Patents by Inventor Phil M. HOBSON

Phil M. HOBSON has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240103301
    Abstract: A head-mounted display may include a display system and an optical system in a housing. The display system may have displays that produce images. Positioners may be used to move the displays relative to the eye positions of a user's eyes. An adjustable optical system may include tunable lenses such as tunable cylindrical liquid crystal lenses. The displays may be viewed through the lenses when the user's eyes are at the eye positions. A sensor may be incorporated into the head-mounted display to measure refractive errors in the user's eyes. The sensor may include waveguides and volume holograms, and a camera for gathering light that has reflected from the retinas of the user's eyes. Viewing comfort may be enhanced by adjusting display positions relative to the eye positions and/or by adjusting lens settings based on the content being presented on the display and/or measured refractive errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Victoria C. Chan, Christina G. Gambacorta, Graham B. Myhre, Hyungryul Choi, Nan Zhu, Phil M. Hobson, William W. Sprague, Edward A. Valko, Qiong Huang, Branko Petljanski, Paul V. Johnson, Brandon E. Clarke, Elijah H. Kleeman
  • Publication number: 20240027778
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing. The housing may include a chassis with left and right openings that overlap respective left and right optical modules that present images eye boxes. Each optical module may have a lens and display that presents an image through the lens. The chassis may have an inner frame and outer frame. A middle portion of the chassis may form a stiffened nose bridge structure. Components in the housing such as a display, a fan housing, a heat sink layer, optical module guide rods, and a rear cover may span the width of the housing and may be attached to edge portions of the chassis, thereby forming a box-shaped structure that provides rigidity and helps prevent housing deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Brian Baillargeon, Evan D. Christensen, Jason C. Sauers, Jia Tao, Phil M. Hobson, Sivesh Selvakumar
  • Patent number: 11874530
    Abstract: A head-mounted display may include a display system and an optical system in a housing. The display system may have displays that produce images. Positioners may be used to move the displays relative to the eye positions of a user's eyes. An adjustable optical system may include tunable lenses such as tunable cylindrical liquid crystal lenses. The displays may be viewed through the lenses when the user's eyes are at the eye positions. A sensor may be incorporated into the head-mounted display to measure refractive errors in the user's eyes. The sensor may include waveguides and volume holograms, and a camera for gathering light that has reflected from the retinas of the user's eyes. Viewing comfort may be enhanced by adjusting display positions relative to the eye positions and/or by adjusting lens settings based on the content being presented on the display and/or measured refractive errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria C. Chan, Christina G. Gambacorta, Graham B. Myhre, Hyungryul Choi, Nan Zhu, Phil M. Hobson, William W. Sprague, Edward A. Valko, Qiong Huang, Branko Petljanski, Paul V. Johnson, Brandon E. Clarke, Elijah H. Kleeman
  • Publication number: 20230400697
    Abstract: A head-mounted display includes a housing. A support member is connected to the housing. A sensor is located on a front surface of the support member and is configured to measure a characteristic of a user. A compressible material is configured to be compressed against the front surface of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Jason C. Sauers, Phil M. Hobson, Edward S. Huo, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Publication number: 20230400704
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a first device portion and a second device portion. A first coupler portion of the first device portion is connectable to a second coupler portion of the second device portion to define a connected position in which the first device portion is connected to the second device portion and a disconnected position in which the first device portion is disconnected from the second device portion. A second adjuster portion of the second device portion causes a first adjuster portion of the first device portion to move a first optical module and a second optical module in response to movement of the first device portion and the second device portion from the disconnected position to the connected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Anna V. Mirabella, Wey-Jiun Lin, Jia Tao, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Anthony S. Montevirgen, Andrew Gallaher, Phil M. Hobson, Yoonhoo Jo
  • Patent number: 11815693
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a head-mounted housing. The housing may include a chassis with left and right openings that overlap respective left and right optical modules that present images eye boxes. Each optical module may have a lens and display that presents an image through the lens. The chassis may have an inner frame and outer frame. A middle portion of the chassis may form a stiffened nose bridge structure. Components in the housing such as a display, a fan housing, a heat sink layer, optical module guide rods, and a rear cover may span the width of the housing and may be attached to edge portions of the chassis, thereby forming a box-shaped structure that provides rigidity and helps prevent housing deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Brian Baillargeon, Evan D. Christensen, Jason C. Sauers, Jia Tao, Phil M. Hobson, Sivesh Selvakumar
  • Publication number: 20230363123
    Abstract: A head-mounted device can effectively manage heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception thereof. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel can provide multiple sections with different profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel. Each of the profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions can generate tonal noises at different frequencies, so that the tonal noises generated are distributed across multiple frequencies to mask such tonal noises among broadband noises that are generated by the head-mounted device. Such a support member can be moveably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head-mounted device. Such a support member can also be used to draw heat away from other components of the head-mounted device to be dissipated by the flow of air within the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ivan S. MARIC, Aidan N. ZIMMERMAN, Phil M. HOBSON, Jonathan C. ATLER, Arash NAGHIB LAHOUTI, Jesse T. DYBENKO
  • Patent number: 11782288
    Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a first device portion and a second device portion. A first coupler portion of the first device portion is connectable to a second coupler portion of the second device portion to define a connected position in which the first device portion is connected to the second device portion and a disconnected position in which the first device portion is disconnected from the second device portion. A second adjuster portion of the second device portion causes a first adjuster portion of the first device portion to move a first optical module and a second optical module in response to movement of the first device portion and the second device portion from the disconnected position to the connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Anna V. Mirabella, Wey-Jiun Lin, Jia Tao, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Anthony S. Montevirgen, Andrew Gallaher, Phil M. Hobson, Yoonhoo Jo
  • Publication number: 20230314820
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a display with first and second pixel arrays that display content for a user. A head-mounted support structure in the device supports the pixel arrays on the head of the user. A left positioner may be used to position a left lens module that includes a left lens and the first pixel array. A right positioner may be used to position a right lens module that includes a right lens and the second pixel array. Sensing circuitry such as proximity sensing circuitry may be used to detect relative positions between the left and right lens modules and facing surfaces of a user's nose while the user is wearing the head-mounted support structure. Control circuitry may adjust the positions of the left and right lens modules using interpupillary distance information for the user and using information from the sensing circuitry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Jia Tao, Phil M. Hobson, Stephen E. Dey
  • Patent number: 11772354
    Abstract: A glass fastening system includes a glass portion, a support structure defining a recess, a first adhesive layer disposed on an exterior surface of the glass portion facing the recess in the support structure, a second adhesive layer disposed within the recess of the support structure, and a fastener having a first portion secured to the first adhesive layer and a second portion extending away from the first portion and into the second adhesive layer to secure the glass portion to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: David E. Kingman, Derek C. Scott, Donald R. Monroe, Phil M. Hobson, Juan A. Lazaro, Ibuki Kamei, John Raff, Stephen B. Lynch, Albert J. Golko, Christopher D. Prest, Dale N. Memering, James A. Yurko, Christopher D. Jones
  • Patent number: 11774768
    Abstract: A head-mounted display to be worn by a user includes a housing, a compressible material, and a support member. The compressible material is connected to the housing and is configured for contact with the user. The support member is disposed in the compressible material. The support member is movably connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jason C. Sauers, Phil M. Hobson, Edward S. Huo, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Publication number: 20230296893
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may be provided with displays. The displays and lenses through which images on the displays are viewed may be mounted in optical modules. Positioners may be used to move the optical modules towards and away from each other to adjust the head-mounted device to accommodate different user interpupillary distances. To support and guide the optical modules, the optical modules may be slidably mounted to guide rails. The guide rails may be biased against the optical modules using biasing systems. By using the biasing systems, misalignment between the optical modules can be reduced. If desired, guide rail sensors may be used to monitor the positions of the guide rails. In some configurations, the optical modules may be mounted to the guide rails using kinematic mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Jason C. Sauers, Jia Tao, John S. Camp, Phil M. Hobson, Jacob L. Smith, Evan D. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11758702
    Abstract: A head-mounted device can effectively manage heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception thereof. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel can provide multiple sections with different profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel. Each of the profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions can generate tonal noises at different frequencies, so that the tonal noises generated are distributed across multiple frequencies to mask such tonal noises among broadband noises that are generated by the head-mounted device. Such a support member can be moveably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head-mounted device. Such a support member can also be used to draw heat away from other components of the head-mounted device to be dissipated by the flow of air within the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan S. Marić, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Phil M. Hobson, Jonathan C. Atler, Arash Naghib Lahouti, Jesse T. Dybenko
  • Patent number: 11726338
    Abstract: A head-mounted device may have a display with first and second pixel arrays that display content for a user. A head-mounted support structure in the device supports the pixel arrays on the head of the user. A left positioner may be used to position a left lens module that includes a left lens and the first pixel array. A right positioner may be used to position a right lens module that includes a right lens and the second pixel array. Sensing circuitry such as proximity sensing circuitry may be used to detect relative positions between the left and right lens modules and facing surfaces of a user's nose while the user is wearing the head-mounted support structure. Control circuitry may adjust the positions of the left and right lens modules using interpupillary distance information for the user and using information from the sensing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Jia Tao, Phil M. Hobson, Stephen E. Dey
  • Patent number: 11716829
    Abstract: A head-mountable device can provide a cooling module that effectively manages heat while also minimizing noise, vibration, leakage, power consumption, size, and weight. To dissipate heat, the cooling module with a fan can be operated to move air through a chamber within the head-mountable device. An integrated heat sink can provide heat dissipation properties by drawing heat away from heat-generating components and into the chamber. The integrated heat sink can include a base plate that defines at least a portion of the chamber in which the blades of the fan are positioned. The integrated heat sink can further include fins between the chamber and an outlet. The fins can be integrated with the base plate to maximize heat dissipation and reduce the number of interfaces between separate parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng P. Tan, Sivesh Selvakumar, Jesse T. Dybenko, Enoch Mylabathula, Jason C. Sauers, Phil M. Hobson, Laura M. Campo, Dragos Moroianu
  • Publication number: 20220394889
    Abstract: A head-mounted device can effectively manage heat while also managing noise output in a manner that reduces the user's perception thereof. For example, a support member extending across a flow channel can provide multiple sections with different profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions within the flow channel. Each of the profiles and/or cross-sectional dimensions can generate tonal noises at different frequencies, so that the tonal noises generated are distributed across multiple frequencies to mask such tonal noises among broadband noises that are generated by the head-mounted device. Such a support member can be moveably positioned within the flow channel and rigidly coupled to other components of the head-mounted device. Such a support member can also be used to draw heat away from other components of the head-mounted device to be dissipated by the flow of air within the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Aidan N. Zimmerman, Phil M. Hobson, Jonathan C. Atler, Arash Naghib Lahouti, Jesse T. Dybenko
  • Patent number: 11360317
    Abstract: A wearable display system includes a housing, a display module positioned within the housing and including a lens and a display panel, and a seal extending between the housing and the display module. The seal is configured to allow relative movement between the lens and the display panel to adjust focus of the display panel. In one aspect, the seal includes first and second segments with generally linear configurations and a third segment with an arcuate configuration that is positioned between the first and second segments. In another aspect, the seal includes a first portion with an arcuate configuration and a second portion with a linear configuration and a bellows portion. In another aspect, the seal includes corrugations to facilitate controlled deformation of the seal during relative movement of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Onur I. Ilkorur, Jia Tao, Kuldeep P. Lonkar, Stephen E. Dey, Phil M. Hobson, Jeremy C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 11340670
    Abstract: A display system, such as a wearable display device, includes a system housing including a cavity having a linear axis extending generally in parallel with first and second side walls enclosing the cavity and a display stack enclosed within the cavity and movable along the linear axis. The display stack includes a display panel and a support chassis configured to support a first side of the display panel and thermally couple the display panel to the first side wall to facilitate heat transfer from the display panel, across the support chassis, and to the system housing The display stack includes a heat sink configured for support by a second side of the display panel and to thermally couple the display panel to the second side wall to facilitate heat transfer from the display panel, across the heat sink, and to the system housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan S. Maric, Phil M. Hobson, Laura M. Campo, Sivesh Selvakumar, Jeffrey C. Olson
  • Patent number: 11218824
    Abstract: A head-mounted device can effectively manage heat while also managing noise output levels in a manner that preserves the user's desired experience with the head-mounted device. The head-mounted device can manage sound levels of a cooling system based on detected a sound level of ambient noise in a vicinity of the head-mounted device. For example, the head-mounted device can operate a fan at a speed that produces noise at a sound level that is low enough to be masked by the ambient noise perceived by the user. By further example, the sound level of a cooling system can be based on a sound level of a speaker of the head-mounted device providing audio to the user. By further example, other operational parameters of a cooling system can be controlled to manage noise at a sound level that is sufficiently low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Edward S. Huo, Trevor J. Ness, Sivesh Selvakumar, Anna V. Mirabella, Phil M. Hobson
  • Patent number: 11175503
    Abstract: A head-mounted display may include a display system and a lens system in a housing. The head-mounted display may include control circuitry that operates the head-mounted display in an active use mode and a protected mode. In the protected mode, the display system may be protected from collisions with the lens system. Placing the head-mounted display in the protected mode may include using an actuator to increase the distance between the display system and the lens system, may include injecting fluid between the display system and the lens system, and/or may include deploying a protective layer between the display system and the lens system. The control circuitry may determine whether to operate the head-mounted display in protected mode or active use mode based on sensor data, on/off status information, location information, and/or other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Franklin, Stephen E. Dey, Phil M. Hobson, Wey-Jiun Lin, Ivan S. Maric, Andreas G. Weber