Two weeks ago, the European Patent Office published a patent application from Apple that relates to Apple Vision Pro. More specifically, the patent covers optical modules being supported by guide rails to adjust the head-mounted device to accommodate different user interpupillary distances.

Apple's patent covers A head-mounted device may be provided with displays. Lenses may be provided to allow a user to view images on the displays. A left optical module may be provided that includes a left display and left lens and a right optical module may be provided that includes a right display and right lens.

To support and guide the optical modules, the optical modules may be slidably mounted to guide rails. Positioners may be used to move the optical modules towards and away from each other along the guide rails to adjust the head-mounted device to accommodate different user interpupillary distances.

Each optical module may have portions configured to form openings or other structures that receive the guide rails. The openings may be, for example, cylindrical openings for receiving cylindrical guide rails. The guide rails may be biased against the surfaces of the cylindrical openings and/or other portions of the optical modules using springs or other biasing systems. By using the biasing systems, misalignment between the optical modules can be maintained within desired limits, while permitting the optical modules to slide along the guide rails during interpupillary distance adjustments.

If desired, guide rail sensors may be used to monitor the positions of the guide rails. In some configurations, the optical modules may be coupled to the guide rails using kinematic mounts.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 below is a top view of an illustrative electronic device (HMD / Apple Vision Pro); FIG. 4 is a rear view of illustrative electronic device with optical module guide rails; FIG. 5 is a side view of an illustrative optical module with guide rails; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative guide rail sensor based on a strain gauge.

Apple's patent FIG. 7 below is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative guide rail biasing mechanism; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a kinematic guide rail mounting system.

For engineers seeking to review the patent's finer details, review Apple's European patent application number EP4204890: