A head-wearable device includes a center support extending in generally lateral directions, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device may further include a nosebridge that is removably coupled to the center frame support. The device may also include a lens assembly that is removably coupled to the center support or the nosebridge. The lens assembly may have a single lens, or a multi-lens arrangement configured to cooperate with display to correct for a user's ocular disease or disorder.
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1. A head-wearable device, comprising:
a center frame support;
a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support;
a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support;
a nosebridge attached to the center frame support;
at least one lens removably coupled to the nosebridge; and
a display element attached to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm and positionable adjacent the lens.
24. A sleeve configured to removably attach to a display element of a head-wearable device, the sleeve comprising:
a first lens;
a second lens, the second lens configured to provide vision correction according to a prescription that is inverse of the first lens;
a pair of support surfaces configured to secure the first lens at a fixed distance from the second lens forming an opening therebetween, the opening configured to receive a display element of a head-wearable device.
22. A head-wearable device kit, comprising:
a center frame support;
a nosebridge removably affixable to the center frame support;
a first side arm configured to extend from a first end of the center frame support;
a second side arm configured to extend from a second end of the center support;
a display element attachable to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm; and
at least one lens configured for removable attachment with the head-wearable device in a position adjacent the display element, wherein the at least one lens is configured to attach to the nosebridge.
23. A head-wearable device kit, comprising:
a center frame support;
a nosebridge affixable to the center support and having a plurality of bridge arms;
a first side arm configured to extend from a first end of the center frame support;
a second side arm configured to extend from a second end of the center support;
a display element attachable to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm; and
at least one lens configured for removable attachment with the head-wearable device in a position adjacent the display element, wherein the at least one lens is configured to attach to one of the plurality of bridge arms.
16. A head-wearable device, comprising:
a center frame support;
a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support;
a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support;
a nosebridge attached to the center frame support;
a display element, having first and second opposed sides, and a third side attached to at least one of the first side arm and the second side arm;
a first lens positioned adjacent the first side of the display element;
a second lens positioned adjacent the second side of the display element; and
a third lens positioned adjacent one of the first lens and the second lens,
wherein the first lens and the second lens are coupled together and form an opening sized to receive the display element, the first and second lenses being removable from the display element.
3. The device of
4. The device of
6. The device of
7. The device of
8. The device of
9. The device of
10. The device of
an extension arm configured to present information to the user via the display element, the extension arm extending at least partially along the first side arm on a first side of the center frame support and further extending from the first side arm to a display end that supports the display element in a position on a second side of the center support, the extension arm including a joint therein configured for movement of the display element at least in a direction having a lateral component relative to the center frame support.
11. The device of
12. The device of
13. The device of
14. The device of
the asymmetric U shape provides multiple points of contact for the user's head; and
the enlarge end of the first side arm provides a balancing weight relative to the extension arm.
15. The device of
17. The device of
18. The device of
19. The device of
20. The device of
21. The device of
25. The sleeve of
26. The sleeve of
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Personal video or image displays are devices that are used to display an image received from a source for viewing by a single user. Such devices can be in the form of head-mounted displays that are worn on the head of a user and include one or more image sources over or in front of the user's eyes. Head-mounted displays can include an image source positioned adjacent and associated with each eye of the user or wearer and can be configured to present the same image, viewable as a single two-dimensional image. Alternatively, some such devices can be configured to present different stereoscopic images that are interpreted by the viewer as a single three-dimensional image. Regardless of the type of image presented to the user, such devices are usually blacked-out. That is, they almost entirely obstruct the wearer's vision outside of the screen or other image source included therein so that the user can see nothing but the image presented by the device's display system.
Other personal image displays can be what is referred to as a heads-up display, wherein the image is displayed on, in, or through a transparent display that superimpose the displayed image over a view of the surrounding environment. These allow the user to view the image presented by the display simultaneously with their surroundings. Such devices, however, can have many limitations, including in their fit and comfort to their wearers as well as limited functionality.
Both head-mounted and heads-up displays can be connected to a video source that receives a video signal that the device can read and convert into the image that they present to the user. The video source can be received from a portable device such as a video player, a portable media player or computers. Some such display devices are also configured to receive sound signals, which are delivered to the user typically through incorporated headphones. The functionality of these types of displays is, however, limited to passive actions wherein the display simply receives information from an external source and presents it to the wearer in limited forms. Additionally, some displays may not be easily configured for persons with ocular diseases or disorders, such as those persons who require corrective lenses. In these instances, some displays may not cooperate with such corrective lenses, thereby causing a person to wear the display without the benefit of their corrective lenses. In this scenario, the person may have difficulty resolving the images being presented by the displays.
An aspect of the disclosure relates to a head-wearable device including a center frame support, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support, and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device may further include a nosebridge including a crosspiece, with the crosspiece being removably coupled to the center frame support. At least one lens may be attached to the crosspiece, and the device may further include a display element attached to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm. The display element may be positionable adjacent the at least one lens.
In an example, the center frame support may include a connection section, and the crosspiece of the nosebridge may be removably coupled to the connection section of the center frame support. In another example, the nosebridge may further include a pair of nose pads. In yet another example, the at least one lens may be positionable between the display element and an eye of a user when the device is worn on the user's head.
Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a head-wearable device including a center frame support, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support, and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device may further include a nosebridge attached to the center frame support, and at least one lens removably coupled to the nosebridge. The device may further include a display element attached to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm and positionable adjacent the lens.
In one example, the nosebridge may further include a pair of bridge arms. In another example, the at least one lens may include a clip configured to engage with at least one of the bridge arms. In another example, the at least one lens may include two lenses, with each of the two lenses having a clip configured to engage with a respective one of the pair of the bridge arms. The clips may be configured to engage with interior surfaces of the bridge arms, or the clips may be configured to engage with exterior surfaces of the bridge arms.
Another aspect of the disclosure relates to head-wearable device including a center frame support, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support, and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device may further include a nosebridge attached to the center frame support, and a display element, having first and second opposed sides, attached to at least one of the first side arm and the second side arm. A first lens may be positioned adjacent the first side of the display element, and a second lens may be positioned adjacent the second side of the display element. A third lens may be positioned adjacent one of the first lens and second lens.
Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a head-wearable device kit, including a center frame support, a first side arm configured to extend from a first end of the center frame support, and a second side arm configured to extend from a second end of the center support. The kit may further include a display element attachable to at least one of the first side arm or the second side arm. The kit may further include at least one lens configured for removable attachment with the head-wearable device in a position adjacent the display element.
In one example, the kit may include a nosebridge removably affixable to the center frame support, and the at least one lens may be configured to attach to the nosebridge. In another example, the kit may include a nosebridge affixable to the center support and having a plurality of bridge arms, and the at least one lens may be configured to attach to one of the plurality of bridge arms.
Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a sleeve configured to removably attach to a display element of a head-wearable device. The sleeve may include a first lens and a second lens. The second lens may be configured to provide vision correction according to a prescription that is inverse of the first lens. The sleeve may further include a pair of support surfaces configured to secure the first lens at a fixed distance from the second lens forming an opening therebetween. The opening may be configured to receive a display element of a head-wearable device.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawing figures.
Each of the frame elements 104, 106, and 108 and the extending side-arms 114, 116 may be formed of a solid structure of plastic and/or metal, or may be formed of a hollow structure of similar material so as to allow wiring and component interconnects to be internally routed through the head-mounted device 102. Other materials may be possible as well.
One or more of each of the lens elements 110, 112 may be formed of any material that can suitably display a projected image or graphic. Each of the lens elements 110, 112 may also be sufficiently transparent to allow a user to see through the lens element. Combining these two features of the lens elements may facilitate an augmented reality or heads-up display where the projected image or graphic is superimposed over a real-world view as perceived by the user through the lens elements.
The extending side-arms 114, 116 may each be projections that extend away from the lens-frames 104, 106, respectively, and may be positioned behind a user's ears to secure the head-mounted device 102 to the user. The extending side-arms 114, 116 may further secure the head-mounted device 102 to the user by extending around a rear portion of the user's head. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the system 100 may connect to or be affixed within a head-mounted helmet structure. Other possibilities exist as well.
The system 100 may also include an on-board computing system 118, a video camera 120, a sensor 122, and a finger-operable touch pad 124. The on-board computing system 118 is shown to be positioned on the extending side-arm 114 of the head-mounted device 102; however, the on-board computing system 118 may be provided on other parts of the head-mounted device 102 or may be positioned remote from the head-mounted device 102 (e.g., the on-board computing system 118 could be wire- or wirelessly-connected to the head-mounted device 102). The on-board computing system 118 may include a processor and memory, for example. The on-board computing system 118 may be configured to receive and analyze data from the video camera 120 and the finger-operable touch pad 124 (and possibly from other sensory devices, user interfaces, or both) and generate images for output by the lens elements 110 and 112.
The video camera 120 is shown positioned on the extending side-arm 114 of the head-mounted device 102; however, the video camera 120 may be provided on other parts of the head-mounted device 102. The video camera 120 may be configured to capture images at various resolutions or at different frame rates. Many video cameras with a small form-factor, such as those used in cell phones or webcams, for example, may be incorporated into an example of the system 100.
Further, although
The sensor 122 is shown on the extending side-arm 116 of the head-mounted device 102; however, the sensor 122 may be positioned on other parts of the head-mounted device 102. The sensor 122 may include one or more of a gyroscope or an accelerometer, for example. Other sensing devices may be included within, or in addition to, the sensor 122 or other sensing functions may be performed by the sensor 122.
The finger-operable touch pad 124 is shown on the extending side-arm 114 of the head-mounted device 102. However, the finger-operable touch pad 124 may be positioned on other parts of the head-mounted device 102. Also, more than one finger-operable touch pad may be present on the head-mounted device 102. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be used by a user to input commands. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may sense at least one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitive sensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, among other possibilities. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be capable of sensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to the pad surface, in a direction normal to the pad surface, or both, and may also be capable of sensing a level of pressure applied to the pad surface. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be formed of one or more translucent or transparent insulating layers and one or more translucent or transparent conducting layers. Edges of the finger-operable touch pad 124 may be formed to have a raised, indented, or roughened 20 surface, so as to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user's finger reaches the edge, or other area, of the finger-operable touch pad 124. If more than one finger-operable touch pad is present, each finger-operable touch pad may be operated independently, and may provide a different function.
The lens elements 110, 112 may act as a combiner in a light projection system and may include a coating that reflects the light projected onto them from the projectors 128, 132. In some embodiments, a reflective coating may not be used (e.g., when the projectors 128, 132 are scanning laser devices).
In alternative embodiments, other types of display elements may also be used. For example, the lens elements 110, 112 themselves may include: a transparent or semi-transparent matrix display, such as an electroluminescent display or a liquid crystal display, one or more waveguides for delivering an image to the user's eyes, or other optical elements capable of delivering an in focus near-to-eye image to the user. A corresponding display driver may be disposed within the frame elements 104, 106 for driving such a matrix display. Alternatively or additionally, a laser or LED source and scanning system could be used to draw a raster display directly onto the retina of one or more of the user's eyes. Other possibilities exist as well.
As shown in
The wearable computing device 222 may include a single lens element 230 that may be coupled to one of the side-arms 223 or the center frame support 224. The lens element 230 may include a display such as the display described with reference to
Thus, the device 310 may include a display system 312 comprising a processor 314 and a display 316. The display 310 may be, for example, an optical see-through display, an optical see-around display, or a video see-through display. The processor 314 may receive data from the remote device 330, and configure the data for display on the display 316. The processor 314 may be any type of processor, such as a micro-processor or a digital signal processor, for example.
The device 310 may further include on-board data storage, such as memory 318 coupled to the processor 314. The memory 318 may store software that can be accessed and executed by the processor 314, for example.
The remote device 330 may be any type of computing device or transmitter including a laptop computer, a mobile telephone, or tablet computing device, etc., that is configured to transmit data to the device 310. The remote device 330 and the device 310 may contain hardware to enable the communication link 320, such as processors, transmitters, receivers, antennas, etc.
In
Band 412 is shown in
Bridge arms 422 can include respective pads 424 thereon, which can be positioned to rest on parts of the nose of the wearer. Pads 424 can be made of a material that is softer than arms 422 for purposes of comfort. Additionally, the material that pads 424 are made from can be flexible or have a texture that prevents slippage along the surface of the user's nose. Bridge arms 422 can be flexible to further provide a comfortable fit and or grip on the user's nose. Further, bridge arms 422 can be bendable and repositionable so that the position of pads 424 can be changed to best fit the user. This can include movement closer together or farther apart or fore and aft relative to central portion 430, which can adjust the height of central portion 430 and, accordingly, the position of extension arm 414 and its display 454 relative to the user's eye.
Further adjustment of display and other structures thereof can be similar to those in the embodiments described above, as can the structures used to affix extension arm 414 to band 412. In other embodiments, structures similar to arms and pads can be integrally formed with central portion 430 and can be structured such that larger or smaller areas of the nosebridge 420 contact the nose of the user, compared to the embodiment shown. Accordingly, device 410 can be worn on a user's head such that nosepiece 420 can rest on the user's nose with side arms 440A,440B extending over respective temples of the user and over adjacent ears. The device 420 can be configured, such as by adjustment of bridge arms 422 or other adjustments discussed below, such that display element 454 is appropriately positioned in view of one of the user's eyes. In one position, device 410 can be positioned on the user's head, with bridge arms 422 being adjusted to position display 454 in a location within the user's field of view, but such that the user must direct her eyes upward to fully view the image on the display.
Side arms 440A,440B can be configured to contact the head of the user along respective temples or in the area of respective ears of the user. Side arms 440A,440B include respective free ends 444 opposite central portion 430. Free ends 444 can be positioned to be located near the ear of a user when wearing device 410. As shown in
Enlarged free end 444A can be configured and positioned to provide a balancing weight to that of extension arm 414. Extension arm 414 is positioned forward of the user's ear, which can cause a portion of its weight to be supported over the brow of the user. By adding weight behind the user's ear (or shifting weight to behind the user's ear) in the form of earpiece 446, the ear becomes a fulcrum about which the weight of extension arm 414 is balanced against that of the earpiece 446. This can remove some of the weight on the user's nose, giving a more comfortable, and a potentially more secure fit with reduced potential slipping of nosepiece 420 downward on the user's nose. The components within enlarged free end 444A, such as a battery or various control circuitry can be arranged to contribute to a desired weight distribution for device 410. For example, heavier components, such as a battery, can be placed toward or away from extension arm 414 on side arm 440A to adjust the weight distribution. In an embodiment, a majority of the weight can be carried by the ear of the user, but some weight can still be carried by the nose in order to give the device a secure feel and to keep the central portion 430 in a desired position over the brow to maintain a desired position for display 454. In an embodiment, between 55% and 90% of the weight of device assembly 410 can be carried by the user's ear.
Band 412 can be configured to resiliently deform through a sufficient range and under an appropriate amount of force to provide a secure fit on user's heads of various sizes. In an example, band 412 is configured to comfortably and securely fit on at least about 90% of adult human heads. To accomplish this, as illustrated in
Additionally, band 412 can be structured, such as by configuration thereof to a sufficient spring coefficient, such that when band 412 is expanded to fit a user of a relatively large head size, the pressure applied to the sides of the user's head by band 412 is not too great so as to cause pain while being worn or to make device 410 difficult to don or doff. Different materials having certain characteristics can be used in different forms to give the desired flex characteristics of band 412. In one example band 412 can have a spring coefficient for expansion, as described above, of between about 0.005 and 0.02 N/mm or, in another example, of about 1/100 N/mm. Given an exemplary spring coefficient, a band 412, as described above can expand from an initial distance 4961 of about 156 mm to about 216 mm by a force of between about 0.3 N and 1.2 N. In another example, such expansion can be under a force of about 0.6 N.
Band 412 can be configured to include a compliant inner portion 438 and a resilient outer portion 448. Inner portion 438 can include any portions of the band 412 that are intended to contact the user's head. In the particular embodiment shown, inner portion 438 can define the entire inner surface 439 of band 412 to ensure that the compliant material of inner portion makes contact with the user's head regardless of the area of band 412 along which contact is made with the user's head. Inner portion 438 can be made of any material that can provide a degree of compliance to enhance the comfort of the fit of band 412 on the user's head while being able to retain its general shape. Acceptable materials include various foams, such as foam rubber, neoprene, natural or synthetic leather, and various fabrics. In an embodiment, inner portion 430 is made of an injection-molded or cast TPE. Inner portion 430 can also be made from various types of Nylon, including for example, a polyamide nylon such as Grilamid TR90. The compliance of the material of inner portion 430 can be measured by the durometer of the material. In an example, inner portion 438 can be made from a TPE having a durometer of between 30 and 70. Inner portion 438 can also be formed having a hollow passage therethrough or a channel formed therein opposite inner surface 439. Such a passage or channel can be used to route any wiring associated with extension arm 414. For example, as discussed above a battery can be housed in enlarged free end 444A of band 412 that can be connected with the internal components of extension arm 414 to provide power therefor. This connection can be made by wired routed through a channel or hollow passage through inner portion 438.
Outer portion 448 of band 412 can be made of a resiliently flexible material such as metal or plastic. In general, the nature of such a material should be such that outer portion 448 can maintain the desired shape for band 412 while allowing flexibility so that band 412 can expand to fit on a user's head while applying a comfortable pressure thereto to help retain band 412 on the user's head. Outer portion 448 can be elastically deformable up to a sufficiently high threshold that the shape of band 412 will not be permanently deformed simply by being worn by a user with a large head. Acceptable materials for outer portion 448 include metals such as aluminum, nickel, titanium (including grade 5 titanium), various steels (including spring steel, stainless steel or the like), or alloys including these and other metals. In another example, the outer portion 448, or the inner portion 438, may be formed of composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The thickness of outer portion 448 can be adjusted, depending on the material used, to give the desired flexibility characteristics. In an example, the desired fit and flexibility characteristics for band 412, discussed above, can be achieved using grade 5 titanium at a thickness of between about 0.8 mm and 1.8 mm for outer portion 448.
Inner portion 438 can have a profile such that it at least partially fits within a channel formed by outer portion 448. In an example inner portion 438 can be sized to fit within a channel formed by a generally U-shaped cross-sectional profile of outer portion 448. Such a channel can be configured to also accept any wiring of band 412 therein or to close a partially open channel formed in inner portion 439 to hold such wiring.
As shown in
Such internal support can include an internal electronics housing that can contain batteries or electronic circuitry associated with device 410. The internal support can also include resilient members such as spring elements (not shown) to help provide flexion of band 412 and retention pressure against a wearer's head. Such spring elements can also be plastically deformable to allow for user adjustment of the position of enlarged free end 444A. Lengths of armature wire can be used to provide such characteristics. Any internal support within enlarged free end 444A can extend into the area of inner portion 438 that is within outer portion 448 to provide additional support therefor.
Extension arm 414 includes a first portion 476 that extends downward from band 412 at a first portion 476 that can be shaped to also extend along a length of band, such as along side arm 440A. First portion 476 is further shaped to extend away from band 412 to an elbow portion 450 connected with first portion 476 by a joint 456. Elbow portion 450 supports display 454 at an angle relative to arm 476 that can be adjusted by rotation of elbow portion 450 about joint 456. In the example shown in
While device 410 can be configured to give a visual appearance that band 412 and extension arm 414 are distinct units, the extension arm 414 can be formed as a part of at least a portion of band 412. For example, in a band arrangement, described above, where band 412 includes an inner portion 438 and an outer portion 448, a portion of the extension arm housing 452 can be integrally formed with inner portion 438, as shown in FIG. 10. In such an example, internal components of extension arm 414, such as a circuit board, logic board, or the like can extend into inner portion 438, as can an associated portion of housing 452.
In another example, the housing 452 of extension arm 414 can be connected with a housing unit internal to enlarged free end 444A, such as by an internal member. The internal member may be connected between the two such as using fixation elements, adhesive or integral forming. The housing 452, internal housing unit, and connection can then be overmolded with another material, such as TPE or the like to give a substantially uniform appearance and to form the visible portions of the inner portion 438 of band 412. Visual features, such as parting lines, relief lines, or the like can be included in the shape of such a unit 432 to give the visual appearance of separate elements, if desired.
In an embodiment where band 412 is integrally formed with or otherwise connected with generally rigid extension arm 414 along a portion thereof, band 412, while made to be flexible, may be made rigid where attached with extension arm 414. In the example shown, this may occur along a portion of side arm 440A. In such an example, it may be desired to form band 412 such that the flexation thereof, described generally above, occurs mostly within central portion 430 or in the areas of transition between central portion 430 and side arms 440A,440B.
Such a configuration can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, side arm 440A is made more rigid by connection with rigid extension arm 414. In such an embodiment it may be desirable to make side arm 440B rigid as well so that the side arms 440A and 440B give a more similar feel along the user's head. This can be done by assembling a structural member, such as a rigid piece of wire or the like inside of inner portion 438. Further, outside portion 448 can be structured to make side arms 440A and 440B more rigid. For example, outside portion 448 can have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with walls that extend inward relative to outside wall 459. Walls can be present along side arms 440A and 440B and can be either absent from central portion 430 or can extend inward by a lesser amount to make central portion 430 less rigid. Further, as shown in
Display 454, which is elongated and generally defines a display axis, can extend relative to first portion 476 at an angle that can be adjusted within a range, for example, from about 100° to about 125° by rotation of elbow portion 450 relative to first portion 476 about joint 456. Although the shape of first portion 476 is shown in the figures as having a curved shape in the direction in which such an angle is measured, such a measurement can be taken with respect to a line tangent to any portion of first portion, such as along the end thereof toward joint 456. In another example, the adjustment angle of display 454 can be within a range of about 20° or within a range of 16° or less, with the middle position of such a range positioned between about 195° and 115° relative to first portion 476 of extension arm 414. Joint 456 is positioned in extension arm 414 such that it can rotate along a substantially vertical axis when being worn by a user. In other words, in the embodiment shown, band 412 is formed in a U-shape that generally defines a plane. Such a plane can be considered an approximation, allowing for any curves in band 412 that are vertically displaced relative to the rest of band 412. Joint 456 can be configured such that elbow portion 450 can rotate along another substantially parallel plane or along the same plane.
As shown in
As shown in
Additionally, the adjustment between elbow portion 450 and first portion 476 can compensate for movement of first portion 476 relative to central portion 430 or nosepiece 420 due to flexing of band 412 with which first portion 476 is joined. As shown in
The rotation and translation of display 454 from flexing of band 412 can cause display 454 to move into a disadvantageous position, such as too close to the user's eye or in which edge 462 is aligned with or positioned inward of the user's pupil 490, as discussed above. In such instances, elbow portion 450 can be rotated about joint 456 to counter the movement caused by the flexing of band 412 and to move display 454 into a more advantageous position.
The joint 456 between first portion 476 and elbow portion 450 can include an internal hinge of sufficient friction to maintain a position in which elbow portion 450 is placed relative to first portion 476. First portion 476 and elbow portion 450 can be configured to give a uniform appearance, as shown in the figures. First portion 476 and elbow portion 450 can be further configured so that the appearance of a constant curvature of the outer surface 475 of extension arm 414 regardless of the position of joint 456. Further, as shown in
Other structures can be used to achieve lateral translational adjustment for allowing edge 462 to be positioned outside of a user's pupil 491. For example, display 454 can be mounted to first portion 476 of extension arm 414 using a sliding arrangement that can permit the desired lateral translation thereof. This can be achieved by joining second portion 450 of extension arm 414 to first portion 476 using a track or other sliding joint. An additional sliding or telescoping feature can be used to provide movement of display 454 toward and away from the user's eye to provide eye relief. In another arrangement extension arm 414 can be a unitary structure without joint 456 and can be rotatably attached to band 412 to allow rotation in a plane similar to that of the rotation of second portion 450 shown in
In an embodiment, the image source associated with display 454 and its related circuitry can be held within elbow portion 450. Circuitry for a touch-based input 470 can be positioned within first portion 476 such that, when display 454 is positioned over a user's eye, first portion 476 is positioned in a position that extends over the user's temple adjacent that eye.
In the embodiment shown, display 454 is in the form of a generally transparent prism that is configured to overlay or combine with the user's sight an image generated by electronic display components that are positioned within the housing 452. Such a prism can be structured to receive a projected image in a receiving side 458 and to make that image visible to a user by looking into a viewing side 460 of display 454. This can be done by configuring display 454 with a specific shape and or material characteristics. In the example shown, the receiving side 458 of display 454 is adjacent to or within housing 452 such that the electronic components inside housing 452 can contain a video projector structured to project the desired video image into receiving side 458 of prism 454. Such projectors can include an image source such as LCD, CRT, and OLED displays and a lens, if needed, for focusing the image on an appropriate area of prism 454. The electronic components associated with display 454 can also include control circuitry for causing the projector to generate the desired image based on a video signal received thereby. Other types of displays and image sources are discussed above and can also be incorporated into extension arm 414. Further, a display can be in the form of a video screen consisting of, for example, a transparent substrate. In such an example, the image generating means can be circuitry for a LCD display, a CRT display or the like positioned directly behind the screen such that the overall display is not transparent. The housing of the extension arm 414 can extend behind the display and the image generating means to enclose the image generating means in such an embodiment.
The receiving surface 458 of display 454 structured to combine the projected image with the view of the environment surrounding the wearer of the device. This allows the user to observe both the surrounding environment and the image projected into prism 454. The prism 454 and the display electronics can be configured to present an opaque or semi-transparent image, or combinations thereof, to achieve various desired image combinations.
It is also noted that, although the embodiment of
As discussed above, an input device in the form of a touch-based input 470 is also desirably included in extension arm 414. Touch-based input 470 can be a touchpad or trackpad-type device configured to sense at least one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitive sensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, among other possibilities. Touch-based input 470 can further be capable of sensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to a surface thereof, in a direction normal to the surface, or both, and may also be capable of sensing a level of pressure applied. Touch-based input 470 can be formed having an outer layer of one or more insulating, or dielectric, layers that can be opaque, translucent, or transparent and an inner layer of one or more conducting layers that can be opaque, transparent, or translucent.
In an embodiment, the outer layer of the touch-based input 470 can be a portion of an outer wall 453 of housing 452. This can provide a seamless or uniform incorporation of touch-based input 470 into housing 452. The housing can define an interior cavity for containing the inner layer of the touch-based input 470 and any electrical structures, such as control circuitry, associated therewith. The outer layer of the touch-based input 470 can include the entire wall 453 or a selected operable area 472 in the form of one or more touch-surfaces 470 thereof, as dictated by the size, shape, and position of the inner layer of the touch-based input 470. If a portion of the housing is to be used as the outer layer of the touch-based input 470, then the housing 452 can be made of a dielectric material such as plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the touch-based input can be a discrete element that is mounted in an opening in the housing 452 that includes its own dielectric outer layer, separate from wall 453 to define the operable area within a window or opening through wall 453 in a manner similar to a touchpad on a laptop computer.
In the embodiment shown, touch-based input 470 is positioned on first portion 476 and defines a generally vertical plane that overlies a portion of the side of the user's head. Circuitry can be formed or adjusted to function with a curved outer surface, etc. Accordingly, touch-based input 470 may not be visible to a user of the assembly 410, when it is being worn.
Additionally, housing 452 can include additional input structures, such as a button 484 (shown in
Touch-based input 470, or another type of input, can be used to provide a control function that is executed by extension arm 414, such as by an on-board CPU or a CPU mounted to or within an associated wearable structure, or by a remote device, such as a smartphone or a laptop computer. In an embodiment information related to the control function is viewable by the user on display 454. In one example, the control function is the selection of a menu item. In such an example, a menu with a list of options can be presented on display 454. The user can move a cursor or can scroll through highlighted options by predetermined movement of a finger along touch-based input 470 and can confirm the selection by a different movement, the acceptance of the selection being indicated by the display. Examples of menu item selections can include whether to answer or decline an incoming call on a remotely-linked smartphone or to scroll or zoom-in on a map presented in display.
Additional input structures can be included in extension arm 414. These can include a camera 428, as shown in
In an embodiment, button 474 can be configured to receive an input from the user to direct device 410 to capture an image using camera 428 or one of multiple cameras of device 410. In an embodiment, the control circuitry or software within device 410 can allow the user to select one or a plurality of multiple cameras with which to capture an image or “take a picture” before receiving an input using button 474 to actually capture the image using the selected camera. Button 474 can be positioned on extension arm 414 along the top surface 467 of housing 452. Such positioning can allow for the user to grasp housing 452, for example, using the user's thumb positioned opposite from top surface 467, with the user's index finger to press on button 474 in a pinching motion. This action can be similar to the motion used to activate a shutter in a conventional camera (e.g. a point-and-shoot or an SLR camera) or a motion used by people to mimic such a motion, making the use of button 474 to take a picture with camera 428 more intuitive to a user. Additionally, the positioning of button 474 to be pressed in the above-described pinching motion can result in a more stable activation of button 474, wherein the user's thumb provides support for extension arm 414 when button 474 is pressed. Such stability can be further enhanced by configuring button 474 with a low activation pressure such that the force applied thereto is low enough to not cause extension arm 414 to move during image capture. According to another implementation, the button 474 be any type of switch, such as an optical switch, a capacitive-touch switch, a force-sensing resistive switch, or any other type of switch.
As mentioned previously, housing 452 can contain electronic circuitry such as the circuitry for touch based input 470. In addition housing 452 can include control circuitry for the image source associated with display 454, the camera 428, or the sensor, or one or more circuit boards including a processor to control display 454, touch based input 470 or to perform other functions for extension arm 414. Housing 452 can further include a power source, such as a battery to power the other circuitry. Additionally housing 452 can include memory, a microprocessor or communications devices, such as cellular, short-range wireless (e.g. Bluetooth), or WiFi circuitry for connection to a remote device. Additionally, any such circuitry can be included in band 414 such as in at least enlarged free end 444A, for example in an internal cavity thereof.
Enlarged free end 444A can also include one or more connection contacts 482 that can be used to connect device 410 to a power source to recharge a battery without removal thereof. Further device 410 can include a connection port 480 that can be used to connect device 410 to an external device such as a smartphone or a computer. Port 480 can be any standardized connection type port such as USB, fire-wire, thunderbolt, or a specialized port 480. Port 480 can also be configured to connect with a power source to charge a battery within device 410.
As discussed above, in an embodiment of device 410, shown in
According to another implementation, the nosebridge 420 may be removable from the center portion 430 of the band 412, as illustrated in
The nosebridge 420 may also include two frames 487, which may be connected to the crosspiece 485. Nosebridge 420 may further include lenses 488 that correspond to the frames 487. The lenses 488 may be secured within the frames 487 by any method, and in one example may be secured within channels formed in an interior surface of the frames 487. The frames 487 may be integrally formed with the crosspiece 485 such that a user may remove the nosebridge 420, including frames 487, lenses 488, as well as bridge arms 422 and pads 424, by detaching crosspiece 485 from connection section 486. Although nosebridge 420 is depicted as including two frames 487, the lenses 488 may attach directly to the crosspiece 485. In this way, an edge of each lens may be secured to the crosspiece 485 by any method, such as bonding, adhesive, mechanical fasteners such as screws, or the like.
The crosspiece 485 may be attached to and removed from the connection section 486 in different ways, according to various aspects of the disclosure. In one example, the crosspiece 485 can function as a leaf spring. In this case, the user may pinch the ends of the crosspiece 485 inward while sliding them into receptacles of the connection section 486. Removal from the connection section 486 may be done by pulling a center portion of the crosspiece 485 away from the connection section 486 to disengage the ends from the receptacles. In another example, the crosspiece 485 may be secured to the connection section 486 by screws or other types of fasteners. In yet another implementation, each of crosspiece 485 and connection section 486 may have a magnet embedded at least partially therein or formed on a surface thereof. An attractive force between the magnets may be strong enough to secure crosspiece 485 to connection section 486, while allowing for a user to remove nosebridge 420 without requiring excessive manual force.
Although nosebridge 420 is depicted as a single unit, it is understood that each of the frames 487 may each include their own crosspiece 485 such that the frames 487 are separately removable from connection section 486. It is also understood that lenses 488 may be any type of lenses suitable for human eyes, such as prescription lenses for any type of eye disease or disorder, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Lenses 488 may also be bifocal lenses or reading glasses, or may have a film formed thereon to reduce glare. In another example, lenses 488 may be sunglasses, and may at least partially block forms of electromagnetic radiation from human eyes, such as ultraviolet A or B. In yet another example, lenses 488 may be purely decorative, and may not provide correction to a user's vision. Although a number of lens examples are provided above, it is understood that the lenses 488 may be any other type of lenses, such as athletic lenses to protect a user during athletics, protective lenses that may protect a user from physical or chemical interactions, such as in a wood shop or chemistry laboratory, or may be lenses that have specialized electromagnetic shielding properties, such as to filter out certain types of electromagnetic radiation, including, for example, ultraviolet or infrared radiation. According to another implementation, the nosebridge 420 may be permanently, semi-permanently, or integrally formed with the center portion 430 of the band 412, as illustrated in
Alternatively, the clips 489 may be secured to exterior portions of bridge arms 422, e.g., portions of each of the bridge arms 422 that face away from the adjacent bridge arm 422. As discussed above, the bridge arms 422 may exhibit a resilient lateral force. In this implementation, the bridge arms 422 may be manipulated toward one another manually, and the clips 489 may be slid over the exterior portions of the bridge arms 422. Upon release of the bridge arms 422, the lateral force between the bridge arms 422 and the clips 489 allow the lenses 488 to be stably secured.
Although lenses 488 are depicted as being unitary, as shown in
Additionally, although some of the securing methods describe above with respect to either the unitary or independent lens implementations take advantage of the resilient characteristics of the bridge arms 422, securing methods that do not rely on any possible resilient characteristics of the bridge arms 422 may also be used. For example, nose pads 424 may be formed integrally with either the lenses 488 or the frames 487, and the lenses 488 or the frames 487 may be removed simultaneously with the nose pads 424.
According to another implementation, the device 410 may include a multi-lens arrangement to correct for nearsightedness (myopia) while still allowing the user to resolve the display. For example, the display 454 may have a focal point of anywhere between 2 meters and infinity, based on its particular arrangement and implementation. For this range of focal points, a nearsighted person would be unable to resolve the display 454 without a corrective lens between their eye and the display itself. As shown in
The lenses 488a, b may be joined to form a sleeve 493, such that the lenses 488a, b may attached and removed from the display 454 simultaneously, as shown in
In another example, one or both of the lenses 488a, b may be tinted to provide protection from excess sunlight. In this way, the lenses 488a, b may include an additional photochromic coating on any surface of the lens, or alternatively, the lens itself may be tinted or colored. In yet another example, one or both of the lenses 488a, b, as well as the display 454, may be polarized in any direction. For example, the lens 488b may be polarized to improve the contrast of the image produced by display 454. In a further example, both the display 454 and lens 488b can be polarized in a direction normal to the direction in which sleeve 495 is slid onto display 454. The polarization can be further configured such that by sliding sleeve 495 along display 454 by a distance equal to about half of the phase of the polarization, the overall appearance of the display 454 can be changed from transparent to opaque. Such an opaque configuration can allow the user to view only the image presented on the display 454 itself, if desired. The above examples, including tinted or polarized lenses, the lenses 488a, b may include any combination of prescription or nonprescription lenses.
In another implementation, the lenses 488a, b may be formed integrally with display 454, or alternatively may be removably secured. Although lenses 488a-c and display 454 are depicted as abutting in
In an alternative implementation, lenses 488a, b may not be used, and only lens 488c may be oriented opposite the display 454 with respect to a user's eye 490. In this implementation, a user with farsightedness may resolve the projection of display 454 without the need for additional lenses 488a, b.
In yet another implementation, lens 488c may be a progressive lens, with a portion of the lens being a user's prescription and another portion of the lens corresponding to the display 454. For example, the lens 488c may include a portion which corresponds to an overall outline of the display 454, when viewed from a user wearing the device 410. This portion may include one or more layers of corrective lenses of any type of diopter measurement in order to correct for an ocular disorder.
Although the description herein has been made with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Kim, Eliot, Cazalet, Peter Michael, Hebenstreit, Joseph John, Martin, Matthew Wyatt, Olsson, Maj Isabelle, Heinrich, Mitchell Joseph, Raffle, Hayes
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