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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a display systems. More specifically, this invention relates a head mounded display systems for providing hands-free visual data.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrates head mountable display systems, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate view of a head mountable display system, in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a helmet with a display system, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a swimmer wearing a pair of goggles equipped with a display system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.