DE212016000067U1 - Attached to the ear device - Google Patents

Abstract

A load-bearing ear unit (100) having an anchor (200) for stable attachment in an ear, and a member (500) extending from the anchor, the anchor having a rotatable stabilizer (210, 220, 224, 506, 508, 510), which stabilizes the element.

Description

Background of the Revelation

The present disclosure relates generally to ear-mounted devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detachable ear attachments to optical devices, head-mounted or head-sensing devices. More specifically, a load bearing ear unit is provided for securely and comfortably mounting a forwardly extending member. Also, in various embodiments, an ear-mounted camera, flashlights, a virtual reality (VR) device, an Infrared Data Association device (IrDA), and an electroencephalography device (electroencephalography: EEG) provided with the load bearing ear unit of this disclosure.

Various forward-facing, head-mounted devices are well known, such as eyeglasses and head-mounted flashlights.

Many solutions use an earhook attachment wherein an element is placed between the ear of the ear and the skull, preferably with a downwardly extending hook in front of the ear. This is the typical case for spectacles. Also should be up US 6637910 which relates to a flash attached to the ear using an ear hook.

However, earhook solutions suffer from several problems such as instability due to the angular momentum caused by the relatively long temple. If this is compensated using a balance weight, the total weight increases and accordingly the comfort decreases. Also, a balance weight does not improve the thing in terms of stability after a head movement. Moreover, an ear hook device interferes with the use of traditional eyewear. Stabilization using the nose also interferes with the use of glasses and may also be uncomfortable, especially with heavier devices such as glasses, VR equipment, and the like.

Some solutions, such as a head-mounted flash, use a headband. Typically, a flashlight or flashlight is positioned on the forehead of a user and a battery pack is conveniently located at the back of the head, acting as a balance weight.

However, the headband needs to be relatively narrow to provide stability and this is thus less comfortable. Such a positioning is not inconspicuous at all. Positioning for devices such as light sources is also problematic because the illumination is nearly coaxial with the eyes of the wearer because the illumination greatly reduces shading effects and contours, resulting in shallow images or "white glare". The presence of a balance weight also increases weight and discomfort.

From the prior art is on the US 5298692 which relates to an ear piece for insertion into an auditory canal,
on the US 6637910 , which relates to an improved ear piece light, in particular an ear piece with a power supply and a light source, which is mounted on the ear piece,
on the GB 2396421 relating to a head worn device for measuring brain and facial muscle activity,
on the WO 2014/017922 , which concerns an ear unit for pleasant wearing comfort, and
on the WO 2011/006681 referring to a hearing aid adapted to detect brainwaves and a method of adjusting such hearing aid.

Summary of the various embodiments

It is therefore an object of this disclosure to provide new and improved methodologies and designs to correct the deficiencies of the aforementioned ear-mounted devices.

In particular, in one embodiment, in accordance with this disclosure, there is provided a load-bearing ear unit having an anchor for stably mounting in an ear, and an element extending from the anchor, the anchor having a rotatable stabilizer, the ear trimmer Element stabilized.

In another embodiment, the anchor further includes a housing unit that forms an attachment that connects the element to the anchor.

In yet another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is adapted to stabilize the element in the sagittal plane.

In another embodiment, the anchor has a stirrup 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 partially positioned under the antitragus.

In another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is an end that extends into a cavity defined by the antihelix and the cauda helicis.

According to another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is a projection adapted to be engaged with an end surface of the triangular fossa.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is adapted to stabilize the element in the transverse plane.

In another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is an element adjacent a portion of the pinna.

In one embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is a support post that is adapted to abut the anterior incisura.

In another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is a sulcus support adapted to abut the posterior sulcus auricle.

According to another embodiment, the rotatable stabilizer is a temple support which is adapted to abut the temple.

In accordance with another embodiment, the element further includes a connector for mechanical connectivity. In another embodiment, the connector is rotatably adjustable. In yet another embodiment, the connector is a magnet.

In accordance with another embodiment, the element further includes a connector for power connectivity. In accordance with yet another embodiment, the element further includes a connector for data connectivity. In another embodiment, the connector is one of the group including an audio plug, an audio plug socket, a USB socket, and a USB plug.

In accordance with this disclosure, in another embodiment, an ear-mounted optical device is provided having a load-bearing ear unit. The load-bearing ear unit has an anchor for stable attachment in an ear and an element extending forwardly from the anchorage, the anchor having a rotatable stabilizer which stabilizes the element.

According to alternative embodiments, the optical device is one of the following: a flashlight, a display unit, a VR device, an IrDA device, a photodiode and / or a camera and / or spectacles.

According to another embodiment, there is provided an ear-mounted EEG device having a first anchor for stable attachment in an ear and a first member extending forwardly from the anchor, the first anchor further comprising a first EEG electrode and wherein the first member further comprises a temple pad adapted to be a second EEG electrode.

In another embodiment, the EEG device further includes a second anchor and a second member extending therefrom. The second anchorage has a third one EEG electrode on. In another embodiment, the second member has a second temple pad adapted to be a fourth EEG electrode.

In another embodiment, the EEG device further includes a nosepiece adapted to connect the first and second members.

In accordance with this disclosure, in another embodiment, an ear-mounted device is provided having a load-bearing ear unit and one or more sensors. The load-bearing ear unit has an anchor for stable attachment in an ear and an element extending from the anchor, the anchor further comprising a sensor adapted to be worn when the device is worn by a user. to detect signals from a part of the user's ear.

In another embodiment, the element further comprises a sensor adapted to detect signals from a portion of the user's head when the device is being worn by a user.

Brief description of the drawings

It shows / show:

1A the anatomy of a human ear from the outside.

1B a cross section of the anatomy of a human ear along AA.

2A an ear unit inserted into an ear according to an embodiment.

2 B an ear unit inserted into an ear, which is shown at a section along BB according to an embodiment.

2C an ear unit inserted in an ear, which shows a section along BB according to an embodiment.

3 and 4 a load-bearing ear unit according to an embodiment.

5.1 and 5.2 two load-bearing ear units according to alternative embodiments.

6 a pair of glasses having two load-bearing ear units according to one embodiment.

7 a carrier carrying therein a mobile phone and connected to two load-bearing brackets, according to one embodiment.

The following table sets forth reference signs and corresponding labels according to the various embodiments as shown in the drawings. 10 auricle 11 helix 11a bead 12 Crus helicis 13 anti helix 14 Crura antihelicis 15 Crus superior 16 Crus inferior 17 Fossa triangularis 18 Sulcus auriculae posterior 19 Incisura anterior 21 tragus 22 antitragus 23 Incisura intertragica 24 Concha 25 Cymbal conchae 26 Cavum conchae 27 scapha 28 Sub-tragus area 29 Membrana tympani, eardrum 30 ear canal 100 ear unit 200 anchoring 210 Curve 212 Top end 214 Lower end 216 Extended lower end 218 curvature 220 head Start 222 Projecting end to engage with the fossa triangularis 224 Projection to engage with the Incisura intertragica 300 casing 400 Part, extending downwards 500 Element, extending forward 502 Element attachment to the housing or anchorage 504 Temple, extending forward 506 Tragusstütze 508 Sulcus support 510 Front, bracket payload 512 display unit 516 side support 520 Rear, balance weight 530 Transverse bow 532 nose support 533 Left connector between transverse bracket and forwardly extending bracket 534 Left part of the transverse stirrup 535 Connector connecting the left and right part of the transverse bracket 536 Right part of the transverse stirrup 537 Right connector between transversal bracket and second, rearwardly extending bracket 540 Second bracket, extending backwards 546 Second temple support 600 Second audio device, second anchoring 602 wire 700 Rear unit 705 Rear bracket 706 light source 800 carrier 802 Seitenabschattung 805 Mobile phone, which is included in the carrier 811 Connectors for engaging a connector on the forwardly extending bracket 812 Connectors for engaging a connector on the second bracket 816 Connector engaging a first connector on the mobile phone 817 Connector engaging a second connector on the mobile phone

Detailed description of the various embodiments

Anatomy of the human ear

With reference to 1A is the structure of a human ear, and in particular the outer ear represented. Various features of the outer ear, as described herein, are closely related to the various embodiments of the ear-mounted apparatus of this disclosure.

More specifically, the outer ear points 10 , which is also known as the auricle, a variety of characteristics of importance. To the utmost is the helix 11 which draws the periphery of the ear upwards and towards the skull, where it helicates in the crus 12 passes. Within this there is an antihelix 13 which fork in the direction upward in the crura antihelicis 14 shares that a crus superior 15 and a crus inferior 16 which passes through the triangular fossa 17 are separated. Below the antihelix is the sulcus auriculae posterior 18 and further below this, in turn, is the antitragus 22 , which faces the tragus 21 located through the intisica incisura 23 are separated. Within this, in turn, is the Concha 24 which the Cymba conchae 25 and the cavum conchae 26 which is characterized by the crus helicis 12 are separated.

It should be noted that the part of the helix near the point where it merges into the crus helicis, a bead 11a which covers the anterior part of the triangular fossa and the anterior part of the upper part of the antihelix.

The entrance to the ear canal 30 is located directly inside the tragus and is partially covered by it. It is important to remember that this entrance is still part of the Cavum conchae. The ear canal itself extends from the deepest part of the concha to the eardrum 29 , a distance of about 2.5 cm and about 4 cm from the tragus. The ear canal has an approximately 8 mm long lateral cartilaginous part and an approximately 16 mm long medial bony part. It should also be noted that it is typically quite uncomfortable to have any foreign object in the ear canal. The auditory canal is partially visible from the outside and is in 1A specified.

This area directly inside the tragus 21 partially covered by this has no official anatomical name. For purposes of this disclosure, this became the sub-tragus range 28 called and will be in 1B shown. The auditory canal 30 is located below the sub-tragus area.

Stability of the device attached to the ear

An object moving in space can be described by 6 degrees of freedom: linear: anterior - posterior, dorsal - ventral and left - right lateral; rotatable: in the sagittal plane, in the coronal plane and in the transverse plane.

In an ear-mounted or head-mounted device, these axes and planes are defined with respect to the head in accordance with anatomical location concepts. For a device to be stably positioned in an ear, it is important that the linear motion be restricted relative to the ear, otherwise the device will fall out. Similarly, it is highly preferred that the rotational movement be restricted relative to the head. For use with optical devices, a flash, a display device such as VR devices or a camera, such stability is important to the user experience. Also, a quick rotational movement of the head can also generate a force that pulls the device out of the ear.

In a device having a forwardly extending member, this means that a static rotational force generated in the sagittal plane, such as gravity, pulls the member downwards. Then this must be counteracted by a rotatable stabilizer.

In a VR device, stability means that the unit remains stable with respect to the user's head. On the other hand, stability in a camera means that the unit should be stable with respect to the room in order to avoid blurring of pictures. In practice, this means that high-frequency movements should be damped, while still allowing the camera to track the general movement of the head.

Load-bearing ear unit

With reference to 2A For example, an ear unit fitting in an ear is externally shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure. A line AA gives a cut for 2 B and 2C at. The anchorage 200 shows the curve 210 with an upper end 212 , a lower end 214 and a curvature 218 on. Due to the angle, it is not possible to clearly show all the components of the anchorage in all figures.

In this embodiment sees an anchorage 200 stable attachment in an ear and an element extending forward from the anchorage. The anchorage is provided with a rotatable stabilizer, and the element is stabilized in the sagittal plane and becomes vertically stable.

The rotatable stabilizer presents several embodiments according to this disclosure. It is important, for example, that the auricle 10 of the ear has a plurality of anatomical details into which a part of an anchorage, in particular a protuberance, can extend in order to counteract a rotation in the sagittal plane by effectively forming cavities, sacs or grooves ("fossae") an end surface to which the protuberance may extend to create a force that opposes the angular momentum.

According to another embodiment, stability in the transverse plane is provided in addition to stability to rotation in the sagittal plane.

Some of this stability is inherent in anchoring according to one embodiment because it is stable against falling out. In another embodiment, the element is adapted to contact parts of the user's head. For compactness and comfort, this contact in one embodiment against parts of the auricle 10 produced.

While the stabilities of the sagittal plane and the transverse plane are achieved by separate means, it should be noted that according to alternative embodiments, the use of supports for the stability of the transverse plane also improves the stability of the sagittal plane.

Various embodiments of the ear-mounted apparatus

With reference to the 3 and 4 For example, a load-bearing ear unit is provided as an embodiment of the ear-mounted device according to this disclosure. This ear unit has a Anchoring which, according to Applicants' previous patents and applications, is adapted as well as the C-shape, more specifically as in WO / 2002/045390 is described, and as the improved ear piece a curve 210 and a curvature 218 has, as in WO / 2008/147215 is described, wherein the curve is an upper end 212 and a lower end 214 having.

In one embodiment, the anchorage is based on the C-shape WO / 2002/045390 is known, or the curve that out WO / 2008/147215 both of which are disclosed and taught by the present applicant. The latter has a curvature that provides some stabilization.

In another embodiment, the anchoring 200 a curve 210 on, which is an upper end 210 which extends into an upper anterior part of the antihelix forming a cavity defined by the antihelix and the cauda helicis. 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 cauda helicis forms an end surface with which the upper end of the cam engages to produce a force which, in this embodiment, counteracts the angular momentum. Accordingly, as the concha is near the skull, the force can be transmitted over a short distance and with limited elasticity while providing improved stability. These anchorages are stable with respect to linear motion and thus do not simply fall out of the ear.

According to another embodiment, the element is 500 for torsional stability in the transverse plane with supports 506 . 508 intended. The support post 506 is adjusted to with the anterior incisura 19 which is located between the upper part of the tragus and a lower part of the anterior part of the helix. Since this anatomical detail forms a depression in which a pad fits well, this provides torsional stability in both the transverse plane and the sagittal plane. The sulcus support 508 is adapted to connect with the sulcus auriculae posterior 18 which is behind the antitragus to be engaged. Since this anatomical detail forms a plateau, this provides limited stability in the transverse plane which goes beyond what anchoring according to the three preceding references provides, but this is an improvement over simpler anchors such as earphones.

In another embodiment, the ear unit 100 a housing 300 on, at the anchorage 200 is appropriate. The housing unit is capable of containing electronics and a power source. Also, the housing unit is useful to contain acoustic devices that provide an audio experience for the user. Such a combination overcomes a common design problem in VR glasses that are mounted using traditional ear hooks and also include earphones that need 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, resulting in a more compact and convenient design.

In another embodiment, the housing includes a sub-tragus audio device such as that of the present applicant WO / 2014/017922 is disclosed.

With reference to 5.1 For example, in another embodiment, the audio device is paired with a second audio device 600 operated to create a stereo sound experience. In an alternative embodiment, this second audio device is either wireless or, as in FIG 5.2 shown using a wire 602 connected to a common electronics unit in the housing.

In one embodiment, the element 500 an attachment 502 on the housing 300 on. Starting from the attachment extends a hanger 504 forward or in front of the user. According to this embodiment, the bracket is preferably thin and light for both stability and aesthetic reasons.

According to another embodiment, the attachment looks 502 also an offset in front and is in relation to the bracket 504 at an angle. Using an offset, it is possible to put on or take off a pair of glasses while keeping the ear unit inserted.

In certain embodiments, the front side is 510 of the bracket provided with the relevant payload. In another embodiment, the payload is a device 512 for superimposing an image on the user's field of view using a projector that projects an image on the eye or over a spectacle lens.

In order to avoid interference with the use of glasses, in one embodiment, the element extends upwards and forwards, so that the front 510 is positioned above the top of the goggles.

According to another embodiment, the load bearing ear unit is adjustable for use by different individual users. In one embodiment, the element is rotatable relative to the rotation in the sagittal plane with respect to the stabilizer. This is achieved in this embodiment by adjusting the length of the top of the curve.

In another embodiment, the attachment to the housing 502 or the temple 504 for example, adjusted by a telescopic structure lengthwise.

According to one embodiment, the bracket is rotatably adjusted relative to the housing. Such a rotation is used to the bow 500 in this embodiment wearing a virtual reality goggle to lift out of sight. For active use adjustment, according to a particular embodiment, the turning function is provided with a ratcheting function or latching action to hold the bracket at a desired angle.

With reference to 4 is a part in another embodiment 400 provided, which extends downwards. According to this embodiment, the part contains 400 Electronics, a battery, power sources or other parts that have a substantial mass. In another embodiment, for wired devices, the wire is attached to this downwardly extending part.

According to another embodiment, this downwardly extending part extends along the incisura intertragica 23 , According to an alternative embodiment, this part also passes through the incisura intertragica to provide additional stability. In another embodiment, this part is removably attached to the ear unit.

According to another embodiment, this part bulges in the posterior direction, this starting from the bracket 500 balancing the forces. In another embodiment, this part partially takes the functionalities of the rear unit 700 at.

In a particular embodiment of this disclosure, the above configuration is utilized to read brainwaves in a manner similar to electroencephalography (EEG). It should be noted that previous systems such as WO 2011 006681 the advantage of reading in a compact solution in the ear canal brain signals, but also the disadvantage of being able to read only in one place and also in a situation that is exposed to noise of muscle activities to read. The ear-mounted EEG device according to one embodiment of this disclosure overcomes these limitations by complementing an in-ear sensor with a sensor that fits into a temporal support 516 respectively 546 is integrated.

Using substantially rigid stirrups positioned as a reference point using the ear canals or the entrance to the ear canals provides the system with a stable geometry that is favorable for reliability and reproducibility between measurements. This overcomes a manual and error-prone process in the prior art in which electrodes are carefully placed on the scalp of a subject to be analyzed.

In another embodiment, a nose pad 320 used to further improve positional stability or reproducibility of the electrodes.

In yet another embodiment, muscle activities are detected by means provided with the ear-mounted system. Several such means are employed in various embodiments and may be freely combined to ensure that misinterpretations are kept to a minimum. In one embodiment, a camera records eye movements, with the eye movements implying muscle movements that cause noise. In another embodiment, a microphone records the user speaking, which in itself is a strong indicator of muscle movement. In another embodiment, a mechanical sensor provided with the temporal support senses relative movement in the skin of the user indicating muscular movements in the head.

Further embodiments of the ear-mounted apparatus

In an alternative embodiment, the stabilizer is a projection 220 extending from the anchor or housing and an end 222 which is adapted to engage with an end surface of the triangular fossa 17 to be engaged or to be connected to them. It should be noted that the protrusion according to this embodiment achieves rotational stability; this does not provide attachment to the ear. Because the triangularis fossa is a peripheral portion of the pinna than the concha, the counteracting force of this embodiment is therefore transmitted over an extended portion of tissue as compared to the antihelix stabilizer.

In another embodiment, the above stabilizer is combined with the antihelix stabilizer discussed earlier herein. In another embodiment, these stabilizers are fused into a single stabilizer. The end wall is defined by the helix in both embodiments. As a result, the pressure is exerted over a larger area and thus the comfort is improved.

Furthermore, rotational stability is achieved by various alternative embodiments in the transverse plane. In one embodiment, the temple with posts is in the form of a temple support 516 provided that contacts the temple in front of the ear for stability. Since the temporal bone below the temple is not connected to the jawbone, speech does not cause the element to move.

In another embodiment, the ear unit is for further improved stability with a member or protrusion 224 provided in the Incisura intertragica 23 flows and engages with this. In an alternative embodiment, the projection 224 meshing with the incisura intertragica, the sole rotating stabilizer.

In another embodiment, the ear unit at the rear of the ear unit has a balance weight 520 on. This is at particularly large payloads on the front 510 cheap. In one embodiment, the balance weight is removably attached to the ear unit. In another embodiment, the balance weight includes a power source such as a battery.

In an alternative embodiment, the element extends forward so that the front side 510 is positioned on the side of the edge of the glasses to avoid interference with the use of the glasses.

In another embodiment, an ear-mounted optical device according to this disclosure includes the load-bearing ear unit and a light source, a camera, and a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the illumination and the camera include infrared functionality such as infrared communication using, for example, IrDA, relay function, and wireless communication.

According to another embodiment, the load-bearing ear unit further comprises a rear unit 700 with a back strap 705 on. In a further embodiment, this ear unit further comprises a light source 706 on. Accordingly, the device together with a light source on the front 510 of the element 500 be used by pedestrians and cyclists to illuminate the ground, as well as to make them recognizable in traffic for others.

In yet another embodiment, the element is 500 or the rear unit 700 removably attached to the ear unit, and optionally replaced by units with other functionality such as additional battery capacity, a camera or microphone bracket.

With reference to 6 is the element 500 in another embodiment with a transverse bracket 530 , preferably starting from the front 510 of the forwardly extending element 500 extends, provided. In this embodiment, this transverse bracket supports a spectacle lens 532 , This spectacle lens is used to superimpose images on the field of view of the wearer by projection according to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the spectacle lens is adapted to correct the vision. In another embodiment, the transverse bow is extended to provide support for a second lens. In another embodiment, additional stability is provided by nosepieces. The nosepieces of this embodiment stabilize the apparatus with respect to the user's head, providing a comfortable viewing experience. moreover is the transverse bracket in another embodiment with a second bracket 540 connected, which extends backwards to the second ear and is further provided with a second temple support.

In alternative embodiments, the transverse bracket is segmented and has functionally at least a portion of the glasses, for example, in borderless designs. For example, a binocular set of eyeglass lenses may be separated into left and right monocular eyeglass lenses, respectively.

In such segmentation, the transverse bow of this embodiment carries binocular lenses and is in a left-hand 534 and a right one 536 Split part. These are removably mounted in another embodiment and using a connector 535 connected.

In another embodiment, the transverse bow becomes similar to the wire 602 used to contain a connecting wire between two ear units.

According to one embodiment, the load-bearing ear unit has a plurality of optionally detachable parts 400 . 500 . 520 . 700 intended. These removable parts are used in another embodiment to alter the mechanical response to head movement, for example the change between the aforementioned stability preferred in VR use and the stability preferred in camera use. Such a reaction is modified according to alternative embodiments using weights and varying spring characteristics of the element or the rear unit, respectively. Each of the parts is provided with a bandwidth of masses to achieve the desired response in various embodiments.

In another embodiment, removable parts of different sizes and lengths are provided to accommodate users of different head sizes. These parts are made extensible according to one embodiment, such as telescopic poles. The apparatus in one embodiment is relatively insensitive to sizing for applications such as light sources or a camera. For VR applications in another embodiment, the forwardly extending member is adjusted far enough forward to provide a sharp and eye-positioned image. In this embodiment, the element is 500 rotated in relation to the ear or the element 502 is adjusted accordingly.

According to one embodiment, it is advantageous in the joint use of left and right ear unit, the front of the bracket 510 provide with different payloads, such as a flash on a first ear unit and a camera on a second ear unit. The offset generated between the two ear units avoids the red-eye effect observed when the camera and flash are close together. Also, this configuration provides better illumination and shadow, avoiding this white glare.

In another embodiment, the payload is detachable at the front 510 of the forwardly extending element 500 appropriate. In this way, the payload can be changed, replaced or upgraded, for example between camera, microphone, light source and other optical, communication, portable devices.

In another embodiment, the attachment includes a plug, such as a USB plug or firewire plug, which provides power or data connectivity as well as mechanical connectivity. In another embodiment, the mechanical connectivity is further enhanced by magnets, mechanical attachments, or the like. These attachments are rotatably adjusted to accommodate a wider range of payloads in various embodiments.

The ear-mounted device is applied to video viewing, virtual reality, and augmented reality displays in accordance with various embodiments. Such displays are monocular or binocular according to different embodiments. In the latter case, according to another embodiment, the binocular display sets a second bracket 540 a, which has further mechanical, performance and data connectivity.

For connectivity with two temples 504 . 540 passing through a transverse bracket 530 are electrically bridged, in another embodiment, a wire 603 replaced by the connectivity provided by this transverse bracket.

Connectivity according to an alternative embodiment, using a connector 533 a removable attachment between the hanger 504 and the transverse bow 530 on. The connection is an electrical connector such as USB in one embodiment. Similarly, the second bracket 540 using a second connector 537 according to another embodiment detachable on the transverse bracket 530 appropriate. This is according to another embodiment with the use of a connector 535 combined for a split transverse strap. Thus, according to various embodiments in terms of payload, including asymmetric payload, full flexibility is achieved.

Connectivity is asymmetric according to certain embodiments. In one embodiment, the first bracket 500 connected to a first end of a mobile phone using USB and the second bracket 540 is connected to a second end of the mobile phone using an audio plug. According to another embodiment, a mobile phone is provided at the lower end with a USB socket and at the upper end with an audio jack. According to yet another embodiment, the mobile phone is connected to the load bearing unit by a transverse bracket as described above.

The load bearing system provides multiple attachment points according to various embodiments. For example, in addition to being in electrical contact with a mobile phone as described above, the load-bearing system provides attachment for lenses positioned between the mobile phone display and the eyes of the wearer, as described above.

In alternative embodiments, each anchor is provided with a plurality of brackets. In one embodiment, a bracket is used for a display that is kept still relative to the head, whereas the second bracket is provided with a camera that is kept quiet with respect to the room. This is done using a varying degree of stabilization or damping relative to the head. Thus, in this embodiment, a camera is more loosely coupled, with limited damping, and preferably without strong stabilizers, such as a temple support. Since a mass of the camera and the user's activity vary, varying attenuation is applied to various embodiments with respect to anchoring.

In another embodiment, the payload is a carrier 800 to place an ad. In another embodiment, the display is a mobile phone 805 , In one embodiment, the carrier is on at least one bracket 504 . 540 attached and adapted to receive a display or a mobile phone. In another embodiment, the carrier is with connectors 816 . 817 provided which are attached to the mobile telephone either using flexible wire or, more preferably, using connectors located at positions to directly engage the mobile telephone. These connectors are via connectors in one embodiment 811 . 812 connected to the temples. The carrier is adapted in different embodiments to specific units, displays or mobile phones.

In another embodiment, one or two side shadows 502 used to prevent the side glare disturbing the viewing. In another embodiment, the side shadows are removable on the temples 504 . 540 or the carrier 800 appropriate.

In another embodiment, a portion of the forwardly extending portion is used for the payload. Such a payload has electronics and batteries in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the forwardly extending portion is used for antennas.

In summary, the ear-mounted apparatus of this disclosure, according to various embodiments, provides secure and comfortable load bearing in supporting optical, biosensor, and mobile communication functionalities. The ear-mounted device disclosed herein avoids bulky balance weights as part of the system; uses compact power sources with light weight; corrects instability due to angular momentum; supports small and inconspicuous devices; makes carrying for a longer period of time possible; makes shifting and thus improved illumination possible; and provides for integration with other in-ear and head-mounted devices.

The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this disclosure, including the various figures and examples, are illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention and the various embodiments thereof.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6637910 [0003, 0007]
• US 5298692 [0007]
• GB 2396421 [0007]
• WO 2014/017922 [0007, 0060]
• WO 2011/006681 [0007]
• WO 2002/045390 [0055, 0056]
• WO 2008/147215 [0055, 0056]
• WO 2011006681 [0072]

Claims (25)

Load-bearing ear unit ( 100 ), which anchorage ( 200 ) for stable attachment in an ear, and an element ( 500 ) extending from the anchor, the anchor having a rotatable stabilizer ( 210 . 220 . 224 . 506 . 508 . 510 ), which stabilizes the element. A load-bearing ear unit according to claim 1, further comprising a housing unit ( 300 ), which forms an attachment comprising the element ( 500 ) with anchoring ( 200 ) connects.  The load-bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein the rotatable stabilizer is adapted to stabilize the element in the sagittal plane.  The load-bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein the anchor has a yoke adapted as a decremental curve corresponding to the antihelix of the ear, the decremental curve falling along an inner portion of the antihelix and being partially positioned below the antitragus. A load-bearing ear unit according to claim 4, wherein the rotatable stabilizer has one end ( 212 ) extending into a cavity formed between the antihelix and the cauda helicis. A load bearing ear unit according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable stabilizer is a projection ( 220 ) with one end ( 222 ) adapted to interfere with an end surface of the triangular fossa ( 17 ) to be engaged. A load bearing ear unit according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable stabilizer is a projection ( 224 ) adapted to the incisura intertragica ( 23 ).  The load-bearing ear unit of claim 1, wherein the rotatable stabilizer is adapted to stabilize the element in the transverse plane. A load-bearing ear unit according to claim 8, wherein the rotatable stabilizer is an additional element which is attached to a part of the auricle ( 10 ) adjoins. A load bearing ear unit according to claim 8, wherein said rotatable stabilizer comprises a support post (10). 506 ), which is adapted to the incisura anterior ( 19 ). A load-bearing ear unit according to claim 8, wherein the rotatable stabilizer comprises a sulcus support ( 508 ) which is adapted to attach to the sulcus auriculae posterior ( 18 ). A load-bearing ear unit according to claim 8, wherein the rotatable stabilizer comprises a temple support ( 510 ), which is adapted to be adjacent to the temple.  An ear-mounted optical device comprising: i) a load-bearing ear unit, and ii) an element of the group comprising: flashlight, display unit, VR device, IrDA device, photodiode, and camera, wherein the load-bearing ear unit is anchored for stable mounting in an ear and an element extending from the anchor, and wherein the anchor has a rotatable stabilizer, which stabilizes the element. Load-bearing unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the element ( 500 ) further comprises a connector for mechanical connectivity. Load-bearing unit ( 100 ) according to claim 14, wherein the connector is rotatably adjustable. Load-bearing unit ( 100 ) according to claim 14, wherein the connector is a magnet. Load-bearing unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the element ( 500 ) further comprises a connector for power connectivity. Load-bearing unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the element ( 500 ) further comprises a connector for data connectivity. The load-bearing unit according to claim 17, wherein the connector is one of the group including an audio plug, an audio plug socket, a USB socket, and a USB plug. Ear-mounted EEG device ( 100 ) having a first anchoring for stable attachment in an ear and a first member extending forwardly from the anchor, the first anchor further comprising a first EEG electrode, and wherein the first member further comprises a temporal support, such adapted to be a second EEG electrode.  The ear-mounted EEG device of claim 20, further comprising a second anchor and a second member extending therefrom, the second anchor having a third EEG electrode.  The ear-mounted EEG device of claim 21, wherein the second member comprises a second temporal support adapted to be a fourth EEG electrode.  The ear-mounted EEG device of claim 22, further comprising a nosepiece adapted to connect the first and second members.  An ear-mounted device comprising a load-bearing ear unit and a sensor, the load-bearing ear unit having an anchor for stable attachment in an ear and an element extending from the anchor, and wherein the anchor further comprises a sensor is adapted to detect signals from a portion of the user's ear when the ear-mounted device is worn by a user.  The ear-mounted device of claim 24, wherein the element further comprises a second sensor adapted to detect signals from a portion of the user's head when the ear-mounted device is worn by a user.

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