U.S. patent application number 14/666046 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for ear-mounted device.
This patent application is currently assigned to FREEBIT AS. The applicant listed for this patent is FREEBIT AS. Invention is credited to Vidar SANDANGER.
Application Number | 20160100676 14/666046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55654557 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160100676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANDANGER; Vidar |
April 14, 2016 |
EAR-MOUNTED DEVICE
Abstract
Ear-mounted apparatus are provided for secure and comfortable
load bearing in support of optical, biosensor, and mobile
communication functionalities. In particular, a load-bearing ear
unit is provided which includes an anchor for stable attachment in
an ear and a member extending from the anchor. The member has
therein a rotational stabiliser adapted to provide stability in
relevant planes for secure ear mounting. Also provided is an
ear-mounted optical device, comprising the load-bearing ear unit
and one of a camera, a light source, a virtual reality device, a
IrDA-device, and a photo diode. Further provided is an ear-mounted
wearable device, comprising the load-bearing ear unit and one or
more biosensors. A particular such wearable device is an
ear-mounted EAG device.
Inventors: |
SANDANGER; Vidar; (Oslo,
NO) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FREEBIT AS |
Oslo |
|
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
FREEBIT AS
Oslo
NO
|
Family ID: |
55654557 |
Appl. No.: |
14/666046 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14417284 |
Jan 26, 2015 |
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PCT/NO2013/050126 |
Jul 29, 2013 |
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14666046 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0516 20130101;
A45F 2200/0533 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2200/0541
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2012 |
EP |
12178314.6 |
Claims
1. A load bearing ear unit, comprising an anchor for stable
attachment in an ear, and a member extending from the anchor,
wherein said anchor comprises a rotational stabiliser, thereby
stabilizing said member.
2. The load bearing ear unit of claim 1, further comprising a
housing unit forming an attachment connecting said member to said
anchor.
3. The load bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is adapted to stabilize said member in the sagittal
plane.
4. The load bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein said anchor
comprises an arm adapted as a decremental curve corresponding to
the antihelix of the ear, wherein said decremental curve falls
along an inner part of the antihelix and is partly positioned under
the antitragus.
5. The load bearing ear unit of claim 4, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is an end that extends into a cavity formed between the
antihelix and root of helix.
6. The load bearing ear unit of claim 3, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is a protrusion having an end adapted to engage with an
end surface of fossa triangularis.
7. The load bearing ear unit of claim 3, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is a protrusion adapted to abut intertragic notch.
8. The load bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is adapted to stabilize said member in the transverse
plane.
9. The load bearing ear unit of claim 8, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is an extra member abutting a part of pinna.
10. The load bearing ear unit of claim 8, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is a tragus support adapted to abut incisura
anterior.
11. The load bearing ear unit of claim 8, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is a sulcus support adapted to abut sulcus auriculae
posterior.
12. The load bearing ear unit of claim 8, wherein said rotational
stabiliser is a temple support adapted to abut temple.
13. An ear-mounted optical device, comprising: i) a load bearing
ear unit, and ii) one of the group including flash light, display
unit, VR device, IrDA-device, photo diode, and camera, wherein said
load-bearing ear unit comprises an anchor for stable attachment in
an ear and a member extending from the anchor, and wherein said
anchor comprises a rotational stabiliser thereby stabilizing said
member.
14. The load bearing unit of claim 1, wherein said member further
comprises a connector for mechanical connectivity.
15. The load bearing unit of claim 14, wherein said connector is
rotatably adjustable.
16. The load bearing unit of claim 14, wherein said connector is a
magnet.
17. The load bearing unit of claim 1, wherein said member further
comprises a connector for power connectivity.
18. The load bearing unit of claim 1, wherein said member further
comprises a connector for data connectivity.
19. The load bearing unit of claim 17, wherein said connector is
one of the group including an audio jack, an audio jack socket, a
USB socket, and a USB plug.
20. An ear-mounted EEG device, comprising a first anchor for stable
attachment in an ear and a first member extending forward from the
anchor, wherein the first anchor further comprises a first EEG
electrode, and wherein the first member further comprises a temple
support adapted to be a second EEG electrode.
21. An ear-mounted EEG device of claim 20, further comprising a
second anchor and extended therefrom a second member, wherein said
second anchor comprises a third EEG electrode.
22. An ear-mounted EEG device of claim 21, wherein said second
member comprises a second temple support adapted to be a fourth EEG
electrode.
23. An ear-mounted EEG device of claim 22, further comprising a
nose support, adapted to connect the first and second members.
24. An ear-mounted device comprising a load bearing ear unit and a
sensor, wherein said load bearing ear unit comprises an anchor for
stable attachment in an ear and a member extending from said
anchor, and wherein said anchor further comprises a sensor adapted
to detect signals when said ear-mounted device is worn by a user,
from a part of the user's ear.
25. A ear-mounted device of claim 24, wherein said member further
comprises a second sensor adapted to detect signals when said
ear-mounted device is worn by a user, from a part of the user's
head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to ear-mounted
devices. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to apparatus
for removable ear attachment to optical devices, head-mounted or
head-sensing devices. More specifically, a load-bearing ear unit
for secure and comfortable attachment of a forward extending member
is provided. Also provided in various embodiments are ear-mounted
camera, flash lights, Virtual Reality (VR) device, Infrared Data
Association (IrDA) device, and Electroencephalography (EEG) device
incorporated therein the load-bearing ear unit of this
disclosure.
[0002] Various forward extending head mounted devices are well
known, such as glasses and head attached flash lights.
[0003] Many solutions use an ear hook attachment wherein a member
is placed between the pinna of the ear and the skull, preferably
with a downward extending hook anterior to the ear. This is the
typical case for glasses. References should also be made to U.S.
Pat. No.6,637,910 regarding an ear attached flashlight using an ear
hook.
[0004] However ear hook solutions suffer from several problems such
as instability due to rotational momentum caused by the relatively
long arm. If this is balanced using a counterbalance the total
weight increases and correspondingly the comfort decreases. Also a
counterbalance will not improve matter regarding the stability in
following head movement. Moreover an ear hook device will interfere
with use of traditional glasses. Stabilisation using the nose will
also interfere with use of glasses and can also be uncomfortable
particularly for heavier devices such as glasses, VR-equipment and
the like.
[0005] Some solutions such as head mounted flashlight use a
headband. Typically a flashlight or torch is positioned on the
forehead of a user and a battery pack conveniently is located at
the back, thereby functioning as a counterbalance.
[0006] However to provide stability the headband has to be
relatively tight and thus less comfortable. Such a positioning is
also far from unobtrusive. The positioning for devices such as
light sources are also problematic since the illumination is close
to co-axial with the eyes of the wearer since illumination strongly
reduces shadowing effects and contours resulting in flat images or
"whiteout". The presence of a counterbalance also increases weight
and discomfort.
SUMMARY OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0007] It is therefore an object of this disclosure to provide new
and improved methodologies and designs to correct the shortcomings
of the aforementioned ear-mounting devices.
[0008] Particularly, in accordance with this disclosure, there is
provided, in one embodiment, a load bearing ear unit comprising an
anchor for stable attachment in an ear, and a member extending from
the anchor, wherein the anchor comprises a rotational stabiliser
thereby stabilizing the member.
[0009] In another embodiment, the anchor further comprises a
housing unit forming an attachment connecting the member to the
anchor.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is
adapted to stabilize the member in the sagittal plane.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the anchor comprises an arm adapted
as a decremental curve corresponding to the antihelix of the ear.
The decremental curve falls along an inner part of the antihelix
and is partly positioned under the antitragus.
[0012] In another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is an end
that extends into a cavity defined by the antihelix and root of
helix.
[0013] According to another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser
is a protrusion adapted to engage with an end surface of fossa
triangularis.
[0014] In accordance with yet another embodiment, the rotational
stabiliser is adapted to stabilize the member in the transverse
plane.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a
member abutting a part of pinna.
[0016] In one embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a tragus
support adapted to abut incisura anterior.
[0017] In another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a sulcus
support adapted to abut sulcus auriculae posterior.
[0018] According to a further embodiment, the rotational stabiliser
is a temple support adapted to abut temple.
[0019] In accordance with a further embodiment, the member further
comprises a connector for mechanical connectivity. In another
embodiment, the connector is rotatably adjustable. In yet another
embodiment, connector is a magnet.
[0020] In accordance with another embodiment, the member further
comprises a connector for power connectivity. In accordance with
yet another embodiment, the member further comprises a connector
for data connectivity. In another embodiment, the connector is one
of the group including an audio jack, an audio jack socket, a USB
socket, and a USB plug.
[0021] In accordance of this disclosure, there is provided, in
another embodiment, an ear-mounted optical device that comprises a
load bearing ear unit. The load-bearing ear unit comprises an
anchor for stable attachment in an ear and a member extending
forward from the anchor, wherein the anchor comprises a rotational
stabiliser thereby stabilizing the member.
[0022] According to alternative embodiments, the optical device is
one of a flash light, a display unit, a VR device, an IrDA-device,
a photo diode, and a camera, and glasses.
[0023] According to another embodiment, there is provided an
ear-mounted EEG device, comprising a first anchor for stable
attachment in an ear and a first member extending forward from the
anchor, wherein the first anchor further comprises a first EEG
electrode, and wherein the first member further comprises a temple
support pad adapted to be a second EEG electrode.
[0024] In a further embodiment, the EEG device further comprises a
second anchor and extended therefrom a second member. The second
anchor comprises a third EEG electrode. In another embodiment, the
second member comprises a second temple support pad adapted to be a
fourth EEG electrode.
[0025] In another embodiment, the EEG device further comprises a
nose support, adapted to connect the first and second members.
[0026] In accordance of this disclosure, there is provided, in a
further embodiment, an ear-mounted device that comprises a load
bearing ear unit and one or more sensors. The load-bearing ear unit
comprises an anchor for stable attachment in an ear and a member
extending from the anchor, wherein the anchor further comprises a
sensor adapted to detect signals when the device is worn by a user,
from a part of the user's ear.
[0027] In another embodiment, the member further comprises a sensor
adapted to detect signals when the device is worn by a user, from a
part of the user's head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1A shows the anatomy of a human ear from the
outside.
[0029] FIG. 1B shows a cross section of the anatomy of a human ear
along A-A.
[0030] FIG. 2A depicts an ear unit inserted into an ear according
to one embodiment,
[0031] FIG. 2B depicts an ear unit inserted into an ear shown in an
intersection along B-B according to one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 2C depicts s an ear unit inserted into an ear showing
an intersection along B-B according to one embodiment,
[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a load-bearing ear unit according to
one embodiment.
[0034] FIGS. 5.1 and 5.2 depict two load-bearing ear units
according to alternative embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 6 depicts a pair of glasses comprising two load-bearing
ear units according to one embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 7 depicts a carrier carrying therein a cell phone and
connected to two load bearing arms according to one embodiment.
[0037] The following table set forth reference numbers and the
corresponding annotation according to various embodiments as shown
in the drawings.
TABLE-US-00001 10 Pinna 11 Helix 11a Flap 12 Crus of helix 13
Antihelix 14 Crura of antihelix 15 Superior crux 16 Inferior crux
17 Fossa triangularis 18 Sulcus auriculae posterior 19 Incisura
anterior 21 Tragus 22 Antitragus 23 Incisura intertragica,
intertragic notch 24 Concha 25 Cymba concha 26 Cavum concha 27
Scapha 28 Sub-tragus region 29 Tympanic membrane, eardrum 30 Ear
canal 100 Ear unit 200 Anchor 210 Curve 212 Upper end 214 Lower end
216 Extended lower end 218 Curvature 220 Protrusion 222 Protrusion
end, for engaging fossa triangularis 224 Protrusion for engaging
intertragic notch 300 Housing 400 Part extending downwards 500
Member, forward extending 502 Member attachment to housing or to
anchor 504 Arm, extending forward 506 Tragus support 508 Sulcus
support 510 Front, arm payload 512 Display unit 516 Temple support
520 Rear, counterbalance 530 Transverse arm 532 Nose support 533
Left connector between transverse arm and arm extending forward 534
Left part of transverse arm 535 Connector connecting left and right
part of transverse arm 536 Right part of transverse arm 537 Right
connector between transverse arm and second arm extending backward
540 Second arm, extending backward 546 Second temple support 600
Second audio device, second anchor 602 Wire 700 Rear unit 705 Rear
arm 706 Light source 800 Carrier 802 Side shadow 805 Cell phone
received into carrier 811 Connector for engaging connector on the
arm extending forward 812 Connector for engaging connector on the
second arm 816 Connector engaging a first connector on the cell
phone 817 Connector engaging a second connector on the cell
phone
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
Anatomy of the Human Ear
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1A, the structure of a human ear, and in
particular of the outer ear, is depicted. Various features of the
outer ear as described herein are closely related to the various
embodiments of the ear-mounted apparatus according to this
disclosure.
[0039] Specifically, outer ear 10, also known as pinna comprises a
plurality of features of significance. Outermost is helix 11
tracing the periphery of the ear upwards and in towards the skull
where it transitions into crus of helix 12. Within this is
antihelix 13 which in the upward direction bifurcates into crura of
antihelix 14, comprising superior crux 15 and inferior crux 16,
separated by fossa triangularis 17. Below antihelix is sulcus
auriculae posterior 18 and further below that again is antitragus
22 which is opposite tragus 21, separated by incisura intertragica
23, also known as the intertragic notch. Within these again is
concha 24 which comprises cymba concha 25 and cavum concha 26,
separated by crus of helix 12.
[0040] It should be noted that a the part of helix near where it
transitions into crus of helix forms a flap 11a that covers the
anterior part of fossa triangularis and the anterior part of the
upper part of the antihelix.
[0041] Immediately within and partially covered by the tragus is
the entrance to the ear canal 30. It is important to realize that
this entrance is still a part of cavum concha. The ear canal proper
extends from the deepest part of the concha to the eardrum 29, a
distance of about 2.5 cm and approximately 4 cm from the tragus.
The ear canal comprises an approximately 8 mm lateral cartilaginous
part and an approximately 16 mm medial osseous part. It should also
be noted that it is typically quite uncomfortable to have any
foreign object in the ear canal. The ear canal is partially visible
from the outside and is indicated in FIG. 1A.
[0042] This area immediately within and partially covered by the
tragus 21 does not have an official anatomical name. For the
purposes of this disclosure it has been called the sub-tragus
region 28 and is shown in FIG. 1B. The ear canal 30 is located
below the sub-tragus region.
Stability of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
[0043] A movable object in space can be described with 6 degrees of
freedom: linear: anterior--posterior, dorsal--ventral, and
left--right lateral; rotational: in the sagittal plane, in the
coronal plane, and in the transverse plane.
[0044] For an ear mounted or head mounted device these axes and
planes are defined with reference to the head according to
anatomical terms of location. For a device to be stably positioned
into an ear it is important that linear motion is restricted
relative to the ear, otherwise the device will fall out. Similarly
it is strongly preferred that rotational motion relative to the
head is restricted. For use for optical devices flash light,
display unit such as VR devices or camera such stability is
important for the user experience. Also a rapid rotational movement
of the head can also create a force that pulls the device out of
the ear.
[0045] For a device having a member extending forward this means
that a static rotational force in the sagittal plane is created as
gravity pulls the member downwards. This then must be counteracted
by a rotational stabiliser.
[0046] For a VR device stability means that the unit remains stable
with respect to the head of the user. On the other hand stability
for a camera means that the unit should be stable with reference to
space to avoid shaking images. In practice this means that high
frequency movements should be damped while still allowing the
camera to track the general motion of the head.
Load-Bearing Ear Unit
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2A, an ear unit fitting into an ear
according to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown from the
outside. A line A-A indicates a section for FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C.
The anchor 200 comprises the curve 210 having an upper end 212, a
lower end 214 and a curvature 218. Due to the angles it is not
possible to clearly show all components of the anchor in all
figures.
[0048] In this embodiment, an anchor 200 provides stable attachment
in an ear, and a member extending forward from the anchor. The
anchor is provided with a rotational stabiliser, and the member is
stabilised in the sagittal plane and becomes vertically stable.
[0049] The rotational stabiliser presents several embodiments
according to this disclosure. Of relevance, for example, the pinna
10 of the ear comprises several anatomical details that a part,
particularly a protuberance, of an anchor can extend into to
counteract a rotation in the sagittal plane by the fact that these
effectively form cavities, sacks or trenches (Latin:
<<fossae>>) having an end surface that said
protuberance can extend to in order to create a force counteracting
the rotational momentum.
[0050] According to another embodiment, in addition to stability
against rotation in the sagittal plane, stability in the transverse
plane is provided.
[0051] Some of this stability is inherent in the anchor according
to one embodiment, as it is stable against falling out. In a
further embodiment, the member is adapted to contact parts of the
head of the user. For compactness and comfort, in one embodiment,
this contact is made against parts of the pinna 10.
[0052] While the sagittal plane and transversal plane stabilities
are achieved by separate means it should be noted that the use of
supports for transversal plane stability also improves sagittal
plane stability according to alternative embodiments.
Various Embodiments of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a load bearing ear unit as one
embodiment of the ear-mounted device according to this disclosure
is provided. This ear unit comprises an anchor adapted as the
C-shape according to the applicant's prior patents and
applications, specifically as described in WO/2002/045390, and as
the improved earpiece having a curve 210 and a curvature 218 as
described in WO/2008/147215, the curve having an upper end 212 and
a lower end 214.
[0054] In one embodiment, the anchor is based on the C-shape known
from WO/2002/045390 or the curve known from WO/2008/147215, both
disclosed and taught by the present Applicant. The latter comprises
a curvature that provides some stabilisation.
[0055] In another embodiment the anchor 200 comprises a curve 210
having an upper end 210 that extends into an upper anterior part of
the antihelix forming a cavity defined by the antihelix and the
root of the helix. According to this embodiment, the upper end is
adapted to abut or engage an end surface of the upper or dorsal
part of the antihelix. The root of the helix forms an end surface
that the upper end of the curve engages to in order to create a
force counteracting the rotational momentum in this embodiment.
Accordingly, as the concha is close to the skull, the force can be
transferred over a short distance and with limited elasticity and
thereby providing improved stability. These anchors are stable with
respect to linear motion and thus do not easily fall out of the
ear.
[0056] According to another embodiment, for rotational stability in
the transverse plane the member 500 is provided with supports 506,
508. The tragus support 506 is adapted to engage with incisura
anterior 19 located between the upper part of tragus and a lower
part of the anterior part of helix. Since this anatomical detail
forms a depression into which a support pad fits snugly this
provides rotational stability in both the transverse plane and the
sagittal plane. The sulcus support 508 is adapted to engage with
sulcus auriculae posterior 18 located posterior to the anti tragus.
Since this anatomical detail forms a plateau it will provide
limited stability in the transverse plane beyond what an anchor
according to the above three documents but will represent an
improvement over simpler anchors like earbuds.
[0057] In another embodiment the ear unit 100 comprises a housing
300 attached to the anchor 200. The housing unit is suitable for
containing electronics and a power source. Also the housing unit is
useful for containing acoustic devices for providing the user with
an audio experience. Such a combination overcomes a common design
problem with VR glasses that attach using traditional ear hooks and
also contain earbuds that have to be individually adjusted and
attached to the ear or ears. In this embodiment the concha is used
for attachment and audio and thus no separate audio devices are
required, leading to a more compact and convenient design.
[0058] In a further embodiment the housing unit comprises a sub
tragus audio device as disclosed in WO/2014/017922, from the
present applicant.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 5.1, in another embodiment, the audio
device operates together with a second audio device 600 to create a
stereo sound experience. In an alternative embodiment, this second
audio device is connected to a common electronic unit in the
housing, either wirelessly or as shown in FIG. 5.2 using a wire
602.
[0060] In one embodiment, the member 500 comprises an attachment
502 to the housing 300. From the attachment an arm 504 extends
forward or anterior to the user. The arm is preferably thin and
light weight both for stability reasons as well as for aesthetic
reasons according to this embodiment.
[0061] According to another embodiment, the attachment 502 also
provides an offset and is at an angle with respect to the arm 504.
Using an offset it is possible to put on or remove a pair of
glasses while keeping the ear unit inserted.
[0062] In certain embodiments, the front 510 of the arm is provided
with the relevant payload. In another embodiment, the payload is a
device 512 for overlaying an image to the view field of the user
using a projector that projects an image onto the eye or via a
glass.
[0063] To avoid interference with the use of glasses, in one
embodiment the member extends upwards and forward so that the front
510 is positioned above the upper edge of the glasses.
[0064] According to another embodiment, the load bearing ear unit
is adjustable to the use by different individual users. In one
embodiment the member is rotatable with respect to the stabiliser
against rotation in the sagittal plane. This is achieved in this
embodiment by adjusting the length of the upper end of the
curve.
[0065] In another embodiment, the attachment to the housing 502
and/or the arm 504 is adjusted lengthwise, for instance by a
telescoping structure.
[0066] According to one embodiment, the arm is rotatably adjusted
relative to the housing. Such rotation is used to raise the arm 500
in this embodiment carrying virtual reality glasses, out of sight.
For adjustment when in active use, according to a certain
embodiment, the rotation function is provided with a ratcheting
function or a lock thereby holding the arm at desired angle.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, in a further embodiment a part 400 is
provided that extends downwards. According to this embodiment, the
part 400 contains electronics, battery, power sources or other
parts that has substantial mass. In a further embodiment, for wired
devices the wire is attached to this downward extending part.
[0068] According to another embodiment, this downward extending
part extends along the intertragic notch 23. According to an
alternative embodiment, this part also passes through the
intertragic notch thereby providing additional stability. In
another embodiment, this part is detachably attached to the ear
unit.
[0069] According to a further embodiment, this part curves in the
posterior direction thereby balancing the forces from the arm 500.
In another embodiment, this part takes on in part the
functionalities of the rear unit 700.
[0070] In a particular embodiment of this disclosure, the above
configuration is utilized for reading out brain waves in a manner
similar to electroencephalography (EEG). It is noted that prior
systems such as WO2011006681 have the advantage of reading out
brain signals in the ear canal in a compact solution but also the
disadvantage of being able to read out only in one location and
also in a situation subjected to noise from muscular activities.
The ear-mounted EEG device according to one embodiment of this
disclosure overcomes those limitations by complementing an in-ear
sensor with a sensor integrated with temple support 516 and/or
546.
[0071] Using substantially rigid arms positioned using ear canals
or the entrance to the ear canals as a reference point, provides
the system with a stable geometry that is beneficial for
reliability and also reproducibility between measurements. This
overcomes a manual and error prone process in prior art where
electrodes are carefully placed on the scalp of a subject to be
analysed.
[0072] In another embodiment a nose support 320 is used to further
improve positional stability and/or reproducibility of the
electrodes.
[0073] In yet another embodiment, muscular activities are detected
by means provided with the ear mounted system. Several such means
are employed in various embodiments and can be freely combined to
ensure misinterpretations are kept to a minimum. A camera records
eye movements in one embodiment, where eye movements imply muscle
movements leading to noise. A microphone records the user speaking
in another embodiment, itself a strong indicator of muscle
movements. In another embodiment, a mechanical sensor provided with
the temple support detects relative motion in the skin of the user,
indicating muscle motions in the head.
Further Embodiments of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
[0074] In an alternative embodiment, the stabiliser is a protrusion
220 extending from the anchor or the housing and having an end 222
adapted to engage or abut an end surface of the fossa triangularis
17. Note that the protrusion according to this embodiment achieves
rotational stability; it does not provide attachment to the ear. As
fossa triangularis is a more peripheral part of pinna than concha,
the counteracting force in this embodiment, therefore, is
transmitted across an extended part of tissue compared with the
antihelix stabiliser.
[0075] According to another embodiment, the above stabiliser is
combined with the antihelix stabiliser discussed herein earlier. In
a further embodiment, these stabilizers are blended into a single
stabiliser. The end wall in both embodiments is defined by the
helix. As a result, the pressure is exerted over a larger area thus
improving comfort.
[0076] Further, rotational stability in the transverse plane are
achieved by various alternative embodiments. In one embodiment the
arm is provided with support in the form of a temple support 516
that contacts the temple anterior to the ear for stability. Since
the temporal bone underneath the temple is not connected to the
jawbone, speaking will not cause the member to move.
[0077] In another embodiment, for further improved stability the
ear unit is provided with a member or protrusion 224 entering and
engaging the intertragic notch 23. In an alternative embodiument,
the protrusion 224 engaging the intertragic notch is the sole
rotational stabiliser.
[0078] In a further embodiment, the ear unit comprises a
counterbalance 520 at the rear of the of the ear unit. This is
beneficial for particularly large payloads at the front 510 of the
arm. In one embodiment, the counterbalance is detachably attached
to the ear unit. In another embodiment, the counterbalance contains
a power source such as a battery.
[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the member extends forward
such that the front 510 is positioned to the side of the edge of
the glasses, thereby avoiding interference with the use of
glasses.
[0080] In a further embodiment, an ear-mounted optical device
according to this disclosure comprises the load-bearing ear unit
and a light source, a camera, and combination thereof. In various
embodiments, the lighting and camera comprises infrared
functionality such as infrared communication, using for example
IrDA, relay function and wireless communication.
[0081] According to another embodiment, the load-bearing ear unit
further comprises a rear unit 700 having a rear arm 705. In a
further embodiment, this ear unit further comprises a light source
706. Accordingly, together with a light source at the front 510 of
the member 500 the device can be used by pedestrian and cyclists
for illumination of the ground as well as for indication to others
in traffic.
[0082] In yet another embodiment the member 500 and/or the rear
unit 700 are detachably attached to the ear unit, optionally
replaced with units having different functionality such as added
battery capacity, camera or a microphone arm.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, the member 500
is provided with a transverse arm 530, preferably extending from
the front 510 of the member 500 extending forward. In this
embodiment, this transverse arm supports a glass 532. This glass is
used to overlay images onto the view field of the wearer by
projection according to this embodiument. In another embodiment,
the glass is adapted to correct vision. In a further embodiment,
the transverse arm is extended to provide support for a second
glass. In another embodiment, further stability is provided by
nose-pieces. The nose pieces according to this embodiment stabilize
the apparatus with respect to the head of the user thereby
providing a comfortable viewing experience. Moreover in another
embodiment the transverse arm is connected to a second arm 540
extending backward towards the second ear and is further provided
with a second temple support.
[0084] In alternative embodiments the transverse arm is segmented
and functionally comprises at least part of the glasses such as for
rimless designs. For instance a binocular set of glasses can be
separated into a left and/or right monocular glass.
[0085] In such segmentation the transverse arm of this embodiment
carrys binocular glasses and are divided into a left 534 and a
right 536 part. These are detachably attached and are connected
using a connector 535 in another embodiment.
[0086] In another embodiment the transverse arm is used to contain
a connecting wire between two ear units, in a manner similar to
wire 602.
[0087] According to one embodiment, several optionally detachable
parts 400, 500, 520, 700 are provided in the load-bearing ear unit.
These detachable parts are used in another embodiment to change the
mechanical response to movement of the head, for example the change
between the aforementioned stability preferred for VR use and
stability preferred for camera use. Such response is modified
according to alternative embodiments using weights as well as
varying spring properties of the member and/or rear unit. Each of
the parts is provided with a range of masses to achieve the desired
response in various embodiments.
[0088] In another embodiment, detachable parts of different sizes
and lengths are provided for adaption to users with different head
sizes. These parts are made extensible according to one embodiment,
like telescopic rods. The apparatus in one embodiment is relatively
insensitive to dimensions for applications such as light sources or
camera. For VR applications in another embodiment, the forward
extending member is adapted far enough forward to provide an image
in focus and positioned with respect to the eyes. In this
embodiment, the member 500 is rotated with respect to the ear or
the member 502 is adapted accordingly.
[0089] According to one embodiment, when using a left and right ear
unit together it is advantageous to provide the front of the arm
510 with different payloads such as a flash on a first ear unit and
a camera on a second ear unit. The offset created between the two
ear units avoids the red eye effect that is observed when camera
and flash are close together. Also this configuration provides
better illumination and shadows, avoiding whiteout.
[0090] In another embodiment the payload is detachably attached to
the front 510 of the member 500 extending forward. This way the
payload can be changed, replaced or upgraded, for instance between
camera, microphone, light source and other optical, communication,
wearable devices.
[0091] In a further embodiment the attachment comprises a plug, for
instance a USB plug, Firewire plug, providing power and/or data
connectivity as well as mechanical connectivity. In another
embodiment, the mechanical connectivity is further augmented by
magnets, mechanical attachments or similar. These attachments are
rotatably adjusted to accommodate a wider range of payloads in
various embodiments.
[0092] The ear-mounted device according to various embodiments are
applied in video viewing, virtual reality, and augmented reality
displays. Such displays are monocular or binocular according to
different embodiments. In the latter case according to a further
embodiment, the binocular display employ a second arm 540
comprising further mechanical, power and data connectivity.
[0093] For connectivity involving two arms 504, 540 bridged
electrically by a transverse arm 530, in another embodiment a wire
603 is replaced by the connectivity provided by this transverse
arm.
[0094] Connectivity according to an alternative embodiment
comprises detachable attachment between arm 504 and transverse arm
530 using a connector 533. The connection is an electrical
connector such as USB in one embodiment. Similarly the second arm
540 is detachably attached to transverse arm 530 using a second
connector 537 according to another embodiment. This is combined
with the use of connector 535 for a split transverse arm according
to a further embodiment. Thus full flexibility regarding payload,
also asymmetric payload, are achieved according to various
embodiments.
[0095] Connectivity is asymmetric according to certain embodiments.
In one embodiment, the first arm 500 is connected using USB to a
first end of a cell phone and the second arm 540 is connected using
an audio jack to a second end of said cell phone. According to
another embodiment, a cell phone is provided with a USB socket at
the lower end and an audio socket at the upper end. According to
yet another embodiment, the cell phone is connected to the load
bearing unit by a transverse arm as described above.
[0096] The load bearing system provides multiple points of
attachment according to various embodiments. For instance in
addition to being in electrical contact with a cell phone as
described above, according to another embodiment, the load bearing
system provides attachment for lenses positioned between the cell
phone display and the eyes of the wearer.
[0097] In alternative embodiments, each anchor is provided with a
plurality of arms. In one embodiment, one arm is used for a display
that is kept steady with respect to the head whereas the second arm
is provided with a camera that is kept steady with respect to
space. This is done using varying degree of stabilisation and/or
damping with respect to the head. Thus a camera is more loosely
coupled, with limited damping and preferably no strong stabilisers
such as a temple support in this embodiment. As mass of camera and
activity of user varies, in various embodiments varying damping is
applied with respect to the anchor.
[0098] In another embodiment, the payload is carrier 800 for
placing a display. In a further embodiment, the display is a cell
phone 805. In one embodiment, the carrier is attached to at least
one arm 504, 540 and is adapted to receive a display or a cell
phone. In another embodiment, the carrier is provided with
connectors 816, 817 that attach to the cell phone, either using
flexible wire or more preferably using connectors that are located
in positions to directly engage with the cell phone. These
connectors are connected via connectors 811, 812 to the arms in one
embodiment. The carrier is adapted to specific units, displays or
cell phones in different embodiments.
[0099] In a further embodiment, one or two side shadows 502 is
employed to prevent side glare from interfering with the viewing.
In another embodiment the side shadows are detachable attached to
the arms 504, 540 or the carrier 800.
[0100] In another embodiment a part of the part extending forward
is used for payload. Such payload comprises electronics and
batteries in one embodiment. In a further embodiment, the part
extending forward is used for antennae.
[0101] In summary, according to various embodiments, the
ear-mounted apparatus of this disclosure provides secure and
comfortable load bearing in support of optical, biosensor, and
mobile communication functionalities. The ear-mounted device
disclosed herein avoids bulky counterbalances as part of the
system; uses light weight and compact power sources; corrects
instability due to rotational momentum; supports small and
inconspicuous devices; allows wearing for extended period of time;
allows for offsetting and thus improved illumination; and provides
for integration with other in-ear and head-mounted devices.
[0102] The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this
disclosure, including the various figures and examples, are to
exemplify and not to limit the invention and the various
embodiments thereof.
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