Adjustable nose bridge assembly for headworn computer

(Priority Claim) This application claims the interests of US Patent Application No. 15 / 249,637 filed on August 29, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to head-mounted computing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a three-way adjustable nasal bridge assembly for a head-mounted computer.

Wearable computing systems are being developed and commercialized. In the field of wearable computing, many problems remain that need to be solved in order to meet the demands of the market.

<p>Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a three-way adjustable nasal bridge assembly for a head-mounted computer.</p><p>These and other systems, methods, objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the embodiments and drawings for carrying out the inventions below. All documents described herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.</p><p><u style="Single">The present specification also provides, for example, the following items.</u><u style="Single">(Item 1)</u><u style="Single"> It s a head-mounted computer,</u><u style="Single"> Removable and replaceable adjustable nasal bridge assembly, said adjustable nasal bridge assembly is at least three user adjustable to mechanically position the adjustable nasal bridge assembly on the user's nose. Featuring an adjustable nasal bridge assembly,</u><u style="Single"> The first adjustment of the at least three user-adjustable features is adapted to move the adjustable nasal bridge up and down with respect to the lens of the head-mounted computer.</u><u style="Single"> The second adjustment of the at least three user-adjustable features is adapted to rotate around the nasal pad of the adjustable nasal bridge approximately perpendicular to the top frame of the head-worn computer.</u><u style="Single"> A third adjustment of the at least three user-adjustable features is adapted to extend the nasal pad laterally of the axis.</u><u style="Single"> Head-mounted computer.</u><u style="Single">(Item 2)</u><u style="Single"> The first adjustment is such that the user moves the nasal bridge assembly and once the user completes the movement, the user activation feature further locks the nasal bridge in place. The head-mounted computer of item 1, comprising a user activation feature for releasing the nasal bridge assembly from the head-mounted computer.</u><u style="Single">(Item 3)</u><u style="Single"> The head-worn computer of item 1, wherein the second adjustment comprises a malleable member that maintains a sustained position after user adjustment.</u><u style="Single">(Item 4)</u><u style="Single"> The head-mounted computer of item 1, wherein the third adjustment comprises a malleable member that maintains a sustained position after user adjustment.</u><u style="Single">(Item 5)</u><u style="Single"> The second and third adjustments include a malleable member that maintains a sustained position after user adjustment, wherein the malleable member performs both the second and third adjustments, item 1. The head-mounted computer described.</u><u style="Single">(Item 6)</u><u style="Single"> The head mount according to item 1, wherein the nose pad is mounted on a malleable metal mounting portion, the malleable metal mounting portion maintains the position of the nasal bridge, but is user adjustable. Type computer.</u></p>

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following figures. The same number can be used to refer to similar features and components shown in the figure throughout.

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 illustrates a head-mounted computing system according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 illustrates a head-mounted computing system with an optical system according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 illustrates three figures of a head-worn computer according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 illustrates a vine and ear hook according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 illustrates a vine and ear hook assembly in various conditions according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 7 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 8 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="9">FIG. 9 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="10">FIG. 10 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="11">FIG. 11 illustrates multiple adjustable nasal pad assemblies according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="12">FIG. 12 illustrates the combination of a malleable platform and an adjustable nasal bridge assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.</figref>

The present disclosure is described in the context of one preferred embodiment, but other embodiments are also understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are incorporated herein by reference.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to head-mounted computing ("HWC") systems. HWC, in some instances, involves a system that mimics the appearance of head-mounted eyeglasses or sunglasses. The spectacles may be a fully developed computing platform, including a computer display presented to the user's eye within each of the spectacle lenses. In embodiments, the lens and display are overlays that the person wearing the spectacles sees the environment through the lens and at the same time is perceived by the person as a digitally augmented image or augmented reality ("AR") of the environment. It may be configured to allow viewing of digital images that form the resulting image.

HWC involves more than just placing a computing system on a person's head. The system may need to be designed as a lightweight, compact, fully functional computer display, for example, the computer display provides a high level of reproduction consisting of the digital content displayed and a see-through view of the surrounding environment. Includes high resolution digital displays. Suitable user interfaces and control systems for HWC devices may be required to differ from those used for more conventional computers such as laptops. For the HWC and associated systems to be most effective, eyeglasses are equipped with sensors, environmental conditions, geographic location, relative positioning to other points of interest, users or other users within connected groups. Objects identified by imaging and movement by, and equivalents may be determined. The HWC may then change the mode of operation to match conditions, locations, positions, movements, and equivalents, in what is generally referred to as the context-aware HWC. Eyeglasses may also need to be connected to other systems, either wirelessly or otherwise locally or through a network. Control of the spectacles may be achieved automatically through the use of external devices, through contextually gathered information, through user gestures captured by the spectacle sensors, and by equivalents. Each technique may be further refined depending on the software application used in the spectacles. Eyeglasses may also be used to control or coordinate with external devices associated with the eyeglasses.

With reference to Figure 1, an overview of the HWC System 100 is presented. As shown, HWC System 100 is equipped with HWC102, which in this instance is configured as eyeglasses to be worn over the head with sensors so that HWC102 recognizes objects and conditions in Environment 114. Will be done. In this instance, the HWC 102 also receives and interprets control inputs such as gestures and movement 116. The HWC 102 may communicate with the external user interface 104. The external user interface 104 may provide a physical user interface and receive control commands from the user of the HWC 102, the external user interface 104 and the HWC 102 may communicate bidirectionally, influence the user's commands and provide feedback. May be provided to the external device 108. The HWC 102 may also bidirectionally communicate with a local device 108 that is externally controlled or coordinated. For example, the external user interface 104 may be used in conjunction with the HWC 102 to control a local device 108 that is externally controlled or coordinated. A local device 108 that is externally controlled or coordinated may provide feedback to the HWC102, even if a customized GUI is presented to the HWC102 based on the device type or specifically identified device 108. good. The HWC 102 may also interact with remote devices and sources 112 through network connection 110. Again, the external user interface 104 is used in conjunction with the HWC 102, similar to when the external user interface 104 is used to control or otherwise interact with a local device 108 that is externally controlled or coordinated. In the method, either the remote device 108 and the source 112 may be controlled or otherwise interacted with. Similarly, the HWC102 is a gesture 116 (eg, forward, downward, upward for cameras, rangefinders, IR sensors, etc.).

Here, each of the major elements depicted in Figure 1 will be described in more detail. However, these explanations are intended to provide general guidance and should not be construed as a limitation. Additional description of each element may also be further described herein.

The HWC102 is a computing platform intended to be worn over a person's head. The HWC102 takes many different forms and can meet many different functional requirements. In some situations, the HWC102 will be designed in the form of conventional eyeglasses. Eyeglasses may or may not have an active computer graphic display. In situations where the HWC 102 has an integrated computer display, the display may be configured as a see-through display so that the digital image can be overlaid to the user's view in environment 114. There are several see-through optical designs that can be used, including reflective displays (eg LCoS, DLP), light emitting displays (eg OLEDs, LEDs), holograms, TIR waveguides, and equivalents. do. In embodiments, the lighting system used in conjunction with display optics may be a solid state lighting system such as an LED, OLED, quantum dot, quantum dot LED. In addition, the optical configuration may be for one or both eyes. It may also include a vision correction optical component. In embodiments, the optics may be packaged as contact lenses. In other embodiments, the HWC 102 is a helmet with a see-through shield, sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles, masks, a fire protection helmet with a see-through shield, a police helmet with a see-through shield, and a military helmet with a see-through shield. It may be a helmet, a versatile form customized for a task (eg, inventory control, logistic, repair, maintenance, etc.), and an equivalent form.

The HWC102 also has an integrated processor, integrated power management, communication structure (eg, Cellnet, WiFi, Bluetooth®, local area connections, mesh connections, remote connections (eg, client-server, etc.)), and It may have some integrated computing equipment such as an equivalent. The HWC102 may also have several position recognition sensors such as GPS, electronic compass, altimeter, tilt sensor, IMU, and equivalents. We also have other sensors such as cameras, range meters, hyperspectral cameras, Geiger counters, microphones, spectral illumination detectors, temperature sensors, chemical sensors, biological sensors, humidity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and equivalents. You may.

The HWC102 may also have integrated control techniques. The integrated control techniques may be context-based controls, passive controls, active controls, user controls, and equivalents. For example, the HWC102 is an integrated sensor (eg, a camera) that captures the user's hand or body gesture 116 so that the integrated processing system can interpret the gesture and generate control commands for the HWC102. May have. In another embodiment, the HWC102 may have a sensor that detects movement (eg, head shake, head shake, and equivalent), including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other inertial measurements, integrated. The processor may respond to it by interpreting the move and generating control commands. The HWC102 may also automatically control itself based on measured or perceived environmental conditions. For example, if the environment is bright, the HWC102 may increase the brightness or contrast of the displayed image. In embodiments, the integrated control technique may be mounted on the HWC 102 so that the user can interact directly with it. For example, the HWC 102 may have a button, a touch capacitance interface, and an equivalent.

As described herein, the HWC 102 may communicate with an external user interface 104. External user interfaces may occur in many different forms. For example, the cell phone screen may be adapted to receive user input for control of aspects of the HWC 102. The external user interface may be a dedicated UI such as a keyboard, touch surface, buttons, joystick, and equivalents. In embodiments, the external controller may be integrated into another device such as a ring, wristwatch, bicycle, car, and equivalent. In each case, the external user interface 104 may include sensors (eg, IMU, accelerometer, compass, altimeter, and equivalent) to provide additional inputs for controlling the HWD 104.

As described herein, the HWC 102 may control or coordinate with other local devices 108. The external device 108 may be an audio device, a visual device, a vehicle, a mobile phone, a computer, and the like. For example, the local external device 108 may be another HWC102, and information may then be exchanged between separate HWC108s.

Similar to the way the HWC102 can control or coordinate with the local device 106, the HWC102 may control or coordinate with the remote device 112, for example, the HWC102 may control or coordinate with the remote device 110 through the network 110. Communicate with 112. Again, the form of the remote device 112 may have many forms. Included in these forms is another HWC102. For example, each HWC102 may communicate its GPS position so that all HWC102s know where all of HWC102s are located.

FIG. 2 illustrates the HWC 102, along with an optical system that includes an upper optical module 202 and a lower optical module 204. The upper and lower optical modules 202 and 204 will generally be described as separate modules, but this is only an illustration and the present disclosure is when the two modules are combined into a single module. It should be understood that it also includes other physical configurations, such as, or when the elements that make up two modules are configured in more than two modules. In embodiments, the upper module 202 includes a computer controlled display (eg, LCoS, DLP, OLED, etc.) and image light delivery optics. In embodiments, the lower module comprises eye delivery optics configured to receive the image light of the upper module and deliver the image light to the eye of the wearer of the HWC. In FIG. 2, the upper and lower optical modules 202 and 204 are illustrated on one side of the HWC so that image light can be delivered to one eye of the wearer, but the embodiment is one for each eye. It should be noted that it is also assumed by the present disclosure that it will contain two image light delivery systems. It is also noted that many embodiments refer to the optical module as "upper" and "lower", but this provision is used to make it easier for the reader and the module is not necessarily the upper side. -Please understand that it is not located in the lower relationship. For example, the image generation module is located above the eye delivery optics, below the eye delivery optics, lateral to the eye delivery optics, or otherwise positioned to address the situation and / or the need for HWC102 mechanical and optical requirements. May be met.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the mechanical and electrical construction of the sidearms of a head-mounted computer. In general, when a head-mounted computer takes the form of glasses, sunglasses, some goggles, or other such forms, the two side arms attach the head-mounted computer to the head-mounted computer. Included for mounting and fixing on the ears of a person. In embodiments, the sidearms may also include electronic devices, batteries, wires, antennas, computer processors, computer boards and the like. In embodiments, the sidearms may include two or more subassemblies. For example, the sidearm may include a vine section and an ear hook section, as will be discussed in more detail below. The two sections may be mechanically arranged, for example, so that both sidearms can be folded into a closed position, allowing the ear hook section to move.

FIG. 3 illustrates three separate FIGS. 102A, 102B, and 102C of the head-worn computer 102 according to the principles of the present disclosure. Looking at the head-mounted computer, illustrated as 102A, one sidearm of the HWC102 is folded in its closed position. The sidearm ear hook section 308 is rotated relative to its vine section 304, creating space for the other sidearm 310, and thus when the other sidearm is moved to its closed position, Can be completely closed. In situations where the ear hook does not rotate and create space (not shown), the ear hook physically interferes with the other side arm 310 when the side arm is in the closed position and the other side. It will prevent the arm 310 from closing completely. The figure of HWC102B illustrates the HWC102B with both sidearms folded in a fully closed position. Note that the ear hook 308 is in a rotational position with respect to its vine section 304 so that the other arm 310 is closed without interfering with the ear hook 308. The HWC102C figure also illustrates both arms in a closed position, with the ear hook 308 rotated and the other arm 310 creating space for complete closure. FIG. 3 also illustrates a portion of the HWC 102 where the electronic device can be stored within the top mount 312. The top mount may include electronic devices, sensors, optics, processors, memories, radios, antennas and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sidearm configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the sidearm comprises two subassemblies, namely a vine section 304 and an ear hook 308. FIG. 4 illustrates two views of the sidearm assembly, one from the outside perspective and one from the cross-sectional perspective. The ear hook contains a pin 402 that is designed to fit into the hole 404 and be secured by the connector 408. The connector 408 is rotatable so that the ear hook 308 can be removed and reattached to the vine section 304, locking the pin 402 in place in one position and locking the pin 402 in another position. Release the pin 402. This allows the ear hook 308 to be removed and reattached from the vine section 304. This also allows for the sale of different ear hooks 308 for replacement, which can result in different colors and patterns. In embodiments, the vine section 304 may include a battery compartment 410 and other electronic devices, wires, sensors, processors and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates some views of the HWC sidearm, along with a cross section of the vine 304 and the ear hook 308. The figure includes the outer viewpoint and cross section as well as various states of fixation of the ear hook 308 and the vine section 304. Set 504 in the figure illustrates an ear hook 308 and a vine section 304 in a fixed non-rotating position. The same pin 402 and connector 408 system as described in connection with FIG. 4 is illustrated in the cross section of FIG. In the fixed non-rotating position, the pin is pulled tightly internally within the vine section to stay in place. Set 504 in the figure illustrates the condition in which the ear hook 308 is separated from the vine section 304. This condition is achieved when pressure is used to pull the ear hook 308. In embodiments, pressure is applied by the user pulling on the ear hook 308, which compresses the spring 510B mechanically associated with the pin 402 in the ear hook 308. The mechanism uses a spring to maintain pressure on the pin 402 and to maintain a connection with the connector 408 when the connector 408 is in position to lock the pin 402 in place. The set 508 of the figure illustrates a state in which the ear hook 308 rotates about a pin 402 after the ear hook 308 is pulled into the state described in relation to the state 504. This is because when the two arms are folded into the closed position, the first arm does not interfere with the closure of the other arm 310 with the ear hook 308 rotated. Place in a rotational position as described herein.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to adjustable nasal bridges. Adjustable nasal bridges are important for head-mounted computers, especially those with a computer display, to ensure the comfort and alignment of the display and / or other parts of the head-mounted computer. obtain. FIG. 6 illustrates the HWC 102, along with an adjustable nasal bridge 602. The nasal bridge is adjustable through a mechanism within the HWC 102. In embodiments, the mechanism is to a fixed notched attachment 604 and a movable pin 608 and a movable pin 608 that are fitted to fit into the notch of the notched attachment 604. Includes selectable device 610 to be attached. The movable pin 608 and the nasal bridge 602 are connected so that as the movable pin 608 shifts to a fixed position, so does the nasal bridge 602. The selection device 610 engages a movable pin 608 with a fixed notched attachment 604 and, when allowed to press and retract, engages and disengages from it. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the selection device 610 is not in the pressing position, so the movable pin 608 engages with the notched attachment 604 so that the nasal bridge is anchored and attached in a stable position. It has been combined. FIG. 7 illustrates a scenario when the selection device is pressed or activated so that the movable pin 608 is no longer engaged with the fixed notched attachment 604. This allows the nasal bridge 602 to move up and down with respect to the rest of the HWC 102. Once the movable pin 608 aligns with the notch in the notched attachment 604, the two parts can engage and refasten the nasal bridge within the HWC 102.

In embodiments, the sidearms of the HWC 102 may include audio jacks (not shown), which may be magnetically mountable to the sidearms. For example, the vine section 304 or ear hook section 308 may have a magnetically mountable audio jack along with an audio signal wire associated with the audio system within the HWC 102. The magnetic attachment may include one or more magnets on one end (eg, headphone end or sidearm end) and a magnetically conductive material on the other end. In other embodiments, both ends of the attachment may have magnets of opposite polarity, resulting in a stronger magnetic junction for the headphones. In embodiments, the audio signal wire or magnetic connection may include a sensor circuit to detect when the headphones are removed from the HWC 102. This can be useful in situations where the wearer is wearing headphones during periods when there is no constant audio processing (eg, listening to people speaking with periods of silence). In the embodiment, the headphones on the other side may reproduce tones, sounds, signals, etc. when the headphones are removed. In embodiments, the detached indication may be displayed on a computer display.

In embodiments, the HWC 102 may have a vibration system that vibrates and alerts the wearer of certain perceived conditions. In an embodiment, a vibration system (eg, an actuator that moves quickly and causes vibration in the HWC102) is mounted in a sidearm (eg, vine 304 or ear hook 308), top mount 312, etc. May be done. In embodiments, the vibration system may be capable of producing different vibration modes that may exhibit different conditions. For example, the vibration system may include a multimode vibration system, a piezoelectric vibration system, a variable motor, etc., which may be tuned through computer input, the processor in the HWC102 sends a control signal to the vibration system to set the appropriate vibration mode. It may be generated. In embodiments, the HWC 102 may be associated with other devices (eg, through Bluetooth®, WiFi, etc.) and the vibration control signal may be associated with a sensor associated with the other device. For example, the HWC102 may be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth® so that sensors in the vehicle can result in activation of the vibration mode for the vibration system. A car is at risk of an accident, for example (eg, the driver is sleeping, the car is sticking out of its lane, the car in front of the wearer is stopped or slowing down, the risk in the car, etc. The radar may decide to indicate a risk, etc.), and the car system may then send a command to the HWC102 over a Bluetooth® connection to initiate a vibration tone within the HWC102. good.

In embodiments, the connection between the loudspeaker system and the HWC 102 may be located outside the bottom of the vine section. For example, it may be located laterally, top, bottom, or on the end of a section of the sidearm. For example, it may be positioned on the front bridge. In embodiments, the loudspeaker system may be connected to an upper or lateral portion, and the loudspeakers may further be positioned facing forward away from the user's ears. This can be a useful configuration for providing sound to others. For example, such a configuration may be used when the user desires to provide a translation to a nearby person. The user may speak in a language, have the language translated, and then speak through a front facing speaker.

The removable nature of the speaker system may be desirable with respect to the detachment situation, so that the catch does not pull the glasses off the user or pull the user's ears hard. Detachable properties may also be useful for modular configurations if the user desires to swap speaker types or attach other accessories. For example, the user may desire an earbud in one respect and an open earspeaker configuration in another, and the user may be readily interchangeable given this configuration. Ports on the HWC 102 may also be adapted for other accessories, including, for example, lights or sensors. The accessory has an ambient light sensor and may assist in controlling the lighting and contrast system used in, for example, the HWC102 display. In embodiments, the speaker port may be used as a charging port for the HWC 102 or a data port for the HWC 102.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an adjustable nasal bridge assembly for a head-mounted computer. The positioning of head-mounted computers is complicated by the nature of the computer display, which is intended to be positioned in front of the user's eyes, with the fact that people have differently shaped heads, noses, eye positions, etc. Can be. The present inventors understood the difficulties in such positioning and developed an intuitive mechanism of a multi-axis adjustment system for a head-mounted computer. In embodiments, the multi-axis adjustment system provides vertical adjustment of the nasal bridge, continuous rotational setting of the nasal pad, and continuous outward / inward flexion of the nasal pad. Such systems are designed to be used on a variety of nose shapes and head sizes.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the head-mounted computer 102, along with a mounting area 802 for the adjustable nasal bridge assembly 804.

FIG. 9 illustrates an adjustable nasal bridge assembly 804 in three different vertical positions 904, 908, and 910. In embodiments, the adjustable nasal bridge 804 has a selection device 610 and a nasal pad 902. In embodiments, the selection device is a button or other suitable user interface, which is mechanically arranged so that upon pressing the button, the nasal bridge is released and can be moved up and down. In this embodiment, the button engages a tooth or other such feature to hold the nasal bridge in place. In embodiments, the regulation may be continuous or discrete and may be controlled mechanically, electrically or otherwise.

FIG. 10 illustrates the mechanism involved for removing and replacing the nasal pad from the vertically adjustable portion of the adjustable nasal bridge assembly. As can be seen from FIG. 10, the nasal pad is attached to a clip-on mechanism adapted to mesh with the vertical nasal bridge adjustment system. FIG. 10 also shows a transparent version of one nasal pad and illustrates how it can be overmolded into a rigid (eg, metal) member. We understand that there are several ways to attach a nasal pad to a vertical adjustment system and that this example is provided as a non-limiting example.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system that provides two additional mobile features for the nasal pad. Together with the vertical adjustment part, this configuration provides a three-way adjustment system. Adjustment 1002 illustrates how the nose pad can be rotated or otherwise manipulated from a back facing view. The adjustment 1004 illustrates from the top view how the nasal pad can be rotated or otherwise manipulated. Once assembled on a head-mounted computer, vertical adjustment and two nasal pad rotation adjustments provide a system that adapts to many nose, face, and head shapes.

FIG. 12 illustrates the nasal pad mounting portion 1102. As mentioned above, the nasal pad may be overmolded onto the end of the mount. In this embodiment, the nasal pad is overmolded on the end of the nasal pad mounting portion 1102. The nasal pad mount 1102 is designed to be malleable around the indicated 2 mm dimension. This allows the user to twist, swivel, bend, dilate, or otherwise manipulate the nasal pad mount 1102 to change the position of the nasal pad, which in turn allows the user's facial structure. Can adapt. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 illustrates a single component, we understand that the mount may be assembled with multiple components.

Although embodiments of the HWC have been described in terms specific to the features, systems, computer processes, and / or methods, the accompanying claims do not necessarily have the specific features, systems, computer processes, and / or described. Not limited to the method. Rather, specific features, systems, computer processes, and / or methods are disclosed as non-limiting exemplary implementations of the HWC. All documents referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference.