engages with the frame chassis of the eyewear device described above. There may or may not be a connector between the temple and the frame. Thus, depending on a given design of the glasses, the temple 202 may have a fixed position relative to the frame chassis or the temple may be rotatably coupled to the frame chassis.

2, 250, the temple 252 is provided with an engagement portion 254. The temple insert module TIM, shown at 260, is configured to be removably coupled to the engagement portion 254 of the temple 252. The TIM 260 is attached to the temple 252 as shown by arrows 262a and 262b. In various embodiments, the engagement portion 204 is achieved by a combination of electrical and mechanical connections. The mechanical connection can be, for example, but not limited to, a press fit, clip, mechanical interlock, hook and loop, etc., as described in conjunction with 210/204. In yet other embodiments, the engagement portion 254 and the TIM 260 utilize magnetic surfaces to secure the TIM 260 by magnetic force. Some electrical contacts 280 are provided for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting. The electrical contacts 280 mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the temple 252 to provide an electrical connection to one or more electrical pathways (not shown) in the temple 252. The electrical pathways in the temple 252 facilitate an electrical connection between the TIM 260 and the sensors 272 and 274, which may also represent sources of signals provided to one or more displays. The sensors 272 and 274 may be acoustic sensors, such as microphones, or any of the sensors described herein for use in combination with an electronics package configured in a glasses device. In one or more embodiments, one or more of 272 and 274 provide a signal to a display, such as a HUD.

In some embodiments, the TIM 260 is provided with a speaker, which may be a micro-projection speaker, and a speaker port 264. The speaker provides information to the user through an open-ear audio broadcast.

In accordance with the architecture of 250 in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a second temple and a second TIM are provided, as shown in FIG. 3 below. The two TIMs in such a system may participate in wireless communication between and among the devices 220 as needed to provide a level of design functionality to the user. As described in conjunction with the figures herein, the temple and TIMs described in 250 provide a reconfigurable component for an eyeglass device. For example, the front end 256 of the temple 252 engages with the frame chassis of the eyeglass device described above. There may or may not be a connector between the temple and the frame. Thus, depending on a given design of the eyeglasses, the temple 252 may obtain a fixed position relative to the frame chassis, or the temple may be rotatably coupled to the frame chassis.

3 illustrates a number of reconfigurable components at 300 for use in an eyewear device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 at 300, the left reconfigurable component 250 of FIG. 2 is illustrated along with an associated right reconfigurable component for an eyewear device. The right temple 352 has an engagement portion, not shown in FIG. 3, which is similar to the engagement portion 254 of the left temple 252. A temple insertion module TIM, shown at 360, is configured to be removably coupled to the engagement portion of the temple 352. The TIM 360 couples with the temple 352 as shown by arrows 362a and 362b. In various embodiments, the engagement portion of the temple 352 is achieved by a combination of electrical and mechanical connections. The mechanical connection can be, for example, but not limited to, a press fit, a clip, a mechanical interlock, a hook and loop, etc., as provided in conjunction with 210/204 above. In yet another embodiment, the engagement portion of the temple 352 and the TIM 360 utilize a magnetic surface to secure the TIM 360 by magnetic force. Several electrical contacts 380 are provided for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting thereby. The electrical contacts 380 mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the temple 352 to provide an electrical connection to one or more electrical pathways (not shown) in the temple 352. The electrical pathways in the temple 352 facilitate an electrical connection between the TIM 360 and one or more sensors 372 and 374. The sensors 372 and 374 can be acoustic sensors such as microphones or any of the sensors described herein for use in combination with an electronic package configured in an eyewear device. In various embodiments, the TIM 360 is disposed in an electronic package that includes a processor, memory, power, and one or more wireless communication systems. The wireless communication systems use a protocol that allows the TIM 360 to wirelessly communicate with one or more devices as indicated by the wireless transmission at 222. Additionally, TIM 360 and TIM 260 can be configured with wireless communication capabilities to allow wireless communication between the TIMs as shown by the wireless transmission at 382. In some embodiments, TIM 360 is provided with a speaker, which can be a micro-projection speaker, and a speaker port, shown at 364, which provides information to the user through audio broadcasts.

Referring to view 390 of FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the electrical connections is shown for each of TIM 260 and TIM 360. TIM 260 is electrically coupled to sensor 272 by electrical path 394. Similarly, TIM 260 is electrically coupled to sensor 274 by electrical path 392. The connections between TIM 260 and each sensor constitute left temple electrical schematic 384. Note that left temple electrical schematic 384 may be more or less complex than shown. Thus, the left temple electrical schematic is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting.

Similarly, TIM 360 is electrically coupled to sensor 372 by electrical pathway 398. TIM 260 is electrically coupled to sensor 374 by electrical pathway 396. The connections between TIM 360 and each sensor constitute right temple electrical schematic 386. Note that right temple electrical schematic 386 may be more or less complex than shown. Thus, right temple electrical schematic is provided merely for purposes of illustration and no limitation is meant thereby.

The two TIMs in such a system may participate in wireless communications with and among the devices 220 as needed to provide a level of design functionality to the user. For example, in one embodiment, the left TIM includes sufficient wireless network capabilities to communicate with the remote device 220 utilizing a first network protocol. Additionally, the left TIM and the right TIM have wireless network capabilities to support wireless communications as shown at 382. The wireless communications 382 may be performed according to a second network protocol different from that used at 222. To conserve power, the first network protocol (222) has a wider range than the second network protocol (382) because the distance between the left TIM 260 and the remote device 220 is greater than the separation distance between the left TIM 260 and the right TIM 360. The latter is nominally the width of the user's head, and the former may be the same as the distance to a cellular tower for a mobile phone.

4 illustrates another modular reconfigurable eyeglass system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, one or more of the sensors, power components, and computing units are distributed throughout the eyeglass device, including throughout a frame chassis such as 402. The frame chassis 402 is ophthalmically configured to surround a lens 440 at a frame rim, thereby securing the lens 440 thereto. A left temple 404 and a right temple 414 are coupled to the frame chassis 402 to form an eyeglass device. The left lens 404 is configured to have an engagement portion, shown at 408. A left temple insert module (TIM) 406 is configured to engage with the engagement portion 408 as described above, thereby providing both a mechanical and electrical connection between the TIM 406 and the temple 404. Similarly, the right temple 426 is shown engaged with the engagement portion of the right temple 414. The TIM 406 includes an audio speaker and an audio port, indicated at 410, and the TIM 426 includes an audio speaker and an audio port, indicated at 430. In various embodiments, the audio speakers 410 and 430 are projection speakers. The glasses device includes several sensors or displays, 462, 464, 466, 468, and 470, that are integrated into the electrical pathway and extend from the left temple 404 through the frame chassis 402 to the right temple 414. In various embodiments, there may be more or fewer sensors than those shown in FIG. 4. The sensors and sensor locations shown in FIG. 4 are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. As described above in conjunction with the previous figures, at least one of the temple insert modules 406 and/or 426 includes a set of necessary electronics to provide the wireless connection 222 to the device 220.

In the eyewear device 400, a high level view of the electrical path schematic is shown at 480. Referring to 480, the left TIM 406 and the right TIM 426 are electrically coupled to the sensors 462, 464, 466, 468, and 470 by electrical path elements 482, 484, 486, 488, 490, and 492. Electrical path elements such as 484 electrically connect the sensor 464. The components shown in 480 together provide a set of modularized reconfigurable components for the eyewear device. In one or more embodiments, one or more acoustic sensors are located in at least one of the frame chassis 402, the left temple 404, and the right temple 414. Thus, the acoustic sensor can be located anywhere in the temple (left or right) or frame chassis of the eyewear device.

5 illustrates, generally at 500, a perspective view and a top view of the modularized eyewear system of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a modularized eyewear device is shown at 130 in a perspective view. A modularized nose pad 504 can be removably coupled to the modularized eyewear device 502 as shown at 506. The modularization of the nose pad allows a user to replace the nose pad to improve the fit between the eyewear and the user's nose and facial structure. The modularization of the nose pad of the eyewear device can provide a more comfortable fit. Additionally, the nose pad can be provided with other sensors, such as a biometric sensor.

FIG. 6A illustrates a system architecture generally at 600 for use with a modularized eyewear device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6A, in various embodiments, a modularized reconfigurable eyewear device can include multiple wireless communication systems. In various embodiments, the eyewear device 602 has a high level block diagram architecture as shown at 604. In various embodiments, the eyewear device 602 is configured to communicate with a wireless sensor 640 and a mobile device 670. The wireless sensor 640 can include a single sensor or multiple sensors. The wireless sensor 640 can include, without limitation, any one or more sensors listed herein. For example, the wireless sensor 640 can be a biometric or biomechanical sensor configured for use with a user, or a sensor configured for use with a vehicle or building. Some examples of biometric sensors include, but are not limited to, a heart rate monitor, a sweat sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like. Some examples of vehicle sensors include, but are not limited to, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a global positioning system signal, a vehicle engine parameter, a wind speed indicator, and the like. Some examples of sensors used with buildings include, but are not limited to, temperature readings from a thermostat, water pressure readings, etc. Some non-limiting examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, scooters, bicycles, automobiles, boats, yachts, watercraft, airplanes, military vehicles, wingsuits, etc. In some embodiments, data is received from a special purpose network at 640 or 616. A special purpose network shown for illustrative purposes is the National Marine Electronics Association's (NMEA) NMEA2000 network, designed for marine vessels such as yachts (power or sail). NMEA2000 is also referred to in the art as "NMEA2k" or "N2K" and is standardized as International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61162-1. NMEA200 is a plug-and-play communications standard used to connect marine sensors and display units on vessels, boats, yachts, etc. Mobile device 670 can be any one or more of the mobile devices listed herein, without limitation. For example, a mobile device can be a mobile phone, a watch, a wrist band, a bracelet, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an in-vehicle computer, etc.

The glasses device 602 has a high level architecture as shown at 604, including a speaker 606, a central processing unit 608, a power source 610, an acoustic sensor 608, a storage device 614, and a wireless communication system 616. The wireless communication system 616 may include one or more of the following wireless communication systems: a short-range communication system 618, a wireless communication system 620 utilizing a Bluetooth communication protocol, a wireless communication system 620 utilizing a Wi-Fi communication protocol at 624, a cellular communication protocol 622, etc. The wireless communication protocol specified by LTE at 622 is provided only as an example of a wireless device and is not limiting of embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more antennas are included in the wireless communication system block 616, but are not shown for clarity.

The wireless sensor 640 has a high level architecture as shown at 642 and includes one or more sensors 644 and a wireless communication system 646. The wireless communication system 646 can be a low data rate communication system such as a short range communication system, BLE, ANT+, or the like. Alternatively, the wireless communication system 646 can be provided as a higher data rate system required for the sensor 644.

The mobile device 670 has a high level architecture as shown at 672, including a central processing unit 674, a power supply 676, storage 678, and one or more wireless communication systems as shown at block 680. The mobile device 670 can be optionally configured to reach a remote network as shown at cloud 689. The wireless communication block 680 can include one or more of the following wireless communication systems: a short range communication system 682, a wireless communication system 684 utilizing a Bluetooth communication protocol, a wireless communication system utilizing a Wi-Fi communication protocol at 686, a cellular communication protocol at 688, etc. The wireless communication protocol specified by LTE at 688 is provided only as an example of a communication system of a mobile device and is not limiting of the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can recognize that one or more antennas are included in the wireless communication system blocks 680 and 642, but are not shown for clarity.

In some embodiments, the wireless sensor system 642 and the glasses device 602 are initially configured by a user of the mobile device 670 and the mobile device user interface. In operation, as shown by paths 652a and 652b, the glasses device 602 wirelessly receives data from a suitable wireless communication system, such as a near field communication system 618, as shown at 650. Wireless data acquired from the wireless sensor system 642 can be transmitted to the user device 670/672 by another wireless communication system, as shown at 654. The wireless communication, as shown at 654, can be accomplished on a higher data rate channel, for example, using a Bluetooth protocol at 620/684, a Wi-Fi protocol at 624/686, or a cellular communication protocol, as shown at 622/688. In various embodiments, the data transferred from the glasses device 602 can be stored and analyzed on the user device 670 and can have various application programs.

FIG. 6B illustrates a wireless network generally at 690 corresponding to the system architecture of the modularized glasses system of FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6B, the wireless communication block 616 can be connected to multiple devices as shown. For example, one or more wireless sensors 640 can be connected to the wireless communication block 616 using a low data rate short-range communication network as shown at 618. One or more user devices 670 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication block using a Bluetooth communication protocol as shown at 620. One or more wireless nodes, such as a Wi-Fi node as shown at 692, can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication block 616 as shown at 624. One or more remote networks 694 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless communication block 616 using a cellular communication protocol as shown at 622. Thus, a reconfigurable glasses device can include one or more wireless communication systems as shown at 690. For example, by replacing one TIM module with another TIM module, the glasses device can be reconfigured for various wireless communications. Alternatively, one or more temples can be replaced with the frame chassis described above, thereby providing customized functionality to the eyewear device.

7 illustrates another system architecture generally at 700 for use with the modularized glasses device of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the wireless communication block 616 of the glasses device 602 is configured to enable direct cellular communication over a mobile phone network without the need for a user device acting as an intermediary. For example, in 700, the glasses device 602 is configured to communicate with a remote device 702, which may be a mobile phone, over a wireless communication system 622, thereby connecting directly with the remote device 702 over an external network, represented by a cloud 704. No intermediate user mobile device is required to support this line of communication. Such an arrangement of the glasses device allows a user of the glasses device to make a call from the glasses device with the aid of an interface, such as a voice interface, one or more tactile interfaces, such as buttons. The voice interface provides command and control of the call by translating the user's voice signals into commands that the device uses to facilitate operation of the wireless network for the call. Examples of such commands include, but are not limited to, selecting a caller, making a call, turning the volume up, turning the volume down, and ending the call.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of a temple insertion module (TIM) generally at 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, as used in the description of this embodiment, the TIM may be based on a device such as a computer, and the embodiment of the present invention may be used in that device. The block diagram is a high-level conceptual representation and may be implemented in a variety of ways and with a variety of architectures. A bus system 802 interconnects a central processing unit (CPU) 804 (also referred to herein as a processor), a read-only memory (ROM) 806, a random access memory (RAM) 808, storage 810, audio 822, a user interface 824, and communications 830. The RAM 808 may also represent dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or other forms of memory. In various embodiments, the user interface 824 may be a voice interface, a touch interface, a physical button, or a combination thereof. It is understood that memory (not shown) may be included in the CPU block 804. The bus system 802 may be one or more buses, such as a system bus, peripheral component interconnect (PCI), advanced graphics port (AGP), small computer system interface (SCSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard number 994 (FireWire), universal serial bus (USB), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), etc. The CPU 804 may be a single, multiple, or distributed computing resource. The storage 810 may be a flash memory, etc. It should be noted that depending on the actual implementation of the TIM, the TIM may include some, all, or more, or a rearrangement of the components in the block diagram. Thus, many variations of the system of FIG. 8 are possible.

A connection to one or more wireless networks 832 is obtained via communications (COMM) 830, allowing the TIM 800 to wirelessly communicate with local sensors, local devices, and remote devices on a remote network. In some embodiments, 832/830 provide access to a remote speech-to-text system, which may be at a remote location, e.g., cloud-based. 832 and 830 flexibly represent wireless communication systems in various implementations and may represent various forms of telemetry, general packet radio service (GPRS), Ethernet, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), Internet connections, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, ZigBee, infrared, Bluetooth, near field communications, cellular communication systems such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, a touch interface is optionally provided at 824. Signals from one or more sensors are input to the system via 829 and 828. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is received and input to the system at 826. Audio can represent speakers such as the projection speakers or projection micro-speakers described herein.

In various embodiments, depending on the hardware configuration, different wireless protocols are used in the network, thereby providing the system described in the figures above. One non-limiting embodiment of the technology used for wireless signal transmission is the Bluetooth wireless technology standard, commonly known as the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. In other embodiments, a wireless signal transmission protocol known as Wi-Fi, which uses the IEEE 802.11 standard, is used. In other embodiments, the ZigBee communication protocol, which is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, is used. These examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the different embodiments. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are also used in various embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to the data communication protocols described herein, and are readily used with other data communication protocols not specifically described herein.

In various embodiments, the system components and systems described in the previous figures (e.g., the temple insertion module (TIM)) are implemented on an integrated circuit device, which may include an integrated circuit package containing an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the system components and systems are implemented on a single integrated circuit die. In other embodiments, the system components and systems are implemented on multiple integrated circuit dies on an integrated circuit device, which may include a multi-chip package containing an integrated circuit.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modularized eyewear device that is fitted with a back neck module assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, at 900, the back neck module assembly is fitted to a set of passive glasses. Passive glasses represent no electronics disposed in the glasses. Alternatively, the glasses may be active or powered glasses comprised of electronics packaged in one or more temples or temple insert modules (TIMs) as described herein. The glasses have a frame chassis 902 that includes a lens 906. A left temple 904 and a right temple 914 are coupled to the frame chassis 902. The back neck module assembly includes a behind the neck electronics pod (ePOD) 924, a left temple interlock 920, a right temple interlock 922, a left smart cord 926, and a right smart cord 928. The left smart cord 926 electrically and mechanically couples the ePOD 924 to the left temple interlock 920, and the right smart cord electrically and mechanically couples the ePOD 924 to the right temple interlock 922.

The left temple interlock 920 includes an acoustic cavity, an audio speaker, and an acoustic port. The acoustic port for the left audio speaker is indicated at 930. The left smart cord 926 includes electrical conductors that provide an audio signal to the audio speaker included in the left temple interlock 920. In one or more embodiments, the audio speaker included in the left temple interlock is a micro-projection speaker. Similarly, the acoustic port for the right audio speaker is indicated at 932. The right smart cord 928 includes electrical conductors that provide an audio signal to the audio speaker included in the right temple interlock 922. In one or more embodiments, the audio speaker included in the right temple interlock is a micro-projection speaker.

In various embodiments, the ePOD 924 includes an electronics unit that contains the electronic components and functionality for the temple insert module (TIM) described herein. In other words, the electronics unit is a mechanically and electrically packaged TIM for use in a rear neck module assembly.

Electronic units with different electronic configurations and functions can be interchangeably moved in and out of the ePOD in a manner similar to the way that different TIMs can be interchangeably moved in and out of the temples of an eyeglass device.

At 950, length adjustments are provided to shorten or lengthen the right and left smart cords. A rear neck electronics pod (ePOD) 954 is positioned with a left smart cord 956 and a right smart cord 958 exiting the same end of the ePOD 954. Such an arrangement of smart cords 956 and 958 allows the slider 960 to move away from or towards the ePOD. Moving the slider 960 away from the ePOD 954 shortens the available free length of the smart cords 965/958. Moving the slider 960 towards the ePOD 954 increases the available free length of the smart cords 956/958.

In one or more embodiments, in operation, when in the "on" state, audio data is streamed to the ePOD924 electronics unit and directed to the left and right speakers, thereby broadcasting the audio data to the user when the back neck module assembly is attached to the eye wear device and the user wears the eyewear device.

10 illustrates, in a perspective view, a rear neck module assembly generally at 1000 for positioning a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a first sensor 1050 is shown on the ePOD 924. A second sensor 1052 is shown integrated into the right temple interlock 922. A third sensor 1054 is shown integrated into the left temple interlock 920. Sensors 1050, 1052, and 1054 can be any sensor used directly with the TIM or electronics integrated into the temples as previously described herein.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, each temple interlock module, such as 920 and 922, includes a through hole into which the temple of the eyeglasses is inserted. In this embodiment, the temple interlock modules 920 and 922 are made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer or rubber, that allows sufficient stretch to insert the temple. For example, the left temple interlock 920 includes a through hole 1040 into which the left temple 904 is inserted. The right temple interlock 922 includes a through hole 1042 into which the right temple 914 is inserted. Each temple interlock 920 and 922 is positioned on a compatible eyeglass such that each speaker port 930 and 932 is located in front of and near the user's ear. A compatible eyeglass is an eyeglass that is compatible with the mechanical attachment provided to the temple interlock.

FIG. 11 illustrates generally at 1100 and 1150 coupling a temple interlock to a temple according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, a magnetic temple interlock is shown at 1100. The magnetic temple interlock includes a magnetic region 1108 on a temple 1102 of an eyewear device. The temple interlock 1104 has a corresponding magnetic region 1106. In operation, the magnetic regions 1106 and 1108 are brought together such that the magnetic regions 1106 and 1108 are attracted to each other, thereby providing a clamping force between the temple interlock 1104 and the temple 1102. A port for an acoustic cavity containing a speaker is shown at 1110.

Another method of clamping is shown at 1150. Temple interlock 1152 includes a slot 1158 between a first side 1156a and a second side 1156b of compliant material. The shape of 1158, 1156a, and 1156b form a U-shape into which the temple of an eyeglass device can be inserted. The elasticity of material 1152 provides a removable connection between temple interlock 1152 and the temple of the eyeglasses (not shown). An acoustic port for the acoustic cavity that houses the speaker is shown at 1154.

FIG. 12 illustrates generally at 1200 the coupling of a rear neck module to electronics contained within a temple according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the rear neck module assembly is coupled to electronics contained within the temple. A portion of the rear neck module assembly is shown having a rear neck electronics pod (ePOD) 1220, a left smart cord 1222, and a left temple interlock 1210. As previously mentioned, any electronics contained within the temple can be directly contained within the temple without the use of a temple insert module (TIM). Alternatively, the electronics contained within the temple can be electronics that are optionally part of the TIM, as shown at 1204. In either situation, the temple 1202 is provided with a number of electrical contacts, as shown at 1206. The left temple interlock 1210 is provided with a corresponding number of electrical contacts 1208. A mechanical interlock is provided between temple 1202 and left temple interlock 1210 to allow the connection between 1210 and 1202 to be releasably couplable. In one or more embodiments, a magnetic coupling is provided near or at the location of 1206/1208 to provide a releasable coupling thereto.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram generally at 1300 for combining a back neck module assembly with temple electronics according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 13, an outline of an eyewear device is shown at 1302. The left temple, right temple, and frame chassis of the eyewear device 1302 include electronics and/or electronic paths. The outline 1302 includes the frame chassis, left temple, and right temple. In the illustrated system, an electronic circuit path 1308 extends between the left temple and right temple of the eyewear device 1302.

The eyeglass device includes a left temple insert module (TIM) 1304 located on the left temple and a right TIM 1306 located on the right temple. A back neck module assembly with electronic unit (ePOD) is shown at 1310. A left smart cord 1312 provides an electrical path between the ePOD 1310 and the left TIM 1304. A right smart cord 1314 provides an electrical path between the ePOD 1310 and the right TIM 1306. In various embodiments, both the left TIM 1304 and the right TIM 1306 are disposed with one or more wireless communication network systems, as shown at 1316, that enable wireless communication between the left TIM 1304 and the right TIM 1306. The remote device 1320 represents one or more wireless sensors or wireless user devices, as described in conjunction with the previous figures. Wireless communication 1322 is achieved between the remote device 1320 and at least one of the left TIM 1304, the right TIM 1306, and the ePOD 1310. All electronic system functionality descriptions for the TIMs above are applicable to ePODs such as ePOD 1310.

In some embodiments, for example, if electrical path 1308 is deleted from the electrical schematic shown in 1300, the left temple is not electrically connected to the right temple.

14 illustrates a user interface for a rear neck module assembly generally at 1400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, a rear neck electronics pod (ePOD) is shown at 1402. The ePOD 1402 includes a display interface 1404. In different embodiments, the display interface 1404 can be implemented in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the user interface is a tactile surface button. In some embodiments, the user interface is implemented by a touch screen, such as a capacitive touch screen, that presents one or more controls to the user. In some embodiments, the user interface communicates information to the user. In yet other embodiments, the user interface communicates information to a person viewing the user interface 1404 from behind the user wearing the ePOD 1402. Examples of such information are, but are not limited to, emojis, mood status, icons, etc., as shown at 1406.

FIG. 15 illustrates, generally at 1500, a block diagram of a rear neck electronic unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 15, as used in the description of the present embodiment, the rear neck electronic unit can be based on a device such as a computer that can be used in the embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram is a high-level conceptual representation and can be implemented in various ways and with various architectures. A bus system 1502 interconnects a central processing unit (CPU) 1504 (or referred to herein as a processor), a read-only memory (ROM) 1506, a random access memory (RAM) 1508, a storage 1510, an audio 1522, a user interface 1524, and a communication 1530. The RAM 808 can also represent a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or other forms of memory. In various embodiments, the user interface 1524 can be a voice interface, a touch interface, a physical button, or a combination thereof. It is understood that a memory (not shown) can be included in the CPU block 1504. The bus system 1502 may be, for example, one or more of the following buses: system bus, peripheral component interconnect (PCI), advanced graphics port (AGP), small computer system interface (SCSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard number 994 (FireWire), universal serial bus (USB), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), etc. The CPU 1504 may be a single, multiple, or distributed computing resource. The storage 1510 may be a flash memory, etc. It should be noted that depending on the actual implementation of the TIM, the TIM may include some, all, or more, or a rearrangement of the components in the block diagram. Thus, many variations of the system of FIG. 15 are possible.

A connection to one or more wireless networks 1532 is obtained via communications (COMM) 1530, allowing the TIM 1500 to wirelessly communicate with local sensors, local devices, and remote devices on a remote network. In some embodiments, 1532/1530 provide access to a remote speech-to-text system, which may be at a remote location, e.g., cloud-based. 1532 and 1530 flexibly represent wireless communication systems in various implementations and may represent various forms of telemetry, general packet radio service (GPRS), Ethernet, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), Internet connections, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, ZigBee, infrared, Bluetooth, near field communications, cellular communication systems such as 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, an optional touch interface is provided at 1524. An optional display is provided at 1520. Signals from one or more sensors are input to the system via 1529 and 1528. At 1526, Global Positioning System (GPS) information is received and input to the system. The audio can represent a speaker, such as a projection speaker or a projection micro-speaker as described herein.

In various embodiments, depending on the hardware configuration, different wireless protocols are used in the network, thereby providing the system described in the figures above. One non-limiting embodiment of the technology used for wireless signal transmission is the Bluetooth wireless technology standard, commonly known as the IEEE 802.15.1 standard. In other embodiments, a wireless signal transmission protocol known as Wi-Fi, which uses the IEEE 802.11 standard, is used. In other embodiments, the ZigBee communication protocol, which is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, is used. These examples are merely illustrative and are not limiting of the different embodiments. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are also used in various embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to the data communication protocols described herein and are readily used with other data communication protocols not specifically described herein.

In various embodiments, the components of the system and the systems described in the previous figures (e.g., the rear neck electronics unit) are implemented in an integrated circuit device, which may include an integrated circuit package containing an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the components and systems of the system are implemented in a single integrated circuit die. In other embodiments, the components and systems of the system are implemented in multiple integrated circuit dies of an integrated circuit device, which may include a multi-chip package containing an integrated circuit.

In various embodiments, the description of the embodiments provided herein provides reconfigurable components for a head-worn device, including, but not limited to, a removable temple, a removable temple insert module (TIM), a back neck module assembly, an electronics pod (ePOD) for the back neck module assembly, and a removable electronics unit for the ePOD.

16 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system architecture generally at 1600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present invention is used in a system architecture customized for a head-mounted device, such as, but not limited to, smart glasses or other eye wear or head mounted devices. The system architecture described in conjunction with the following figures is used in combination with reconfigurable components for the head-mounted device, such as, but not limited to, removable temples, removable temple insert modules (TIMs), a back neck module assembly, an electronics pod ePOD for the back neck module assembly, and a removable electronics unit for the ePODs.

Referring to Figure 16, a mobile communication unit (MCU), which in various embodiments includes a digital signal processor (DSP), is shown in Figure 16 at 1602. The system 1600, in various embodiments, includes one or more of the following sub-blocks:
Central processing unit (CPU) + DSP chip 1634
Voice wake-up chip 1608
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type A magnetic pogo pin connector 1610 for battery charging and signal path to a computer or mobile device
Multi-function button 1614
A bi-color light source (e.g., red and blue) 1620, such as a light emitting diode (LED)
A stereo power amplifier 1630 to drive two speakers 1628
・Two microphones 1604/1606
Sensor:
Touch Sensor 1616
o Proximity sensor 1618
o 6-axis sensor (3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope) 1622
o 3-axis magnetometer 1620

In some embodiments, the core of the hardware architecture is a single chip with the CPU inside the device, the digital signal processor, and the Bluetooth RF module. The CPU and DSP (1634) can be separate chips or integrated into a single chip. In some embodiments, integrating the DSP into the CPU is adopted to reduce costs. It should be noted that the above list of sub-blocks is provided for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer sub-blocks than those listed above. The interfaces such as general purpose input/output (GPIO), Inter-Cell (I2C), and Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) shown herein are shown as examples and are not limiting of embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are easily implemented utilizing different interfaces and bus standards.

The CPU tasks include task scheduling, GPIO control, sensor control data collection and manipulation, Bluetooth radio frequency (RF) management, and power management. In various embodiments, the DSP handles signal processing tasks such as noise cancellation, acoustic echo cancellation, crosstalk correction, and all time-consuming signal processing algorithms. The Bluetooth (BT) RF module 1632 handles the BT wireless communication protocol. In some embodiments, in addition to the Bluetooth module 1632, a cellular communication module is added to provide mobile phone communication directly from the system 1600 embedded in the head-worn device. In other embodiments, the Bluetooth module 1632 is replaced by a cellular communication module. Thus, the system 1600 can have many different configurations of wireless communication. The system 1600 can be configured to include various sensors, such as those listed below. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the system 1600 can be configured to include more or fewer sensors than those listed below.
LED1620 - via GPIO output pin.
Button 1614 - via GPIO input pin.
Touch Sensor 1616 - via GPIO input and output pins.
Voice wake up chip 1608 - via GPIO and UART.
Proximity Sensor 1618 - via the I2C bus.
Microphone 1604/1606 & Speaker 1628 - via Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 1640 and Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 1636.
6+3 axis sensors – via I2C bus.

Figure 17 shows a schematic block diagram of wake-up control according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 17, a system 1702 enters a sleep mode 1704 to conserve battery power. A voice wake-up chip, such as 1608, is used to detect a wake-up word 1710 (e.g., "SOLOS" spoken by a user and received at a microphone, such as 1604). If the wake-up word 1710 is detected at 1608, the CPU/system is powered up and transitions to a "run" state, as shown at 1706.

The systems 1700, 1702, or 1600 illustrated in conjunction with Figures 16 and 17 utilize an embedded speech recognition system 1608. Examples of embedded speech recognition systems for use in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, embedded speech recognition systems from NUANCE, such as the VoCon Hybrid, or embedded speech recognition systems from other manufacturers. A data sheet for the NUANCE VoCon Hybrid is included herein as Appendix 1.

Referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, during operation, when idle, the system 1702 is in "sleep" mode, but the DSP VoCon 1608 is always "on" so that it can detect the wake-up word 1710 via input from the connected microphone 1604. When the DSP VoCon system 1608 detects the wake-up word 1710, a wake-up control signal 1714 is sent to transition the system 1702 from "sleep" mode 1704 to "run" mode 1706.

The built-in speech recognition system 1608 is used to process the wake-up word 1710 or to command and control the head-worn device with commands extracted from the user's voice.

In various embodiments, the components of the systems shown in FIG. 16 and/or FIG. 17 are implemented on an integrated circuit device, which may include an integrated circuit package containing an integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the components of the systems are implemented on a single integrated circuit die. In other embodiments, the components of the systems are implemented on multiple integrated circuit dies on an integrated circuit device, which may include a multi-chip package containing an integrated circuit.

In various embodiments, six (6) axis sensors, indicated at 1624, and three (3) axis sensors, indicated at 1622, are used to perform heading, tracking, and electronic compass functions. In one embodiment, provided merely for purposes of illustration and with no implied limitation therefrom, the sensors capture the following nine axes of data (at a rate of 10 samples per second), which can be used by the mobile communication unit (MCU) 1602 to calculate the movement of the user's head: Nine (9) axes of data include, but are not limited to, acceleration data measured from an accelerometer along the X, Y, and Z axes, gyroscope data from the X, Y, and Z axes, and magnetometer data from the X, Y, and Z axes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the X, Y, and Z axes refer to a Cartesian coordinate system. In some embodiments, the sensor data is used to track the trajectory of the movement of a user wearing the head-mounted device.

18 illustrates a state diagram for button operation generally at 1800, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Buttons such as 1614 in FIG. 16 are designed to support multipurpose functions. In one or more embodiments, a description of the functions supported by a single button, touch slider, and proximity sensor is shown by way of example. Buttons, touch sensors, and proximity sensors can provide other functions. In various embodiments, a different number of buttons, sliders, and sensors can be provided to provide the functionality required for a given head worn device. The functions and state diagrams presented herein are provided by way of example only and are not limiting of embodiments of the present invention. A power on/off function 1802/1804 is shown as follows:

a) Enter the power "on" state at 1802 by briefly pressing the "power button" for a predetermined time (in one or more embodiments, the predetermined time is two (2) seconds) until the "on" indicator light is activated. In one or more embodiments, the "on" indicator light is a blue light. In the "on" state 1082, the user can ask the system for the battery power level via a voice command. For example, the system can be configured to return the battery power level quantized to various granularities. One example is a quantization to three (3) battery power levels, namely, low, medium, and high. Other quantizations are possible, and the example using three battery power levels is provided merely for purposes of illustration, with no implied limitation thereby. Alternatively, the system can be configured to inform the user of the current battery power level via a machine-generated audible voice message.

b) Enter the power "OFF" state at 1804 by pressing and holding the "Power Button" for a predetermined period of time (in one or more embodiments, the predetermined period of time is three (3) seconds) until the "OFF" indicator light is activated. In one or more embodiments, the "OFF" indicator light is a red light. The system may be configured to notify the user that the system is powering down to the "OFF" state via an audible machine-generated voice message.

The pairing/unpairing function 1806/1807 with a device such as a mobile phone is shown as follows:
i. Pressing the "Power Button" for longer than the time required to transition to the off state "pairs" the system with the mobile device. Note that the 5 seconds provided for illustrative purposes herein is a suitable time to set up the system for "pairing", and 5 seconds is longer than the time required to transition the system to the off state (2 seconds). Thus, in operation, the user presses the "Power Button" until the blue and red lights flash alternately, causing the system to pair with the mobile device, as shown at 1806. After pairing, the system notifies the user that pairing was successful by playing a machine-generated voice prompt. Pressing the Power Button for longer than the time required for pairing can transition the system to an "unpaired" state, at 1807. Thus, eight (8) seconds can transition the system to an "unpaired" state, at 1807. Different times can be selected, and the predetermined times provided herein are provided merely as examples and are not limiting of embodiments of the present invention.
ii. After successful pairing, the user can play music at 1808 and make calls at 1810 utilizing the wireless connection between the head-mounted device and a mobile phone or MCU (commonly referred to as device). If the connection fails, the head-mounted device, such as smart glasses, will automatically turn off after a preset time. In one embodiment, the preset time, provided by way of example only, is three (3) minutes.
iii. When music is playing on the smart glasses at 1808, a short press of the button advances to the next song at 1812. In one embodiment, for purposes of illustration only and no limitations implied thereby, the short press of the button to advance to the next song is less than two (2) seconds.
iv. If an incoming call occurs while music is playing or in an idle state, pressing the button for less than a predetermined time will answer the incoming call at 1814. For purposes of illustration, and no limitation is implied hereby, the predetermined time for pressing the button is less than 2 seconds. If the user presses the button for longer than the predetermined time, the incoming call will be rejected at 1816.

FIG. 19 illustrates a state diagram generally at 1900 for touch sensor operation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, the touch sensor is configured to provide both "slider" and "tap" functionality simultaneously. An example of a touch sensor is 1616 in FIG. 16.

In one or more embodiments, provided merely as an example and with no implied limitation thereto, the touch sensor supports two functions, such as a touch slider, single tap and double tap operation. In other embodiments, the touch sensor may be configured to support more or less functions than those of the sensor described herein. Referring to FIG. 19, a state diagram corresponding to touch sensor operation is shown. A volume control with a slider 1930 is configured on the glasses device 1940. The slider 1930 is configured to accept a "slide" input registered by a user sliding a finger along the sensor area. In this example, the volume control has eight levels (level 1...level 8). A "quick slide" on the touch slider increases or decreases the volume by one level depending on the direction of the "quick slide". For example, if the current volume is level 3, a quick slide forward 1952/1954 increases the volume 1904 and changes the volume from level 3 to level 4. 1 represents the minimum volume and 8 represents the maximum volume. Similarly, sliding quickly backwards from level 3 decreases the volume 1906, thereby changing the volume from level 3 to level 2.

A "slow slide" applied by a user to the touch slider means a continuous increase or decrease in the volume. For example, if the current volume is at level 3, slowly sliding forward to the edge of the touch sensor area increases the volume 1904 and changes the volume from level 1 to level 8. Sliding slowly forward to the center of the touch sensor area increases the volume 1904 and changes the volume from level 1 to level 4.

If the current volume is at level 4, slowly sliding back to the edge of the touch sensor area 1962/1964 will decrease the volume 1906 and change the volume from level 4 to level 1.

From the incoming call state 1920, slide forward 1952/1954 to answer the incoming call at 1924. From the incoming call state 1920, slide backward 1962/1964 to reject the incoming call at 1922.

A double tap performed by a user on the touch slider area 1930 of the smart glasses 1940 is used to activate or disable the wake-up chip. In one or more embodiments, if audio wake-up is in the "off" state, a double tap applied to the touch slider area changes audio wake-up to the "on" state 1910. Similarly, if audio wake-up is in the "on" state 1910, a double tap applied to the touch slider area changes audio wake-up to the "off" state 1902.

In various embodiments, a single tap is used to play music by transitioning the system to a music "playing" state 1902, or to enter a music "paused" state 1908, where music playback is paused while awaiting further input from the user. When in the "paused" state, a subsequent single tap from the user returns control to the "playing" state and resumes music playback at 1902. Additional state changes are accomplished with subsequent single taps to transition from "playing" to "paused" or vice versa as needed.

FIG. 20 illustrates a state diagram generally at 2000 for proximity sensor operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, a proximity sensor (e.g., 1618 in FIG. 16) is used to detect whether a user is wearing a head-worn device or if the user has removed the head-worn device (glasses). In one example, for purposes of illustration only and no limitation implied thereby, the logic for sensor operation proceeds as follows: If the output of the proximity sensor is "1", it means the user is wearing glasses 2002. If the output of the proximity sensor is "0", it means the user has removed glasses 2004.

The logic is configured to turn music playback "off" when the user removes the glasses from the user's head. For example, if the user is wearing the glasses 2002, music is "played" 2006 as controlled by any of the sensors described above that control the music playback function. If the user removes the glasses 2004, the proximity sensor outputs a "0" and if the "0" output continues for more than a predetermined time, the music is "stopped" and the system goes into a "paused" state 2008 for music playback. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined time required to stop music playback is five (5) seconds. If the user puts the glasses back on, the music is restored to the "playing" state 2006, in which case the output of the proximity sensor changes to a "1".

If the glasses are off the user's head for more than a predetermined time, the system powers down and enters an "off" state at 2010. In one or more embodiments, the predetermined time required to power down the system when the user is not wearing the glasses is 10 seconds or more. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above predetermined times are examples and that different predetermined times can be used in various embodiments. The times selected for the examples provided herein are not meant to be limiting.

21A-21D show the location of the touch sensor and multi-function button. Referring to FIG. 21A, an eyewear device is shown at 2102 in a rear perspective view. A multi-function button 2106 is shown located on the underside of the right temple 2108. A touch sensor area 2104 is shown located on the outer surface of the right temple 2108. Both the multi-function button 2106 and the touch sensor area 2104 provide functionality as described in conjunction with the figures above.

Referring to FIG. 21B, eyewear device 2252 is shown in a front perspective view at 2200 and in a side view at 2275. Multi-function button 2276 is shown located on the underside of right temple 2278 of eyewear device 2252. Touch sensor area 2254 is shown located on the outer surface of right temple 2278. Both multi-function button 2276 and touch sensor area 2254 provide functionality as described in conjunction with the figures above.

Referring to FIG. 21C, the eyewear device is shown at 2300 in a side view. The touch sensor area 2304 is shown as a rectangular area on the outside of the right temple 2378. It should also be noted that the touch sensor area 2304 may be provided in shapes other than rectangular. The rectangular 2304 shape is provided for illustration purposes only, with no limitations implied thereby. The user utilizes finger 2306 to slide forward or backward as described in conjunction with the previous figure above to control the volume, and initiates a tap as described above.

Referring to FIG. 21D, an eyewear device 2402 is shown in a side view at 2400. A multi-function button 2404 is shown located on the underside of the right temple 2478. A user utilizes a finger 2406 to press the button 2404 as described in conjunction with the previous figure above to control the functionality of the eyewear system of 2402.

It should also be noted that the multi-function button and/or touch sensor area may be located at other locations on the head-worn device, such as, for example, on the outer surface of the temple, the top surface of the temple, or on the left temple.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the multifunction button is located on the top surface of the right temple. In use, the user grasps the right temple with two fingers, one finger resting on the bottom surface of the temple and the other finger resting on the top surface of the temple. For example, in one scenario, the user places the right thumb on the underside of the right temple and the right middle finger on the top surface of the right temple, thereby grasping the right temple. The user can operate the multifunction button using the index finger of the right hand. The multifunction button so positioned is located behind the plane of the front frame, such that when the temple is grasped as described above, the button is aligned with and can be operated by the user's index finger.

In various embodiments, such a placement of the multi-function button makes it easier to operate when the user is operating the multi-function button while engaging in an activity such as riding a bicycle.

In some embodiments, a protrusion, indentation, or other shaped alignment mark is formed on the temple to serve as an alignment location for one or more of the user's fingers relative to the location of the multi-function button. Placing the multi-function button at a specified distance from the alignment location allows the user to quickly find the multi-function button when the glasses are on the user's head. In some embodiments, alignment is provided when the user grasps the temple with their thumb and middle finger at the junction of the temple and the front frame.

Although the multi-function button is shown located on the right temple, the multi-function button can also be located on the left temple of the eyewear device. A left-handed user may prefer to have the multi-function button and touch sensor located on the left temple, while a right-handed user may prefer to have the multi-function button and touch sensor located on the right temple. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may be configured in either button/temple configuration.

Posture Detection In various embodiments, the hardware architecture includes touch sensors and multi-axis motion sensors as described above. In some embodiments, a nine (9) axis motion sensor is used. The sensor data is used to detect various head postures. Once the head posture is detected, the system performs a corresponding action. In one example, when a call comes in, the user can nod in one direction, such as up or down, to answer the call. Similarly, shaking the head from left to right or right to left is interpreted by the system to reject the call. For example, when a call comes in, the user can answer the call by placing a finger on the touch sensor and nodding down. Or, the user can reject the call by placing a finger on the touch sensor and shaking their head.

In some embodiments, multi-axis sensors are used for user posture detection. In various embodiments, the sensors collect and pass accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer data to a system that processes the data using software algorithms running in a central processing unit (CPU), DSP, etc., as described in conjunction with the diagram above. In some embodiments, the sensors are configured using three orthogonal axes. To detect the user's head posture, the data is processed using one or more of the following: software algorithms, CPU, and DSP. In various embodiments, if the user's head is not in the proper position for a long period of time, an audio message is generated and broadcast to the user via a speaker. For example, such a message to the user allows the user to take corrective action and improve posture.

Audio Content As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the head-mounted device is used in combination with a mobile device to facilitate a call with a system configured on the head-mounted device (glasses device). Content such as music can be streamed to the head-mounted device via the mobile device. Content streams can also originate from the "cloud", i.e., the Internet, or a local network, and streamed to the head-mounted device. Additionally, local storage provided with the system (FIG. 16) or configured in the head-mounted device for use by the system (FIG. 16) can be used to provide a source of content to play to the user via speakers built into the head-mounted device. Thus, in various embodiments, content is played to the user via the head-mounted device in combination with the mobile device, or via a standalone arrangement of the head-mounted device without the use of a mobile device.

Answering a Call In various embodiments, a call can be answered using various methods. A call can be answered and/or ended by a voice interface that utilizes a local voice recognition system to answer the call using a control word such as "ANSWER" and end the call using a control word such as "GOODBYE". Alternatively, a call can be answered using one or more of physical sensors such as "touch sensors" and/or "buttons". Alternatively, a call can be answered by analyzing head posture using data output from an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc. It is noted that one or more of the above (i.e., voice recognition, sensor output, and posture identification) can be combined to answer a call. Similarly, one or more of the above can be combined to provide the user with audio content selection and/or playback via a system integrated into the head-worn device.

Commands and Control System Control - Utilizing a wake up word, e.g., waking up the system from a sleep state using a wake up word such as "SOLOS". Content Control - "Play running music", "Skip song", "Volume up", "Volume down", etc. Phone Control - e.g., "Call 'name'" (a phone number corresponding to the "name" can be selected, e.g., from Contacts), "Volume up", "Volume down". Information Control - e.g., "Browse the Internet", "Check the temperature", "Check the weather", "Navigation", etc. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention.

Magnetometer In various embodiments, a magnetometer is incorporated into the head-worn device. In some embodiments, the magnetometer is a three-axis magnetometer. The magnetometer in the head-worn device is used for navigation, thereby ascertaining the user's orientation relative to the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetometer attached to the head-worn device, when worn by the user, has a fixed pointing direction that aligns with the user's movements. Thus, the magnetometer output from the head-worn device provides a more useful signal than a magnetometer that may be incorporated into the user's mobile phone, since the user's mobile phone does not necessarily match the direction the user is pointing.

In various embodiments, for example, the magnetometer output is used within an application program that uses a map to display the user's orientation and rotates a digital map in response to changes in the user's north orientation.

Accelerometer In various embodiments, one or more accelerometers are provided in the head worn device, hi some embodiments, a three-axis accelerometer is provided.

Gyroscope In various embodiments, one or more gyroscopes are provided in the head worn device, hi some embodiments, a three-axis gyroscope is provided.

Batteries Housed in One or More Temples In various embodiments, one or more batteries provided to power the system are housed within the volume of one or more temples. The batteries are constructed with chemistries such as lithium ion or other battery chemistries, which support a long life span and allow many recharge cycles over the life of the battery. Several different sizes of temples can be provided for different applications depending on the expected power required by the head-worn device. For example, some sporting events may require six or more hours of "on" time for the system. In such cases, the larger temples house the longer-life batteries. The smaller volume temples house the smaller batteries that have a shorter effective time between charge cycles. The head-worn device is configured for various applications such as sporting activities, business applications, home use, and commercial use. Some non-limiting examples of sporting activities are, but are not limited to, biking, running, skiing, boating, hiking, etc.

Distribution of the system across the head-worn device In one or more embodiments, the electronic system of the head-worn device is distributed across the left temple, the front frame, and the right temple. In one or more embodiments, the left temple houses a battery, one or more microphones, and at least one speaker. The right temple houses a battery, system electronics, one or more microphones, and at least one speaker. In some embodiments, the electrical connections between the components of the system (temples and front frame) are provided in the form of removable connectors. In some embodiments, those connectors can be hinged.

It should be understood that for purposes of discussing and understanding different embodiments, those skilled in the art use various terms to describe techniques and approaches. Furthermore, in the description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth, thereby providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is apparent that those skilled in the art can practice the embodiments without these specific details. In some embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuration. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it should be understood that logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention by utilizing other embodiments.

Some portions of the description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits and the like within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm here is generally conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of acts leading to a desired result. These acts are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, primarily for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

However, it should be noted that all of these and similar terms are associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to those quantities. Unless otherwise stated, as will be apparent from the discussion, discussions using terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" throughout the description may refer to operations and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and converts data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

Any apparatus for performing the operations therein may embody the invention. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as any type of disk, including, but not limited to, floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magnetic disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), electrically programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, RAID, etc., or any type of media adapted for storage of electronic instructions, either locally or remotely from the computer.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required methods. For example, any of the methods according to the embodiments can be implemented by hardware circuits obtained by programming a general purpose processor, or any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiments can be practiced with other computer system configurations than those described, such as handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, digital signal processing (DSP) devices, set-top boxes, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks therein are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network.

The methods herein can be implemented using computer software. When written in a programming language conforming to a recognized standard, instruction sequences designed to implement those methods can be compiled to run on a variety of hardware platforms and interface with a variety of operating systems. Additionally, the embodiments are not described with reference to a particular programming language. It should be understood that a variety of programming languages can be used to implement the teachings of the embodiments described herein. Additionally, in the art, software in one form or another (e.g., programs, procedures, applications, drivers, etc.) is generally referred to as performing an action or causing a result. Such expressions are merely shorthand for a computer executing the software, thereby causing the computer's processor to perform an action or produce a result.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of terms and techniques are used to describe communications, protocols, applications, implementations, mechanisms, and the like. One such technique is to describe the implementation of a technique with an algorithm or formula. That is, a technique may be implemented, for example, as executing computer code, but the expression of the technique may be more appropriately and succinctly conveyed and communicated as a formula, algorithm, or formula. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the implementation in hardware and/or software of representing A+B=C as an additive function block takes two inputs (A and B) and produces a sum output (C). Thus, the use of a formula, algorithm, or formula as a description should be understood as having a physical expression, at least in hardware and/or software (e.g., a computer system, in which the techniques of the present invention may be implemented as embodiments).

It is understood that non-transitory machine-readable media includes any mechanism for storing information (such as program code) in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, machine-readable media that are synonymous with computer-readable media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, and flash memory devices, and exclude electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of information transmission via propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.).

As used in this description, "one embodiment" or "embodiment" or similar phrases means that the described feature is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. References in this description to "one embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. However, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Also, "one embodiment" does not imply a single embodiment of the invention. For example, features, configurations, acts, etc. described in "one embodiment" may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, the present invention may include various combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

While the present invention has been described in several embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the description should be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims (24)

1. A component for use in an eyewear device, comprising:
The eyewear device includes a frame chassis;
the component includes a first interchangeable temple, a second interchangeable temple, at least one embedded electronic system, and a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the at least one embedded electronic system;
the at least one embedded electronic system and the plurality of sensors are embedded in the first interchangeable temple or/and the second interchangeable temple;
the at least one embedded electronic system is configured for wireless communication and processing of sensor signals, and includes a processor and a voice wake-up chip used to detect a wake-up word;
the plurality of sensors includes a plurality of proximity sensors, a plurality of motion sensors, and a touch sensor;
the first interchangeable temple is attached to a frame chassis of the eyewear device via a hinge connector;
When the eyewear device is in an open orientation when worn, the hinge connector
Detecting an open state of the glasses device and turning it on;
when the first interchangeable temple is folded inward, the hinge connector in conjunction with signals received from one or more of the plurality of proximity sensors and the plurality of motion sensors disconnects the power source;
In a sleep mode, when the wake-up word is detected by the voice wake-up chip, the processor is powered up and transitions to a run state;
A component that activates or disables the voice wake-up chip upon a double tap performed by a user on the touch sensor. the processor is configured to receive outputs from the plurality of sensors and determine a system control parameter according to an output of at least one of the plurality of sensors;
2. The component of claim 1, wherein the processor extracts user head movement data from the plurality of sensors, the user head movement data being used by the system as a system control parameter. the at least one embedded electronic system further comprising a wireless communication system electrically connected to the processor;
3. The component of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to utilize the system control parameters to answer or reject calls received by the wireless communication system. The component includes a plurality of the first interchangeable temples and a plurality of the second interchangeable temples;
Each of the temples is configured to be removably coupled to the eyewear device;
each of the temples is configured with different electronics to provide different customized functions to the eyewear device by interchanging different temples;
The glasses device is equipped with a plurality of applications for various uses,
some of the first plurality of interchangeable temples or/and some of the second plurality of interchangeable temples have different sizes;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the temples having different sizes each house a battery with a different life span to suit multiple applications for the various uses. The first interchangeable temple or/and the second interchangeable temple are provided with at least one speaker electrically connected to the processor;
3. The component of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to use the system control parameters to control the at least one speaker for playing music. The component further includes a brow bar secured to the frame chassis;
the first interchangeable temple is attached to the frame chassis via the hinge connector;
the hinge connector is secured to the frame chassis and the brow bar;
An electrical pathway is routed within the volume of the brow bar;
The component of claim 1 , wherein the hinged connector transfers power and data to the second interchangeable temple through the brow bar. The plurality of sensors include
a sensor configured to measure acceleration along three mutually orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z;
a sensor configured for gyroscope output along three mutually orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z;
2. The component of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a sensor configured for magnetometer output along three mutually orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z. The first and/or second interchangeable temples are provided with a microphone electrically connected to the processor;
4. The component of claim 3, wherein the voice wake-up chip is configured to receive an audio signal from the microphone and transition the at least one embedded electronic system to a run state when the wake-up word is detected. The component of claim 8, wherein the voice wake-up chip is further configured to receive audio signals from the microphone and the processor for operating wireless audio communications between the glasses device and a remote device over the wireless communication system when a command is identified by the voice wake-up chip. 10. The component of claim 8, wherein the voice wake-up chip is configured to receive an audio signal from the microphone for operating a content control when a command is identified by the voice wake-up chip . 10. The component of claim 8, wherein the voice wake-up chip is configured to receive an audio signal from the microphone for operating an information control when a command is identified by the voice wake-up chip . 1. A component for use in an eyewear device, comprising:
The eyewear device includes a frame chassis;
The component comprises:
With multiple templates,
A plurality of temple insertion modules;
At least one embedded electronic system configured for wireless communication and processing of sensor signals, the embedded electronic system being integrated into the temple insertion module;
a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the embedded electronic system;
Each of the temple insertion modules is detachably connected to an engagement portion of each of the temples;
the plurality of sensors are incorporated into the temple insertion module and/or the plurality of temples;
The embedded electronic system further includes a processor and a voice wake-up chip used to detect a wake-up word;
the processor is configured to receive outputs from the plurality of sensors and determine a system control parameter according to an output of at least one of the plurality of sensors;
the plurality of sensors includes a plurality of proximity sensors, a plurality of motion sensors, and a touch sensor;
a first interchangeable temple of the plurality of temples attached to a frame chassis of the eyewear device via a hinge connector;
When the eyewear device is in an open orientation when worn, the hinge connector
Detecting an open state of the glasses device and turning it on;
when the first interchangeable temple is folded inward, the hinge connector in conjunction with signals received from one or more of the plurality of proximity sensors and the plurality of motion sensors disconnects the power source;
In a sleep mode, when the wake-up word is detected by the voice wake-up chip, the processor is powered up and transitions to a run state;
A component characterized in that a double tap performed by a user on the touch sensor activates or disables the voice wake-up chip. The component further includes a multifunction button provided on the temple or the frame/chassis, and the embedded electronic system further includes a wireless communication system electrically connected to the processor;
the processor is configured to receive a signal from the multi-function button;
the processor is configured to determine a length of time the multi-function button is pressed by a user;
The amount of time is determined by the processor:
a.) pairing a mobile device;
b.) unpairing your mobile device;
c.) controlling a micro display assembly and/or a speaker on said temple to play content;
d.) selecting the next song to be played by said speaker;
e.) making a call using a wireless connection between the glasses device and the mobile device via the wireless communication system;
f.) answering a call received by said wireless communication system; and g.) rejecting a call received by said wireless communication system;
The component of claim 12 , wherein alignment marks are formed on the temple to serve as alignment positions for one or more fingers of a user relative to the position of the multi-function button. the plurality of sensors further includes a touch sensor, and the embedded electronic system further includes a wireless communication system electrically connected to the processor;
the processor is configured to receive a signal from the touch sensor;
the processor is configured to process a tap input from a user onto a touch sensitive surface or a slide input from the user onto the touch sensitive surface;
the processor is configured to initiate one or more tap actions after receiving a tap input;
The tap action is
a.) controlling a micro display assembly and/or a speaker on said temple to play content;
b.) controlling the micro-display assembly and/or the speaker to pause content playback; and c.) voice-controlled audio input via a microphone in the temple;
The processor is configured to initiate one or more of the following slide actions after receiving a slide input from a user:
The sliding action is
d.) answering a call received by said wireless communication system;
e.) rejecting a call received by said wireless communication system;
13. The component of claim 12, further comprising: f.) decreasing a volume of the speaker; and g.) increasing a volume of the speaker. The component of claim 14, wherein the tap input that switches between playing the content and pausing the content is a single tap input. The component of claim 14, wherein the tap input that initiates the voice control is a double tap input. The component of claim 14, wherein a first slide input provides an incremental change in volume. The component of claim 17, characterized in that a second slide input produces a continuous change in volume, and the length of the slide path of the first slide input is shorter than the length of the slide path of the second slide input. the processor is configured to determine a presence of a user via an output of the proximity sensor and to perform an action;
The action is:
a.) when the user removes the glasses device from the user's head, controlling a micro display assembly and/or a speaker provided on the temple to pause playback of content;
b.) controlling the micro-display assembly and/or the speaker to resume playback of the content when the user places the glasses device back on the user's head;
13. The component of claim 12, further comprising: c.) controlling the micro-display assembly and/or the speaker to turn off playback of the content when the glasses device is away from the user's head and a first predetermined time has elapsed; and d.) powering off the glasses device when the glasses device is away from the user's head and a second predetermined time has elapsed. 1. A method for providing information to a user via an eyewear device, comprising:
When the eyeglass device is placed in an open orientation during wearing, detecting the open state of the eyeglass device by a hinge connector of a first interchangeable temple of the eyeglass device and powering it on;
and disconnecting the power source by the hinge connector in conjunction with signals received from one or more of a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of motion sensors provided on the eyewear device when a first interchangeable temple of the eyewear device is folded inward;
The method comprises:
In a sleep mode, when a wake-up word is detected by a voice wake-up chip provided in the glasses device, a processor of the glasses device is powered up and transitions to a run state;
and activating or disabling the voice wake-up chip by a double tap performed by a user on a touch sensor provided on the eyewear device. receiving, at a processor included in a temple insertion module, outputs from a plurality of sensors provided on the eyewear device;
determining a system control parameter using at least one output from the plurality of sensors;
and using the system control parameters to control at least one function of the eyewear device.
the temple insertion module is included within a temple of the eyewear device;
the plurality of sensors are configured using the glasses device;
one of the plurality of sensors is a button, and the processor is configured to associate a length of time the button is pressed by a user with a system action;
The system action is:
Pairing with mobile devices,
Unpair from your mobile device,
Reproducing content through a micro display assembly and/or a speaker provided in the eyeglass device;
Selecting the next song to be played by the speaker;
making a call using a wireless connection between the glasses device and the mobile device via a wireless communication system provided in the glasses device;
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising one or more of: answering a call received by the wireless communication system; and rejecting a call received by the wireless communication system. one of the plurality of sensors is a touch sensor, and the processor is configured to receive a signal from the touch sensor;
the processor is configured to process a tap input from a user onto a touch sensitive surface or a slide input from the user onto the touch sensitive surface;
the processor is configured to initiate one or more tap actions after receiving a tap input;
The tap action is
Pairing with a mobile device
and unpairing the mobile device from the mobile device. the processor is configured to initiate one or more slide actions after receiving a slide input on the touch sensitive surface;
The sliding action is
answering a call received by said wireless communication system;
rejecting a call received by said wireless communication system;
23. The method of claim 22, comprising: decreasing a volume of an audio broadcast from the eyewear device; and increasing a volume of an audio broadcast from the eyewear device. one of the plurality of sensors is a proximity sensor;
the processor is configured to receive a signal from the proximity sensor, determine a user presence using the signal, and perform an action;
The action is:
controlling the micro-display assembly and/or speaker to pause content playback when the user removes the eyewear device from the user's head;
controlling the micro-display assembly and/or the speaker to resume playing the content when the user places the glasses device back on the user's head;
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: controlling the micro-display assembly and/or the speaker to turn off playback of the content when the glasses device remains away from the user's head for a first predetermined time; and powering off the glasses device when the glasses device remains away from the user's head for a second predetermined time.