GB2565792A

GB2565792A - A hand mounted mirror and indicator device

Info

Publication number: GB2565792A
Application number: GB1713463.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Tolley Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-22
Filing date: 2017-08-22
Publication date: 2019-02-27
Also published as: GB201713463D0

Abstract

A safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand. The device has a first face (10A, fig. 2) housing a mirror 20 and a second opposed face that interfaces a wearers hand in use. A strap (50, fig. 3) is provided for securing the device to a wearer's hand. A light 30 is powered by a battery and the light is arranged on the device such that emitted light projects past the hand of the wearer so that emitted light is viewable by oncoming, following and passing traffic during use. The device includes an automatic switch operatively connected to the light to activate the light. Preferably the automatic switch comprises an accelerometer or is voice activated. Also claimed is a similar device where instead of a mirror, an imager (for example a camera) collects visual data and presents it on a screen. In use the device allows a cyclist to see behind themselves and to indicate intended turns or movement to other road users.

Description

A Hand Mounted Mirror and Indicator Device

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a hand mounted mirror and indicator device, for example for safely viewing objects to the rear of an individual on a bicycle and for indicating a manoeuvre. The device improves safety of a wearer by notifying third parties of the intentions of the wearer and enables the wearer to observe a rear view to identify approaching traffic.

Background

When a cyclist is travelling on a road they must turn their head to see if any traffic is approaching from behind and to signal with their arm their intended direction of turn. This can make the bicycle unstable especially in the case of a child rider or an older person, who may have problems twisting their back or neck and are not agile, when they wish to make a turn.

This can be dangerous as the cyclist has to take their eyes off the road ahead and can often be startled when turning their head if a car is very close or is overtaking them. It is also very difficult to gauge when to make a manoeuvre when a stream of traffic is behind a cyclist. It can also be difficult or uncomfortable to have to repeatedly turn around in order to judge the best time to make a turning manoeuvre.

The use of a conventional mirror can lead to a number of difficulties, not least that the cyclist, who usually travels close to a kerb, where there may be pot holes and grids which subject a mirror mounted on a bicycle handlebar, to vibration and distortion.

In addition fixed mirrors have a blind spot. One aim of the present invention is to eliminate blind spots associated with a fixed mirror.

Another problem with fixed mirrors is that they are awkward to store when transporting the bicycle on a conventional carrier rack.

Other devices have an indicating means that can be turned on when required. However turning on the device involves the user touching the device or arrange it in a particular location that can mean a cyclist becomes unstable on the bicycle whilst trying to activate the device.

The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a device that has a mirror and an indicating means in a single device that is mounted on the hand of a wearer and activated automatically.

Prior Art

US Patent Application US2011/0078842 (Tang) discloses a glove and illuminating indicating system.

UK patent application GB2509141 (Else) discloses an indicator glove.

US Patent Application US2011/0258753 (Jacque) discloses a glove comprising an outer shell with a back portion where a mirror can be adjusted.

US Patent Application US2011/0235310 (Chen) discloses a hand-wearing assembly and a side mirror mount.

US Patent ApplicationUS2009/0034102 (Bartlett) discloses a handheld mirror with first and second body portions.

Korean Patent Application KR20130048875 (Min) discloses a safety apparatus to indicate direction.

International Patent Application WO2016/128703 discloses a safety device for cyclists.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand comprising: a first face housing a mirror and a second opposed face that interfaces a wearer’s hand in use; a strap for securing the device to a wearer’s hand; a light powered by a battery, the light is arranged on the device such that emitted light projects past the hand of the wearer so that emitted light is viewable by oncoming, following and passing traffic during use; wherein the device includes an automatic switch operatively connected to the light to activate the light.

An advantage of the device is that it has an indication facility.

In this way a wearer of the device can position their hand to view the mirror to observe a rear view, such as approaching traffic whilst also automatically activating the light to alert surrounding persons, cyclists or vehicles of an intention to turn.

Advantageously the strap is positioned on the second face of the device such that the light is biased to project and extend from a side edge of a wearer’s hand in the same plane as the wearer’s palm. In this way light is visible from all around and in particular from both a front and rear view so that passing, approaching or following traffic can clearly see the indicating light when activated.

Furthermore this arrangement enables a wearer to position their hands on the handlebars in a regular grip without the device interfering. Advantageously the device is suitable for use on any bicycle or type of handlebars.

The design of the device incorporates the specific positioning of the strap which ensures that the light is viewable for both upcoming, oncoming and passing traffic with no adjustment required by the wearer. In this way the device serves as both a front and rear indicator in one device. Advantageously the position of the strap on the device ensures that device is suitable for any wearer regardless of the size of the wearer’s hand as the light will always extend beyond a wearer’s hand.

In some embodiments the strap may be adjustable, for example being a two part hook and loop strap or having an adjustable buckle to shorten or lengthen the strap to comfortably fit a user.

In some embodiments the strap may be elasticated or include an elasticated portion so as to readily fit various users and for additional comfort.

The strap may be formed from a breathable material for additional comfort and improved hygiene.

In a preferred embodiment the automatic switch may include or comprises an accelerometer.

The accelerometer is activated upon movement of a wearer’s hand. In this way the indicating light is automatically activated when a wearer moves their hand to an indicating position outstretched to their left side or right side of the direction of travel of the bicycle.

Typically the accelerometer must move through a range of at least 90 degrees in order to trigger activation of the light.

In another embodiment the device may include an audio sensor that is activated on detection of a sound, for example the sound sensor may include a voice activated device. In this way a wearer can activate the device by voice command without requirement to alter or change their riding position.

The device may have an on and off switch but ideally a sensor detects a period of non-use and switches the device into a sleep or quiescent mode, so no actual switch is needed.

Preferably the device has a robust and tough outer casing that encloses the battery, switch and at least one light. An inner face of the casing may be cushioned and adapted to receive the components and to protect them should the device be dropped. Optionally the inner surface of the casing may be moulded to receive parts.

Ideally the device is waterproof to protect all electrical parts in wet conditions. The casing of the device is typically formed from a lightweight, strong, durable material such as one or more layers of a synthetic plastics material. The casing ideally includes rubber or silicone seals to hermetically seal any parts that may have to be opened, for example in order to replace a battery.

In a preferred embodiment the device casing is formed in two parts that are contain so as to define a cavity in which components are arranged. The parts are separated to access the batteries. A seal is provided between the two parts to protect the components from water ingress.

Preferably the body is substantially oblong in form and does not have any sharp edges. In this way the device can fit comfortably across the back of a wearer’s hand.

The at least one light is arranged under a transparent or translucent cover that is connected to the body. Preferably the light is arranged against or near to a reflective surface to enhance the amount of light reflected.

In some embodiments the light cover or surrounding region includes a diffusing surface.

Preferably the light or lights are light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or a light emitting polymer (LEP) or similar material that may be formed and which emits light when an electric current passes through it. Typically the light or lights are programmed to flash.

In a preferred embodiment a plurality of surface LEDs are arranged to disperse light over a greater area. For example, a surface LED may be mounted on each opposed side of the PCB and on the end of the device. In this way the lights emit light in plural directions for greater visibility of a wearer. Advantageously this avoids dulls spots which can occur when LEDs all mounted in the same orientations.

Lights may be arranged to flash at different speeds and in different colours depending upon applied signals. Preferably the device light flashes orange to mimic a conventional vehicle indicating light.

Typically the cover is also orange. In some embodiments the cover may be clear and an orange LED may be provided.

Ideally the battery is arranged under a lid to permit its easy removal and convenient replacement. The device may have more than one battery.

In some embodiments the battery is rechargeable. The device may include a port to permit connection to a power supply for charging the rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment the device may have a terminal suitable for being received by a docking station for charging.

In yet another embodiment the device may include at least one imager, such as a camera or high definition camera for capturing image data.

The imager captures image data that can be displayed on a screen for the rider wearing the device. In a preferred embodiment the imager may have a lens provided on a first face of the device and images captured by the imager may be displayed in real time on a screen on the first face to provide the wearer with a view of wherever the imager is directed. In this way the screen serves as a mirror. The screen may be provided as an alternative or in addition to the mirror.

In some embodiments having an imager a memory means may be provided to record and store collected data. In this way image data that is captured can be saved and replayed at a later time. For example recorded image data could be used to identify third parties, such as if an accident occurred or if unsafe or illegal driving was observed.

The device may include a port for receiving a cable to permit data transfer.

The device may also include a charging port.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the mirror and indicator device;

Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the mirror indicator device in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the device in Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates the device in use;

Figure 5 shows a first face of the device;

Figure 6 shows a block diagram indicating system inputs and outputs;

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the device;

Figure 8 shows a mode flow chart;

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of battery connections for an embodiment of the device;

Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of programming connections for an embodiment of the device;

Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of LED connections for an embodiment of the device;

Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of accelerometer connections for an embodiment of the device;

Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of microcontroller connections for an embodiment of the device;

Figure 14 shows a print diagram of the PCB;

Figure 15 shows an example parts list for an embodiment of the device; and

Figure 16A shows a top view of an empty casing;

Figure 16B show a bottom view an empty casing with a strap;

Figures 16C and 16D show two examples of different PCBs that may be used; and

Figure 16E shows an overview of the device

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of the mirror and indicator device 100.

The device 100 has a first face 10A that houses a mirror 20 and a second face 10B that is adjacent a wearer’s hand in use. The device 100 is oblong shaped.

A light 30 is arranged at an end 40 of the device. The light 30 is semi-circular. A strap 50 is arranged on the second face 10B. The strap 50 is arranged to pass across the palm of a wearer’s hand so that the mirror 20 faces outwards on a rear face of the hand.

A lid 60 is provided on the second face 10B for covering battery 70. The lid 60 can be removed to access the battery 70. Within the casing 11 of the device is housed a printed circuit board 80 that connects the battery 70, an automatic switch 90 and a microcontroller 95 which triggers a flashing command signal upon receipt of an input signal. The automatic switch 90 is a sensor, typically an accelerometer or an audio sensor.

The process of activating the accelerometer 90 process is shown in greater detail in Figure 6, which is a block diagram indicating system inputs and outputs between the battery 70, accelerometer 90, microcontroller 95 and light 30.

The automatic switch 90 is powered by the battery 70 and provides a system input to the microcontroller 95 when the accelerometer 90 is activated in order to trigger the light 30 to flash. Ideally the accelerometer 90 is a 3-axis solid state gyroscope or includes three separate accelerometers.

The microcontroller 95 controls digital communications in the device, enables mode selection, and ensures sinking of current. Figure 6 shows one example of a circuit diagram for achieving these aims.

Circuit components are arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board (PCB)

80. The components are arranged such that the light 30 when activated, automatically indicates using a flashing orange LED when the user moves their hand in a predefined manner or through a predefined activation range. Preferably the activation range is from a minimum of 0 to 90°. In this way the light 30 is not accidently triggered by wearer movement such as riding over bumps or changing gear or changing riding positions.

The system shown in Figure 6 is powered continuously from the moment when batteries are inserted. The accelerometer is the only input component to the device.

Ideally the accelerometer in Figure 6 is a 3-axis device and be capable of measuring forces up to ±8g. Typically the accelerometer is a digital device with a range of interrupt generation and power saving modes available.

In a preferred embodiment the device includes a PIC24F microcontroller 95. A 2mm right angle pin header (not shown) may be included to allow the device to be programmed and reprogrammed. The microcontroller 95 is capable of sinking current from at least an 18mA LED 30 continuously and so is capable of operating in a low current consumption mode and includes a sleep function.

A standard 5mm LED 30 is ideally included in the device, although other light emitting device may be used such as laser LEDs or light emitting polymer (LEP) devices. In some embodiments two or more LEDs may be provided, the additional LED may act as a back-up device or display a different colour. The device 100 may be powered by two CR2032, 3V, 220mA (minimum), non-rechargeable batteries. Preferably the device 100 is configured to have a long battery life of at least 5 hours.

Figure 7 shows a cross section of the device 100 showing a preferred layout of internal components. As mentioned earlier device 100 has two batteries 70 and one LED 30. The LED 30 is positioned so that it protrudes slightly into a diffuser 36 in order to maximise the light emitted. The LED 30 and diffuser 36 are enclosed by a cover 35. The PCB 80 is secured in place via contact with the casing 11. The casing 11 is moulded to receive the components.

Figure 8 shows a mode flow chart detailing the firmware for the modes of operation of the device 100. When the device 100 is powered it remains in sleep mode until the accelerometer 90 detects an input force, for example from a predefined motion or designated knock or tap. At this instant the microcontroller 95 senses this and increases current and switches the current to the LED 30 in pulses as well as increasing the sensitivity of the accelerometer 90 so as to allow the device 100 to detect user indicating intentions.

Ideally the action of indicating may be recognised by an orientation change of approximately 90°. The microcontroller 95 preferably includes algorithms and is able to calculate to detect movement and learn to recognise specific user activity to reduce power consumption.

Figures 9 to 13 show schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the device.

Figure 14 shows an example of a PCB print that may be used for the device.

Figure 15 shows an example of a parts list detailing all components of an embodiment of the device.

Figures 16A and 16B show an empty casing 11 for the device 100. The casing 11 is clear with an orange portion arranged over the light(s) 30.

Figure 16B shows the strap 50 mounted to the second face of the device 100. The strap 50 is positioned away from the end 40 of the device having the light 30. The strap has two parts that are secured about a wearer’s hand by hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM).

Figures 16C and 16D show two examples of different PCBs, 80A, 80B that may be used. The first PCB 80A (Figure 16C) has 3 LEDs 31 in a row projecting from an edge of the PCB.

The second PCB 80B (Figure 16D) has three LEDs 31. A first LED surface mounted on a first face of the PCB, a second LED surface mounted on the second face of the PCB and a third LED surfaced mounted on an edge of the PCB. Therefore each LED is arranged to project in a different direction to enhance light emitted. Each PCB 80A, 80B has two batteries 70.

Figure 16E shows an overview of the device viewed from above. The device has a two part strap 50. The two parts of the strap 50 are arranged around and secured about the wearer’s hand in use.

The strap 50 may include text and/or images, such as logo to represent a brand.

The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand comprising: a first face housing a mirror and a second opposed face that interfaces a wearer’s hand in use; a strap for securing the device to a wearer’s hand; a light powered by a battery, the light is arranged on the device such that emitted light projects past the hand of the wearer so that emitted light is viewable by oncoming, following and passing traffic during use; wherein the device includes an automatic switch operatively connected to the light to activate the light.

2. A safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand according to claim 1 wherein the automatic switch includes an accelerometer which is activated upon movement of a wearer’s hand.

3. A safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand wherein the automatic switch is a voice activated switch.

4. A safety mirror and indicator device according to any preceding claim wherein the light is a light emitting diode.

5. A safety mirror and indicator device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is substantially oblong.

6. A safety mirror and indicator device according to any preceding claim wherein the mirror is defined by a screen that displays an image captured by at least one imager.