GB2471723A

GB2471723A - Eye shade formed of partial tubes

Info

Publication number: GB2471723A
Application number: GB0912050A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Pickering
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-10
Filing date: 2009-07-10
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: GB0912050D0

Abstract

The "tube effect" has already been identified, it results in brightening and increased contrast when looking down tube held up to one eye. This invention makes use of the tube effect over BOTH eyes simultaneously to enhance the appearance of display screens including and not restricted to liquid crystal display screens, such as those found on laptop computers, digital cameras and mobile phones, making them easier to use in conditions of bright ambient light, including direct sunlight. The eye shade is formed by a pair of partial tubes, joined at a surface, that are held in front of the eyes in use. The device may have attachment means that can be attached to a hat or headband, or the device may have arms for wearing over the ears. The partial tubes may be formed having telescopic adjustment of length.

Description

ImageEnhancing Headset i)escipioT Many computer-generated displays including, but not limited to, those on laptop computers, digital cameras, mobile phones, and music players are difficult or impossible to read in conditions of bright ambient light such as bright daylight and sunlight. vth::

A feature of the human visual processing system described in 2007 as the "tube effect" describes how a tube held over one eye, while both eyes are open, enhances the brightness and contrast of whatever is viewed through the tube.

As the tube effect is most effective at the inner edge of the eye, the present invention combines the tube effect of both eyes at their inner edges. This retains effectiveness, while also enhancing safety by leaving the wearer some peripheral vision. )

Figure 1 shows the basic invention.

Figure 2 shows the invention in use.

Figure 3 shows a possible hands-free solution where a sheet of the same material is attached to the top of the headset and folds upward to be placed under the brim of a hat or other headband. Dpo

It can be difficult to use artificially-lit displays in conditions of very bright ambient light, such as bright daylight and sunlight. To overcome this problem and to enhance the legibility of such displays and thus make them easier to use, or to use at all, the present invention takes advantage of the previously known "tube effect" but, instead of applying it to just one eye, utilises it in a novel way by applying it both eyes simultaneously. It also uses the tube effect near the inner edge of each eye only, leaving peripheral vision relatively unimpaired. This is an important safety feature.

The basic invention consists of a two partial tubes joined at their surface opposite the place where the tubes are open as shown in Figure 1. The device can be held in front of the eyes as shown in Figure 2.

To enable the hands to remain free, the tube may be attached to a hat or headband using a folded flap fixed to its upper surface -Figure 3 shows an example -or it may be given spectacle legs.

The headset may be constructed of materials such as card, paper, cardboard, plastic, or cloth. While tests have shown that the tube effect is most effective when tubes are 30cm long, the headset is more convenient to use at shorter lengths. A telescopic or concertina-ing headset gives the user the ability to customise the device to suit any convenience/effectiveness preference. Uaims

Claims

1. A headset made of a light-weight material such as stiff paper or card or cardboard or plastic or cloth as shown in Figure 1 to be held in front of the eyes as shown in Figure 2.

2. A headset according to Claim 1 which has a flap added as shown in Figure 3 for being placed under a headband or hatband or hat for the purpose of holding the headset in place in front of the eyes.

3. A headset according to Claim 1 which has a hook-and-loop fastening added to its upper surface for the purpose of attaching the headset to a corresponding hook-and-loop region lying under the brim or peak of a hat for the purpose of holding the headset in place in front of the eyes.

4. A headset according to Claim 1 which has spectacle legs attached for the purpose of holding the headset in place in front of the eyes.

5. A headset according to Claim 1 in which the dimension labelled long" in Figure 1 is adjustable in length using telescopic segments.

6. A headset according to Claim 1 in which the dimension labelled "long" in Figure 1 is made adjustable in length using concertina style elements