U.S. patent application number 12/290835 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for head mountable display system.
Invention is credited to Roar Viala.
Application Number | 20090073330 12/290835 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33492674 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090073330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Viala; Roar |
March 19, 2009 |
Head mountable display system
Abstract
A head mountable display system is disclosed. The display system
includes a lens with a reflective region and a transparent region.
The lens is configured to be positioned in front of the user's eye
or eyes and mounted to the user's head through a strap, frame,
helmet or any other suitable means. The display system further
includes a micro-image projector unit for transmitting and
projecting an image directly onto the reflective region the lens.
The micro-image projector unit preferably includes an LCD for
generating the image and projecting the images onto the reflective
region of the lens. In further embodiments of the invention, the
micro-image projector unit includes a processor unit for receiving
and/or transmitting dynamic wireless media data.
Inventors: |
Viala; Roar; (Banyuls
Surmer, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James A. Gavney Jr.;JAG Patent Services LLC
Suite 21, 1901 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View
CA
94043
US
|
Family ID: |
33492674 |
Appl. No.: |
12/290835 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10979960 |
Nov 3, 2004 |
7454470 |
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12290835 |
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09726912 |
Nov 30, 2000 |
6832245 |
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10979960 |
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60168242 |
Dec 1, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
349/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/26 20190101;
H04L 51/22 20130101; H04L 51/26 20130101; G06F 16/24578 20190101;
A63B 33/004 20200801; G06F 16/955 20190101; A63B 2071/0666
20130101; G06Q 10/107 20130101; G06F 16/284 20190101; A63B 33/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
349/11 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/13 20060101
G02F001/13 |
Claims
1. A display system comprising: a) a lens with lower transparent
region and an upper reflective region; b) means for mounting the
lens in front of a user's eye, such when a gaze of the user is at a
forward position, the transparent region of the lens is in view and
when the gaze of the user is at an elevated position, the
reflection region is in view; and c) an micro-image projector unit
for transmitting and projecting an image directly onto the
reflective region of the lens.
2. The display system of claim 1, wherein the micro-image projector
unit includes an LCD.
3. The display system of claim 1, wherein micro-image projector
unit further includes a microprocessor.
4. The display system of claim 1, wherein the micro-image projector
unit further includes a radio receiver for receiving wireless media
data.
5. The display system of claim 1, wherein means for mounting the
lens in front of a user's eye includes a frame.
6. The display system of claim 5, further comprising an attachment
means for detachably coupling the micro-image projector unit to the
frame.
7. The display system of claim 5, wherein the means for mounting
the lens in front of a user's eye further includes a strap couple
to the frame.
8. The display system of claim 1, display system is a pair of
goggles, eye glasses or a helmet.
9. The display system of claim 1, further comprises means for
coupling the micro-image projector unit to a computer unit.
10. The display system of claim 1, wherein the means for coupling
the micro-image projector unit to the computer unit includes a
cable and a plug.
11. The display system of claim 2, the micro-image projector unit
further includes one or more optical elements.
12. The display system of claim 11, wherein the one or more optical
elements includes a concave mirror for reflecting the images from
the LCD onto the reflective region of the lens.
13. The display system of claim 1, wherein micro-projector unit
includes means for adjusting a positioning the image projected onto
the reflective region of the lens.
14. A system comprising: a) a head mountable structure with one or
more lenses for view of a user, wherein the one or more lenses
includes a reflection region and a transparent region; and b) an
micro-image projector unit integral with the head mountable
structure, wherein the micro-image projector is configured to
transmit and project dynamic media data directly onto the
reflective region of the one or more lenses.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein head mountable structure is a
pair of goggles, eye glasses or a helmet
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the micro-image projector unit
includes: a) an a light emitting diode; and b) processor unit for
processing the dynamic media data from a transmitting device.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processing unit includes a
radio receiver for receiving the dynamic media data from the
transmitting device.
18. The system of claim 15, the micro-image projector further
comprise one or more optical elements
19. A system comprising: a) a head mountable display comprising; i)
a lens with a reflection region and a transparent region which are
both viewable while mounted on a user's head; and ii) a micro-image
projector unit for projecting dynamic media data directly onto the
reflective region of the lens, the micro-image projector unit
comprising LCD and a processor unit with a radio receiver for
receiving and processing the dynamic media data; and b) a radio
transmitter unit for remotely transmitting the dynamic media data
to the a processor unit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a display systems. More
specifically, this invention relates a head mounded display systems
for providing hands-free visual data.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are a number of situation where it is important for a
person to receive visual information or data, such as time, media
information (weather, news, advertisement etc) and/or geographical
information while performing a task, such a driving, riding a
bicycle, riding a motorcycle or performing athletics. In such
cases, it is preferable that the person can view such information
or data information with manual distraction while performing the
task.
[0003] A number of display devices have been developed to provide
visual information or data, such as described above. For example,
there are wrist-mounted watches or stopwatch that display time,
distance traveled, pulse rates and/or geographical data. There are
also in-dash or dash-top mounted global position systems that
display geographical information and directions. All of these
devices required that the user significantly change his or her
line-of sight to view the displayed information or data.
[0004] To address these aforementioned shortcomings, head mounted
display systems have been developed that provide visual data or
information close to the user's line-of-sight. However, a number of
these display systems also impede the user's ability to see clearly
or to see what is directly in front of the user's
line-of-sight.
[0005] What is needed is a display system for and method of
providing visual information or data that minimizes the need for
the user to alter his or her line-of-sight and which minimally
obstructs the user's normal field of view.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is directed to a display system. The
display system includes means for mounting one or more lenses
(hereafter lens) in front of a user's eye or eyes. The means for
mounting the lens in front of the user's eye or eyes is a frame
structure or support structure. The frame structure or support
structure is fashioned as a pair of goggles, a pair eye glasses, a
helmet or any other suitable head gear that includes a strap, arms,
a shell or other suitable structure for securing to the user's head
with the lens positioned in front of the user's eye or eyes, such
as describe below.
[0007] The lens includes a reflective region and a transparent
region. The frame structure or support structure holds the lens,
such that the user can visually see both the reflective region and
the transparent region simultaneously. Preferably, the transparent
region of the lens is in view or in a "line-of-sight" when the
user's gaze is straight forward and/or downward and the reflective
region of the lens is in view or in the "line-of-sight" when the
user's gaze is elevated or upward.
[0008] In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the
display system includes a micro-image projector unit for
transmitting and projecting an image directly onto the reflective
region of the lens. The micro-image projector unit includes an LCD
for generating the image and projecting the images onto the
reflective region of the lens.
[0009] In further embodiments of the invention, the micro-image
projector unit includes a processor unit. The processor unit
includes, for example, microprocessor and a radio receiver for
receiving dynamic wireless media data from a transmitting device.
The transmitting device is another head mountable display system,
such a described above, a computer, a cellular phone, a global
position device, any other suitable wireless device or combination
of devices. Alternatively, the micro-image projector unit
communicates with a transmitting device via a cable that electrical
couples the micro-image projector unit to the transmitting device
through any suitable number of electrical connectors or plugs.
Again, the transmitting device is another head mountable display
system, a computer, a cellular phone, a global position device, any
other suitable wireless device or combination of devices.
[0010] In operation the micro-processor generates display signals
that are transmitted to the reflective region of the lens by the
LCD unit. Alternatively, the radio receiver receives dynamic
wireless media data from a transmitting device, the dynamic
wireless media data is then processed by the micro-processor, which
generates display signals that are transmitted to the reflective
region of the lens by the LCD unit.
[0011] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the
display system includes an attachment means for detachably coupling
the micro-image projector unit to the frame structure or support
structure. The micro-image projector unit, in accordance with these
embodiments, includes one or more optical elements, including but
not limited to one or more mirrors and/or one or more lenses. For
example, the micro-image projector unit includes a concave mirror
for reflecting the images from the LCD unit onto the reflective
region of the lens. In accordance with still further embodiments of
the invention, the display system includes means for adjusting and
positioning the image projected onto the reflective region of the
lens. The means for adjusting and positioning the image projected
onto the reflective region of the lens is a swivel structure, a
hinge structure, a living hinge structure, a bendable structure or
any there suitable structure that can be moved and which is coupled
to the LCD dismay unit, the one or more optical elements, the frame
structure or support structure or any combination thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A shows a schematic representation of a head mountable
display system with a micro-image projector unit, in accordance
with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation processor unit used
to process dynamic media data received by the micro-image projector
unit, in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0014] FIGS. 1C-D show optical configurations for projecting and
image directly onto a reflective region of a lens, in accordance
with the embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIGS. 2A-B illustrates head mountable display systems, in
accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate view of a head mountable display
system, in accordance with further embodiments of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a helmet with a display system, in accordance
with the embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a swimmer wearing a pair of goggles equipped
with a display system, in accordance with the embodiments of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block-flow diagram outlining the steps for
displaying an image, data or information, in accordance with the
method of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1A shows a display system 100 that includes means for
mounting one or more lenses 109 (hereafter lens) in front of a
user's eye or eyes (not shown). The means for mounting the lens in
front of the user's eye or eyes is a frame structure or support
structure 105. The frame structure or support structure 105 is
fashioned as a pair of goggles, a pair eye glasses, a helmet or any
other suitable head gear that includes a strap, arms, shell or
other suitable structure for securing to the lens 109 to a user's
head with the lens 109 positioned in front of the user's eye or
eyes.
[0021] The lens includes a reflective region 103' and a transparent
region 103. The frame structure or support structure 105 holds the
lens, such that the user can visually see both the reflective
region 103' and the transparent region 103 simultaneously.
Preferably, the transparent region 103 of the lens 109 is in view
or in the line-of-sight when the user's gaze is straight forward
and/or downward and the reflective region 103' of the lens 109 is
in view or in the line-of-sight when the user's gaze is elevated or
upward.
[0022] In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the
display system 100 includes a micro-image projector unit 113 for
transmitting and projecting an image, as represented by the arrow
111, directly onto the reflective region 103' of the lens 109. The
micro-image projector unit 113 includes an LCD 107 for generating
the image and projecting the images onto the reflective region 103'
of the lens 109.
[0023] Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in further embodiments of
the invention the micro-image projector unit 113 includes a
processor unit 101. Here an through the specification the same
reference numbers are used to label the same or similar elements.
The processor unit 101 includes, for example, microprocessor 125
and a radio receiver 127 for receiving dynamic wireless media data
from a remote transmitting device (not shown). The microprocessor
125 and a radio receiver 127 couple to the LCD 107 through any
suitable electrical connector 121. It will be clear for the
description above and below that the display system 100 in addition
to the radio receiver 127, can include a radio transmitter for
transmitting dynamic wireless media data from the display system
100 to one or more suitable remote receiving device. Suitable
remote receiving devices include, but are not limited to, other
head mountable display systems, such as the one described above,
computers, cellular phones, global position devices, any other
wireless device and/or combinations of devices.
[0024] Alternatively, the micro-image projector unit 113
communicates with a transmitting device 115 via a cable 114 that
electrical couples the micro-image projector unit 113 through any
suitable number of electrical connectors or plugs 121' and 117.
Again, the transmitting device is another head mountable display
system, a computer, a cellular phone, a global position device, or
a combination of devices.
[0025] In operation the processor unit 101 generates display
signals that are transmitted to the reflective region 103' of the
lens 109 by the LCD unit 111. Alternatively, the radio receiver 127
receives the dynamic wireless media data from a transmitting
device, the dynamic wireless media data is then processed by the
micro-processor 125, which generates display signals that are
transmitted to the reflective region 103' of the lens 109 by the
LCD unit 111.
[0026] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the
display system 100 further includes an adjustable attachment means
(not shown) for detachably coupling the micro-image projector unit
113 to the frame structure or support structure 105.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1C, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention a display system, such as the display system 100
(FIG. 1A) includes an optical configuration 125 that includes a
curved lens 109'. The curved lens 109' includes a reflective region
153' and a transparent region 153. The display system also includes
an LCD 107 for projecting an image onto the reflective region 153'
of the lens 109'. The display system also includes a support
structure 105 (FIG. 1A) and/or other structures and/or adjustment
features coupled to the support structure 105 and/or LCD 107, such
the distances D1, D2 and D3 can be adjusted to direct the projected
image to an eye 180 of a user, as indicated by the arrows 155 and
155'. The display system also preferably includes a processor unit
101 (FIGS. 1A-B) for generating display signals, such as described
previously.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1D, in accordance with and alternative
embodiment of the invention a display system, such as the display
system 100 (FIG. 1A) includes an optical configuration 150 that
includes a bent lens 109''. The bent lens 109'' includes a
reflective region 163' and a transparent region 163. The display
system also includes an LCD 107 for projecting an image onto a
mirror 167. The mirror 167 is curved and positioned or positionable
to reflect the image projected by the LCD 107 onto the reflective
region 163' of the lens 109''. The display system also includes a
support structure 105 (FIG. 1A) and/or other structures and/or
adjustment features coupled to the support structure 105, the
mirror 167, the LCD 107 or combination thereof, such as to transmit
the projected image to an eye 180 of a user, as indicated by the
arrows 165, 165' and 165''. The display system also preferably
includes a processor unit 101 (FIGS. 1A-B) for generating display
signals, such as described previously.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a display system 200 includes a
frame 205 from mounting the display system 200 to a user's head.
The display system 200 also includes a lens 209 with a reflective
region 203' and a transparent region 203. The display system 200
also includes a micro-image projector unit 213. The micro-image
projector unit 213 includes an LCD 207 and any number of optical
elements and mounting features for transmitting and projecting an
image to the reflective region 203' of the lens 209. The
micro-image projector unit 213 also preferably includes a
microprocessor 125 and a radio receiver 127. The microprocessor 125
and the radio receiver 127 are preferably built into the frame
structure 205 and are configured for generating image signals
either directly and/or from dynamic media data received by the
radio receiver 127, such as described previously. The image data is
then used to generate images from the LCD which are projected onto
the reflection region 203' of the lens 209.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 2A, the system 200 further includes
a remote device 115 that couples to micro-image projector 213 via a
cable 114 and an electrical connector or plug 221. The remote
device 115 is preferably computer, a cellular phone, or a global
position device.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a display system 250 includes a
pair of goggles 255 with a strap 257 from mounting the display
system 250 to a user's head. The display system 250 also includes a
lens 259 with a reflective region 253' and a transparent region
253. The display system 250 also includes a micro-image projector
unit 213'. The micro-image projector unit 213' includes an LCD 207,
a microprocessor 125, a radio receiver 127 and any number of
optical elements that are preferably built into the pair of goggles
255. The micro-image projector unit 213' is configured for
generating images which are projected onto the reflective region
253' of the lens 259 via the LCD 107, such as describe previously.
The system 250 in further embodiments of the invention includes a
remote device 115 (FIGS. 1A and 2A) that couples to micro-image
projector 213' through any suitable electrical or wireless
connection, such as described above.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3A-B, a display system 300 in further
embodiments of the invention include a pair of glasses with a lens
frame 311 for supporting a lens 309. The lens 309 has a reflective
region 303' and a transparent region 303. The display system has
support arms 305 and 305' coupled to the lens frame 311 for support
the display system 300 on a user's head. The display system 300
also includes a micro-image projector unit 313 with an LCD 107 that
is configured for generating images which are projected onto a
reflective region 303' of the lens 309, such as describe
previously. The micro-image projector unit 313 is preferably
configured to detachably couple to a portion of the lens frame 311,
the support arms 305 and 305' or a combination thereof. The
micro-image projector unit 313 is configured to detachably couple
to the portion of the lens frame 311, the support arms 305 and
305', or the combination thereof through, for example, clips,
straps, screws, swivels, hinges or any other suitable attachment
feature. Where the micro-image projector unit 313 is configured to
directly project an image on the reflective portion 303' of the
lens 309 via the LCD 107 (such as described with reference to the
optical configuration 125 shown in FIG. 1C) the image is projected
from the LCD in a reverse format so that the image that viewable
image on the on the reflective portion 303' of the lens 309 has the
proper orientation.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 4, in yet further embodiments for the
invention, a display system 400 includes helmet 401 with a lens or
shield 409. The lens or shield 409 has a reflective region 403''
and a transparent region 4033. The display system 400 also includes
a micro-image projector unit 413 that attaches to the helmet 401 or
is integrated into the helmet 401. The a micro-image projector unit
413 includes an LCD and any other electrical components, such as a
micro-processor and radio receiver, which are configured to
projected images onto the reflective portion 403' of the lens 409,
such as described in detail above.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, where the display system 250
includes pair of goggles 250 (FIG. 2B) micro-image projector unit
213' is preferably molded into the goggles 255 and are water proof,
such that a swimmer can mount the display system 250 to his or her
head 501 and operate the display system 250 in an aquatic
environment, such as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows a block-flow diagram outlining the step for
displaying an image, data or information, in accordance with the
method of the present invention. In the step 601, images are
generated using an LCD display. The images are then projected onto
an inner surface of a lens, with the lens mounted in front of a
user's eye. As described in detail above, preferably the images are
projected onto a reflective or partially reflective portion of a
lens and are viewable without the user having to significantly
alter his or her forward line-of-sight. The reflective or partially
reflective portion of a lens is formed by any suitable method
including coating the lens with a mirror coating, wherein the
transparency through reflective or partially reflective portion of
a lens depends on the viewing angle through the lens.
[0036] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of principles of construction and operation of the
invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for
illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *