GB2543277A

GB2543277A - Wearable display system

Info

Publication number: GB2543277A
Application number: GB1518032.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Williams David; Dingley John
Original assignee: Bay Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: SWANSEA INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-12
Filing date: 2015-10-12
Publication date: 2017-04-19
Also published as: GB201518032D0

Abstract

A wearable display system may be a heads-up display system for displaying information to a wearer. The system may be used by a medical practitioner treating a patient to ensure they are aware of monitoring equipment and the information that this equipment shows whilst treating the patient. The wearable display system has a display arrangement 2 for displaying information to a wearer through a viewing window (6, figure 5), and a mounting arrangement 4 for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, wherein the display arrangement is moveable relative to the mounting arrangement within a first range in a side to side direction and a second range in an up and down direction. Movement may be allowed through the use of a ball 8 and socket 10 arrangement and the use of a band 14 which can move through channel 16 and extend around the head of a wearer.

Description

Wearable Display System

The present invention relates to a wearable display system which may be termed a heads-up display system for displaying information to the wearer.

Wearable display systems are becoming popular for uses where it is beneficial for a wearer to be able to view displayed information safely and effectively whist being unable to use their hands. Such arrangements are found for example in sports equipment and comprise a display arrangement mounted or combined with a pair of glasses. A wearer can then view a screen in their peripheral vision in order to access information such as their location, speed, and distance travelled as examples only.

In a medical environment such display systems may also be of significant benefit. For example, when a medical practitioner is treating a patient, they must also ensure they are aware of monitoring equipment and the information that this equipment shows, where the equipment may be spaced away from the practitioner. Such information may relate to a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level in the blood as examples only. A problem associated with known wearable display arrangements are that they are often more electronically complex then required by the intended application. This results in a device which is bigger, heavier, and more expensive than necessary with short battery life and which may impair a user’s visual fields. Known wearable displays are usually in the form of glasses that are impractical if the user already wears spectacles, and may become uncomfortable if they have to be worn for many hours continuously.

Aspects of the present invention provide an improved arrangement.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is a wearable display system for mounting in the field of vision of a wearer comprising a display arrangement for displaying information to a wearer through a viewing window; and a mounting arrangement for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, wherein the display arrangement is movable relative to the mounting arrangement within a first range in a side to side direction and a second range in an up and down direction.

There are significant benefits associated with such an arrangement. The invention is a simplified self-contained wearable display system with a mounting which can be easily adjusted dependent upon a particular user’s requirement. For example, the system may be used in a sporting environment, and may be mounted to a helmet for example and appropriately adjusted such that the display system is not detrimental to a user’s vision. Fine adjustment can be made both in up and down and a side to side motion relative to the wearer’s eye.

In a medical environment, a wearer can quickly and simply move the display arrangement into and out of peripheral vision without requiring careful adjustment. For example, after carrying out a medical intervention the display arrangement can be pushed sideways and/or upwards/downwards in order to move the display arrangement away from the field of vision. Once medical intervention starts the display arrangement can be moved back into the peripheral vision and accordingly the information can be displayed to the practitioner as appropriate. The information can relate, for example, to patient information such as the patient’s heart rate monitored by standard known apparatus. This information can then be wirelessly transmitted from the standard monitoring apparatus to the wearable display system for display to the medical practitioner.

Thus, the azimuth angle between the “straight ahead” line of normal vision and the line of vision to the display may be adjusted as required.

Further, if the user is wearing spectacles or sunglasses, the display system can be adjusted so that the spectacles or sunglasses are between the user and the display system, and the display can still be clearly seen by the user.

The display arrangement is beneficially pivotally mounted to the support arrangement to enable movement within the first and second range. Even more beneficially, movement in the first range and the second range is achieved by a ball joint. Pivoting can therefore be achieved about a vertical and horizontal axis.

The display arrangement beneficially comprises a ball and the mounting structure beneficially comprises a corresponding socket to receive the ball. A ball and socket joint is particularly beneficial as it enables fast and easy movement of the display arrangement as required for fine adjustment to a particular wearer which may be dependent upon their requirement at that moment in time. For example, whilst a medical practitioner is carrying out medical intervention then it is necessary for the viewing window to be in the peripheral vision of the wearer. However, after medical intervention is complete, it may be beneficial that the display arrangement is removed from the peripheral vision without requiring the display arrangement to be removed in entirety from the wearer. In a sporting application, it is beneficial to be able to achieve the fine adjustment of the viewing window relative to the wearer as, for example, if a runner is utilising the system and is running over rough ground they may wish to remove the distraction of information being supplied to them about, for example, their speed, distance etc. However, when the ground becomes smooth, the display system can be quickly and simply be pushed back into a position where the wearer can resume viewing the information via the viewing window. A further significant benefit of the provision of a ball joint is the capability of the display arrangement to rotate relative to the mounting structure. As such, the display arrangement can rotate between a stowed and an operational configuration. In a stowed configuration, the system can be stored and beneficially in the stowed configuration the viewing window faces the mounting arrangement. This means that the viewing window and typically a lens that is provided at/or adjacent to the viewing window is protected from damage when not in use. Furthermore, using a ball joint means that the display arrangement can be moved relative to the mounting arrangement significantly meaning that it is well out of the way of a viewer’s vision if required.

The mounting structure may comprise a clamp arrangement for mounting the display arrangement to headwear. A suitable type of headwear may be a helmet for example. Alternatively, in a medical environment such headwear may be a surgical cap. Various clamping arrangements are possible such as clips and hook and loop type arrangements as examples only.

The mounting structure beneficially comprises a first portion for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, and a second portion arranged to extend around the head of a wearer. It is beneficial that the second part conforms to the anatomical geometry of the wearer’s head. The second part is beneficially elastically deformable. The second part may further extend over the top of a wearer’s head in addition to around a wearer’s head. This provides increased stability of the wearable display system.

The second portion beneficially comprises a band. A band is simple and quick to place onto a user’s head and further may have an additional band extending over the top of a user’s head for improved stability. The band is preferably elastically deformable meaning that the band is retained safely on a wearer’s head. The band may be adjustable in length.

The first portion is beneficially moveable relative to the second portion between a plurality of operative positions. The first portion may comprise a bridge for receipt therethrough of the second portion, wherein the bridge acts to secure the second portion. The bridge may be formed of one or more pins that effectively press the second portion against the first portion. The bridge may alternatively comprise a channel. This enables further adjustment of the position of the first portion relative to the second portion, if, for example, further fine adjustment is requirement in a side to side direction.

The system preferably further comprises a display and an electronics module operatively connected to the display for controlling the display. The display arrangement preferably houses the display. The electronics module beneficially comprises a microprocessor for controlling the display. There is preferably further provided a power source (for example a battery or solar cell) for providing power to the electronics module. Dependent upon the display system a suitable power source and position may be considered. The power source may be incorporated in the movable display arrangement within the first or second portion of the mounting structure, or in other associated wearable apparatus (e.g. helmet).

The display may simply display basic, numeric, monochromatic information such as, for example, a patient’s pulse rate or merely indication that a patient has a pulse. In such a configuration, a small battery may be sufficient to provide a suitably long life and with current battery development may be located in the display arrangement. Alternatively, if increased battery life is required a larger battery may be provided separate to the display arrangement and may be mounted relative to the mounting arrangement. The battery may be linked via a wire that may, for example, in one embodiment may extend around the second portion of the mounting structure. The battery may therefore be positioned behind a wearer’s head.

The system, and preferably the electronics module, preferably further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving information from a remote location for display to a wearer. The wireless communication module is preferably included as component of the electronics module. The wireless communication may communicate with one or more external computing modules such as a mobile phone and/or a piece of medical equipment. As such, complex processing capability is not required in connection with the wearable display system but may be actually carried out in the external computing module at a remote location. For example, in a sporting environment a mobile phone may be utilised to determine location, speed, and other parameters and this information may then may be transferred via the wireless capability to the wearable display system. The wireless module may be dependent upon the use of the wearable display system and may be a WiFi module or Bluetooth module as examples only, where WiFi may be preferred for application inside a building or Bluetooth may be preferred for sporting equipment.

The display arrangement preferably comprises a light reflecting arrangement for defining an optical pathway for transfer of light from the display to the wearer viewing window.

The light reflecting arrangement beneficially comprises a prism. A preferred prism configuration is a single half-penta.

The display preferably comprises a digital display (e.g. an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

The display is preferably provided in the display arrangement. The display is preferably spaced apart from the viewing window. A significant benefit of such a configuration is that as a wearer focuses from their external surroundings to the viewing window the information displayed appears to be in the distance meaning that a wearer’s eyes do not have to refocused between their surroundings and the information displayed. This is extremely important due to the strain placed upon the eyes if having to refocus at a regular frequency and also the dangers associated with the time taken to refocus.

The display arrangement preferably further incorporates one or more converging or diverging lenses to optimally focus the display image on the retina of the wearer.

The electronics module preferably partially extends into the ball of the ball joint. This is beneficial as this means the display arrangement can be minimised in size as effectively a portion of the electronics module extends via the ball into the mounting structure.

The display arrangement is beneficially moveable between a stowed and an operational configuration and where in the stowed configuration the viewing window faces the mounting arrangement.

The system preferably further comprises a switch actuated by movement of the display arrangement from the stowed to the operational configuration to enable activation of the display arrangement. This is beneficial as effectively the system can be switched on upon movement from the stowed to the operational configuration. Alternatively or in addition there may be provided a separate on/off switch. The on/off switching may be achieved by a mechanical contact within the ball and socket, a magnetic reed switch where the magnet is in the mounting structure and reed switch is in the display arrangement (or vice versa), a tilt switch or other switch arrangement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a wearable display system for mounting in the field of vision of a wearer comprising a display arrangement and mounting arrangement for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

The provision of such a mounting arrangement provides a simple, effective arrangement having minimal interference to the wearer. Whilst arrangements incorporated into glasses are capable of displaying information, the provision of a mounting arrangement extending around the head of a wearer provides a simple, adjustable, and minimally invasive arrangement which also allows users who are wearing spectacles or sunglasses to view the display.

It will be appreciated that the mounting arrangement extends all the way around the head of the wearer. Preferably the mounting arrangement extends such that a portion of the mounting arrangement seats adjacent a user’s forehead.

The mounting arrangement is beneficially arranged to confirm to the anatomical geometry of the head. Preferably, the mounting arrangement comprises a band arranged to extend around the head of a wearer. It will be appreciated that the supplementary band may be provided to extend across the top of a wearer’s head to improve stability.

The mounting arrangement beneficially comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, and a second portion arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

It is further preferable that the first portion is movable relative to the second portion between a plurality of operative positions. The first portion may comprise a bridge for receipt therethrough of the second portion, wherein the bridge acts to secure the second portion. The bridge may be elongated to define a channel. It is beneficial that the bridge acts to press against the second portion to retain the second portion in a selected location.

Aspects of the invention preferably further comprise a gateway device for communicating with and receiving data from a data source, and further being configured to convert the data and transmit the converted data to the display system. The wireless communication module preferably receives this converted data and the processor causes displaying of the converted data on the display. This means that in a medical monitoring environment, an electronic device (“gateway device”) may be used which reads medical data via an electrical or optical connection with the medical monitoring equipment, converts the data into a type and format which is suitable for display to the wearer, and transmits the data to the wearable display system via a wireless module. The gateway device may be powered independently via, for example, batteries or an external power supply; or may draw its power supply directly from the medical monitoring equipment.

The gateway device may be a mobile computing device such as a mobile telephone. A wearable display system may be paired to such a device and an application on such a device may collect data such as speed etc. and send converted (which may be condensed) data to the wearable display system. As such, processing is carried out by the mobile computing device rather than the wearable display system.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted relative to a wearer.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view and front view shown respectively in figures 2a and 2b of a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a stowed configuration.

Figure 3 is a schematic side and front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an operational configuration.

Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a stowed and operational configuration as shown in figures 4a and 4b respectively.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the display arrangement of a display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation electronics module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a display arrangement of a display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to figure 1 an exemplary embodiment has been presented as suitable particularly for use in a medical environment. As will be clear from the description and claims the display system can be used for a variety of purposes including both medical and sporting environments.

In the embodiment as presented in figure 1 there is a display arrangement 2 and mounting structure 4 in an operational configuration meaning that in the line of sight of the user there is a viewing window 6. The positioning of the display arrangement 2 in this operational configuration means that a wearer can view the display through the viewing window in their peripheral vision meaning that the wearer can focus upon their task, whether this is a medical intervention on a patient or a sporting activity whilst also being able to view information as appropriate. As an example, for medical use the information displayed may relate to a patient’s heart beat or other vital signs, such as their blood pressure or pulse rate for example; whereas in a sporting capability the information display may be a lapse time, actual time, speed of movement, distance moved and/or heart rate.

The internal functioning of the display arrangement will be described in more detail with respect to figures 5 and 6. It will be appreciated, however, that the viewing window 6 is beneficially provided at a distal end of the viewing arrangement 2. At the opposing proximal end is beneficially located a ball 8 which mounts into a corresponding socket provided by the mounting arrangement 4. The provision of a ball 8 and socket 10 arrangement allows the display arrangement to move in a side to side direction relative to a wearer’s head and also in an up and down motion relative to the wearer’s head. This gives accurate positioning for a particular wearer that ensures that the wearer’s main focus can remain upon the activity they are carrying out, whilst also being provided with important information as required in their peripheral vision. By pivoting the display arrangement to upwardly the distance from the eye can be increased as can the relative height of the display arrangement relative to the eye. By rotating sideways alignment with the eye can be varied between a position in front of the eye to a position whereby the wearer cannot see the display through the view window 6. If rotated through 180°, the display arrangement can effectively be aligned with the mounting structure as shown in, for example, in figure 2. The display arrangement may be worn in combination with spectacles or sunglasses and adjusted so that users are able to view the display.

The mounting structure 4 may take a variety of forms. In one embodiment the mounting structure may comprise a clip arrangement for fixing to head gear. The mounting structure may alternatively comprise of other fixing structures. In the embodiment presented, the mounting structure comprises a first portion 12 in which the socket is located and the first portion 12 which comprises a body is held by a second portion 14 which in this exemplary embodiment is a band which extends around a wearer’s head. The band is beneficially of an elasticated material and may comprise an adjusting mechanism in order to adjust the length of the band to accommodate a particular wearer’s head. Not shown in figure 1 is the possibility of a further band extending over the top of a wearer’s head to further improve stability. The first portion 12 may comprise a bridge which in the exemplary embodiment is provided as a channel 16 through which the band 14 extends in order to retain the first portion in the desired configuration. It will be appreciated that this enables further adjustment capability of the mounting structure in a side to side direction.

Referring now to figures 2a and 2b the display system is shown in a stowed configuration in figure 2a from the side and a stowed configuration in figure 2b from the front. It will be appreciated that in the stowed configuration the viewing window is not visible and is effectively protected as directly faces the upper part of the first portion 12 of the mounting structure 4. It will be appreciated that to move from the stowed to the operational configuration which is presented in figures 3a and 3b the display arrangement 2 may merely be pushed by a wearer until it reaches the desired position. Movement in this direction may actuate a switch to turn the system on. Such switches are well known in the art.

Figures 4a and 4b show a slightly modified version of the embodiment presented in figures 2 and 3. In this embodiment, there is a wire 18 extending from the mounting structure 4 to a battery (not shown). Depending upon the battery capability the battery may be located as part of the mounting structure or may be positioned within the display arrangement 2.

Referring now to figure 5 there is schematic side view of the display arrangement for use in a display assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. The schematic presentation shows the components of the display arrangement and includes the ball 8 with automatically actuated on/off switch 19, the display 20, viewing window 6, lens 22, prism 24, electronic module 26 onto which the display 20 is mounted and a schematic presentation 28 of the light emitted from display 20 as it travels through the display assembly 2 and is emitted from the viewing window 6.

The prism 24 has a beneficial shape in the form of a single half-penta. This means that as light is emitted from the display 20 it follows pathway 28 into the prism 24 and reflects twice within the prism in order to ensure that the correct view of the display 20 is achieved rather than a mirror image. The prism has also been provided such that upon viewing from the viewing window 6 the appearance of the information presented on the display 20 is in the distance and can be adjusted via the size of the display assembly 2, the lens 22, and the prism size 24 such that the depth of view of the information presented is appropriate to the use of the display system. For example, in a medical environment the depth at which the information appears is beneficially similar to that at which a medical practitioner would be looking at a patient. For sports activities it may be beneficial to increase this depth of view. So, by appropriate choice of prism the displayed information can appear far away and as such he eyes do not need to re-focus.

The lens 22, as can be seen in figures 2a and 2b and figure 4a is protected in the stowed configuration by the mounting arrangement 4.

The display 20 provided on the electronics module 26 which may further include a microprocessor in communication with a battery (not shown) and a wireless communications module (not shown) arranged particularly to present information on the display 20 received from a remote location. Accordingly, it is the computing device at the remote location that does the required work such as measure heartbeat, determine location etc whereas the display system according to the present invention may beneficially simply display this information in a simple format. In order to reduce battery consumption and associated size, this display may be basic, numeric and monochromatic giving an extremely lightweight and simple system. The present invention achieves high contrast and a bright screen despite low power consumption.

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of an electronics module according to an exemplary embodiment. The module beneficially comprises a display 20, communications module 30 and microprocessor arrangement 32. The module may also comprise a battery. As can be seen in respect of figure 5, the module 26 may project into the ball 8 meaning that the longitudinal length of the electronics module 26 can be maximised whilst minimising the overall degree to which the display arrangement to project outwardly.

Referring now to figure 7. There is a schematic perspective view of a part of the mounting structure according to an exemplary embodiment. This is the mounting structure as described with respect to figure 1 and comprises the first portion 12 showing socket 10. A channel 36 is beneficially provided for accommodating a band 14 for extending around a wearer’s head which effectively clamps the first portion of the mounting structure 4 in position.

The device may be associated with an electronic device (“gateway device”) which reads medical data via an electrical or optical connection with the medical monitoring equipment, converts the data into a type and format which is suitable for display to the wearer, and transmits the data to the wearable display system via a wireless module. The gateway device may be powered independently via, for example, batteries or an external power supply; or may draw its power supply directly from the medical monitoring equipment.

The present invention provides a simple and effective hands free display system for a wearer enabling heads up display. Aspects of the invention enable a simple to mount and simple to adjust display system that may be utilised by various users. Aspects of the invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated to the skilled addressee that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable display system for mounting in the field of vision of a wearer comprising a display arrangement for displaying information to a wearer through a viewing window and a mounting arrangement for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, wherein the display arrangement is moveable relative to the mounting arrangement within a first range in a side to side direction and a second range in an up and down direction.

2. A display system according to claim 1 wherein the display arrangement is pivotally mounted to the support arrangement to enable movement within the first and the second range.

3. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein movement in the first range and second range is achieved by a ball joint.

4. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the mounting structure comprises a clamp arrangement for mounting the display arrangement to headwear.

5. A display system according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the mounting structure comprises a first portion for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer and a second portion arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

6. A display system according to claim 5 wherein the second portion comprises a band.

7. A display system according to any of claims 5 to 6 wherein the first portion is movable relative to the second portion between a plurality of operative positions.

8. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the system comprises a display and an electronics module operatively connected to the display for controlling the display.

9. A display system according to any preceding claim further comprising a power source for providing power to the electronics module.

10. A display system according to any of claims 8 to 9 wherein the system further comprises a wireless communication module for receiving information from a remote location for display to a wearer.

11. A display system according to claims 8 to 10 wherein the display arrangement comprise a light reflecting arrangement for defining an optical pathway for transfer of light from the display to the wearer viewing window.

12. A display system according to claims 3 and 8 wherein the electronics module partially extends into ball of the ball joint.

13. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the display arrangement is moveable between a stowed and operational configuration, and wherein the stowed configuration the viewing window faces the mounting arrangement.

14. A display system according to claims 8 to 9 and claim 13, the system comprising a switch actuated by movement of the display arrangement from the stowed to the operational configuration to enable activation of the display arrangement.

15. A display system according to claim 10 further comprising a gateway device for communicating with and receiving data from a data source, and further being configured to convert the data and transmit the converted data to the display arrangement.

16. A wearable display system for mounting in the field of vision of a wearer comprising a display arrangement and a mounting arrangement for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer, wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

17. A display system according to claim 16 wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged to conform to the anatomical geometry of the head.

18. A display system according to any of claims 16 to 17 wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a band arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

19. A display system according to any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion for mounting the display arrangement in the field of vision of a wearer and a second portion arranged to extend around the head of a wearer.

20. A display system according to claim 19 wherein the first portion is moveable relative to the second portion between a plurality of operative positions.

21. A display system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.