GB2590163A

GB2590163A - Monocular heads up display mounting system

Info

Publication number: GB2590163A
Application number: GB2016250.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: D Sieckowski Steven; M Nair Chandra
Original assignee: Zebra Technologies Corp
Current assignee: Zebra Technologies Corp
Priority date: 2019-10-17
Filing date: 2020-10-13
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: CN112684605A; FR3102256A1; DE102020127269A1; GB202016250D0

Abstract

A heads up display, such as head mounted display 10, is provided that includes a mounting structure 11, a support structure 30, and an optical module 50. The mounting structure forms an opening 11a to be wearable by a user. The support structure is movably coupled with the mounting structure and includes an elongated member and a track 34 that has first and second ends. The track extends along at least a portion of the elongated member. The optical module is operably coupled with the support structure such that the optical module is movable between the first and second ends of the track. The support structure may be pivotably coupled with the mounting structure. The optical module may have an imager positioned to direct an image to an optical filter, such as a polarizer.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No GI320162509 RTM Date:17 March 2021 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

MONOCULAR HEADS UP DISPLAY MOUNTING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A number of devices may be used in warehouse settings to provide users with data pertaining to desired tasks to be completed. For example, wearable devices generally provide a user with an image displayed on a screen or similar component to provide instructions that can assist with completing desired objectives. Such devices can assist with workflow efficiencies, training, and the like. However, current systems may have limited adjustability, which can result in a cumbersome and uncomfortable user experience, and can be limited in the information that can be conveyed to users.

[0002] Accordingly, there is a need for improved accessories having improved functionalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0003] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0004] FIG. I is a front perspective view of a monocular heads up display mounting system in accordance with this disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIG. I in accordance with this disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a lower front perspective view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. I and 2 in accordance with this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. 1-3 in isolation in accordance with this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a close-up front perspective view of an example track of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. 1-6 being pivotable in accordance with this disclosure.

100111 FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the monocular heads up display mounting system of FIGS. 1-7 being further pivotable in accordance with this disclosure.

[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In an embodiment, the present application provides a heads up display that includes a mounting structure, a support structure, and an optical module. The mounting structure forms an opening to be wearable by a user. The support structure is movably coupled with the mounting structure and includes an elongated member and a track that has first and second ends. The track extends along at least a portion of the elongated member. The optical module is operably coupled with the support structure such that the optical module is movable between the first and second ends of the track. In some examples, the support structure is pivotably coupled with the mounting structure.

[0015] In some examples, the optical module may include a base member and a display member that is operably coupled with the base member and extends therefrom along a first longitudinal axis. In these examples, the display member may be rotatably coupled with the base member such that the display member is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis. The base member may further include a track coupling portion and a display coupling portion that is rotatably coupled with the track coupling portion. The track coupling portion may be slidably coupled with the track, and the display coupling portion may be rotatably coupled with the display member.

[0016] In some of these examples, the display coupling portion is extendable relative to the track coupling portion along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis may be generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0017] In some examples, the optical module may be in the form of an imager positioned to direct an image to an optical filter. The optical filter may be in the form of a polarizer. In other examples, the display member may be in the form of a prism constructed from at least one of glass or a molded polymeric material. In other examples, the display member may be in the form of an illuminated screen.

[0018] The mounting structure of the heads up display system may include an adjustment member to adjust a dimension of the opening. The adjustment member may be in the form of a rotatable locking mechanism to selectively secure a portion of the mounting structure. In some examples, the heads up display system may additionally include at least one accessory pad coupled with the mounting structure and/or the support structure.

[0019] In another implementation, a modular heads up display includes a movable support structure and an optical module. The movable support structure has a mounting portion and includes an elongated member and a track having first and second ends. The track extends along at least a portion of the elongated member. The optical module is operably coupled with the support structure such that the optical module is movable between first and second ends of the track.

100201 Turning to the figures, reference numeral 10 generally identifies a heads up display system that includes a mounting structure I 1, a support structure 30, and an optical module 50. The mounting structure I 1 is in the form of a circular or ovoid ring that generally conforms to the curvature of a user's head such that it is wearable by the user. More specifically, the mounting structure I I forms an opening 1 la that allows the mounting structure II to rest on or around a user's head and/or hat, and may be supported by a user's ears. The mounting structure I I includes a support structure coupling portion 12 that pivotably couples the mounting structure 11 with the support structure 30. The mounting structure 11 may be constructed from any number or combination of suitable materials such as, for example, metallic materials, polymeric materials, and the like. Other examples are possible.

[0021] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the mounting structure 11 may include an adjustment member 14 that may be engaged to selectively increase and/or decrease a dimension (e.g., a diameter and/or a circumference) of the opening 1 la. In the illustrated example, the adjustment member 14 is in the form of an adjustment base 16 having an adjustment knob 18 that, in some examples, is threadably coupled with the adjustment base 16 via a threaded member (not illustrated). The adjustment base 16 includes at least one opening 16a that slidably receives a portion of the mounting structure 11 therein.

100221 By rotating the adjustment knob 18, the threaded member may selectively engage the mounting structure 11 to retain the mounting structure 11 at a desired position. In some examples, the threaded member may push or urge against the mounting structure 11 until the mounting structure is retained between the threaded member and the adjustment base 16. Accordingly, a user may readily modify the size of the opening I la to match a circumference of their head (or hat). 100231 The mounting structure 11 may include any number of additional features such as, for example, any number of accessory pads 20 and a retaining clip 22. The accessory pads 20 may be disposed on an interior surface of the mounting structure 11 and may be constructed from a relatively soft material to improve user comfort when wearing the heads up display system 10. In some examples, the accessory pad 20 may be constructed from a hygienic material. In any of these examples, the accessory pad 20 may be removably coupled with the mounting structure 11 in order to allow individual users the ability to use their own accessory pads 20 with the heads up display system 10.

100241 The support structure 30 is in the form of a generally curved, elongated member 31 having a curvature that generally conforms to the curvature of a human's head. The support structure 30 is movably (e.g., pivotably) coupled with the mounting structure II. More specifically, the support structure 30 includes a mounting structure coupling portion 32 that pivotably couples with the support structure coupling portion I 2 to couple the support structure 30 with the mounting structure II. In some examples, the mounting structure coupling portion 32 is in the form of a generally cylindrical member that is insertable into the support structure coupling portion 12, which is in the form of an opening. In other examples, the support structure coupling portion 12 may be in the form of a generally cylindrical member that is insertable into the mounting structure coupling portion 32, which is in the form of an opening. Other examples are possible. 100251 In an any of these and/or other configurations, the coupling portions 12, 32 form a pivot point that allows the support structure 30 to pivot or rotate relative to the mounting structure 11. In some examples, the coupling portions 12, 32 may be frictionally engaged with each other such that upon rotating or moving the support structure 30 to a desired position, the support structure 30 will remain in this desired position until urged into another position. In some examples, any number of additional components such as, for example, resilient members, gearing mechanisms, and the like may be used. Other examples are possible.

100261 The support structure 30 further includes a track 34 having a first end 34a and a second end 34b. In some examples, the track 34 may be operably coupled with and/or secured to the elongated member 31, and in other examples, the track 34 may be integrally formed therewith. The track 34 may be in the form of a channel that allows an object (e.g., the optical module 50) to move between the first end 34a and the second end 34b.

100271 With reference to Fig. 7, the support structure 30 may be slidably adjustable via an adjustment member 36. More specifically, the adjustment member 36 includes an opening 36a that slidably receives a portion of the elongated member 31 therein to allow the support structure 30 to be extended outwardly relative to the mounting structure coupling portion 32. The support structure 30 may additionally include an opening 38 to accommodate a data and/or power cable 40 (e.g., a terminal cable).

100281 The optical module 50 is operably coupled with the track 34 of the support structure 30 such that it is movable between first and second ends 34a, 34b thereof. More specifically, the optical module 50 includes a base member 52 and a display member 58 operably coupled with and extending from the base member 52 that is movable relative thereto. In the illustrated example, the base member 52 is in the form of a housing that includes a track coupling portion 54 and a display coupling portion 56. The track coupling portion 54 may be in the form of a protrusion that engages and/or couples with the track 34 to allow for relative movement between the optical module 50 and the support structure 30. In the illustrated example, the track coupling portion 54 is in the form of a ball member that engages the track 34 to provide multiple degrees of relative movement between the support structure 30 and the optical module 50. More specifically, the track coupling portion 54 allows the optical module 50 to slide laterally between the first end 34a and the second end 34b of the track, and also allows the optical module 50 to tilt or pivot outwardly therefrom (see, e.g., Fig. 8). In some examples, the optical module 50 may tilt up to approximately 25° relative to the longitudinal axis "Li" extending from the display member 58. Other examples and/or arrangements are possible.

100291 The base member 52 of the optical module 50 includes a controller (not illustrated) that may include any number of electrical and/or electro-mechanical devices. For example, the controller may include any number of hardware and/or software elements such as memories, processors, and computer-executable instructions stored on the memory adapted to execute a task and/or effect an action. It is understood that any number of controllers may be used in conjunction with the system optical module 50. The controller may be adapted to communicate via any number of communication protocols, for example wired (e.g., via the data and/or power cable 40), wireless (e.g., RFID, NEC, Bluetooth, and the like) protocols. The controller may further include any number of processors or processing elements which may process and execute calculations and/or tasks.

[0030] The display member 58 is in the form of an elongated member that extends downwardly from the base member 52 along the longitudinal axis Li. The display member 58 is operably coupled with the controller and is used to present information to a user. In some examples, the display member 58 is in the form of a glass and/or a molded plastic prism member that receives and displays a projected image from the controller. In other examples, the display member 58 may be in the form of an electronic display or illuminated screen that displays desired information. In yet other examples, the display member 58 may be in the form of an optical filter or polarizer that receives an image directed by an imager. Other examples are possible.

[0031] The display coupling portion 54 may be in the form of an opening that accommodates a corresponding protrusion 60 disposed on and/or coupled with the display member 58. Accordingly, the display member 58 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis Li. Other examples of couplings are possible.

[0032] The display member 58 is configured to display information to assist users in performing desired tasks. For example, the display member 58 may be used in a warehouse setting to provide location information regarding items to be retrieved or picked, may include instructions or manuals for conducting repairs, may provide a checklist or other list-based information, and/or may be used in medical environments to assist in procedures. Other examples are possible.

[0033] In operation, when a user desires to use the heads up display system 10, the user adjusts the size of the opening 1 la of the mounting structure 11 via the adjustment member 14. Upon obtaining a desired opening 1 la size, the user places the mounting structure 11 over their head. As illustrated in the figures, the mounting structure 11 rests comfortably on a user's forehead and ears, and the accessory pads 20 may further increase user comfort.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 7, the user may then reposition (i.e., lower) the support structure 30 so that the display member 58 is generally positioned within the user's field of view. As previously noted, the coupling portions 12, 32 may be frictionally engaged or otherwise capable of maintaining relative positioning of the mounting structure and the support structure 30, and as such, the mounting structure 30, and thus the display member 58, remains level with the user's line of sight.

[0035] The user may reposition the optical module 50, and thus the display member 58, in a number of directions to ensure proper placement. As previously noted, and with reference to Fig. 6, the user may slide the optical module 50 between first and second ends 34a, 34b of the track so that the display member 58 is positioned near the desired right or left eye. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the optical module 50 may be positioned such that a sweep relative to the support structure 30 of approximately 100 is provided. Such a sweep may allow the user to see more information presented on the display member 58 without incurring clipping or image degradation.

[0036] The user may additionally rotate the display member 58 about the longitudinal axis to provide so that the display member 58 is generally perpendicular to the user's line of sight, thus potentially providing for enhanced clarity. Last, with reference to FIG. 8, the user may rotate the optical module 50 relative to the track 34 and the support structure 30 as desired.

[0037] So configured, the optical module 50 provides for reduced obstruction and can move in a number of directions to be positioned in a generally perpendicular to field of view of the desired eye based on the user's dominant eye or personal preference. The heads up display system 10 can be positioned to stay out of a user's way when performing certain tasks, but can easily be repositioned when needed. The support structure can adjust for users with wearing eyewear or protective equipment by increasing or decreasing the space in front of the eye. In some examples, the provided display member 58 may be transparent or translucent to allow a user to view objects in the distance.

[0038] The heads up display system 10 may be used by users having varying head sizes and/or headwear. In some examples, the system 10 may be modular in nature. More specifically users or groups of users may each be equipped with support structures 30 that they can mount to a separate mounting component such as headwear having appropriate coupling components.

[0039] The heads up display system 10 may include any number of additional components and/or implementations such as, for example, integrated sound generation devices such as earphones, a microphone or an array of microphones, a power source such as a battery a separate computing system, and the like. Other examples are possible.

100401 In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. Additionally, the described embodiments/examples/implementations should not be interpreted as mutually exclusive, and should instead be understood as potentially combinable if such combinations are permissive in any way. In other words, any feature disclosed in any of the aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations may be included in any of the other aforementioned embodiments/examples/implementations.

100411 The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

100421 Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having,-"includes", "including," 'contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises...a", "has...a", "includes "contains...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within I% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term 'coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0043] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or "processing devices") such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0044] Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0045] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim: 1. A heads up display system comprising: a mounting structure forming an opening to be wearable by a user; a support structure movably coupled with the mounting structure, the support structure comprising an elongated member and a track having a first end and a second end, the track extending along at least a portion of the elongated member; and an optical module operably coupled with the support structure such that the optical module is movable between the first end and the second end of the track.
2. The heads up display system of claim 1, wherein the support structure is pivotably coupled with the mounting structure.
3. The heads up display system of claim 1, wherein the optical module comprises a base member and a display member operably coupled with the base member and extending from the base member along a first longitudinal axis.
4. The heads up display system of claim 3, wherein the display member is rotatably coupled with the base member such that the display member is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis.
5. The heads up display system of claim 3, wherein the base member comprises a track coupling portion and a display coupling portion rotatably coupled with the track coupling portion, wherein the track coupling portion is slidably coupled with the track; and the display coupling portion is rotatably coupled with the display member.
6. The heads up display system of claim 5, wherein the display coupling portion is extendable relative to the track coupling portion along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the second longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
7. The heads up display system of claim 3, wherein the optical module comprises an imager positioned to direct an image to an optical filter.
8. The heads up display system of claim 7, wherein the optical filter comprises a polarizer.
9. The heads up display system of claim 3, wherein the display member comprises a prism constructed from at least one of glass or a molded polymeric material.
10. The heads up display system of claim 3, wherein the display member comprises an illuminated screen.
11. The heads up display system of claim 1, wherein the mounting structure comprises an adjustment member to adjust a dimension of the opening.
12. The heads up display system of claim 11, wherein the adjustment member comprises a rotatable locking mechanism to selectively secure a portion of the mounting structure.
13. The heads up display system of claim 1, further comprising at least one accessory pad coupled with at least one of the mounting structure or the support structure.
14. A modular heads up display comprising: a movable support structure having a mounting portion, the movable support structure comprising an elongated member and a track having a first end and a second end, the track extending along at least a portion of the elongated member; and an optical module operably coupled with the support structure such that the optical module is movable between the first end and the second end of the track.
15. The modular heads up display of claim 14, wherein the optical module comprises a base member and a display member operably coupled with the base member and extending from the base member along a first longitudinal axis.
16. The modular heads up display of claim 15, wherein the display member is rotatably coupled with the base member such that the display member is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis.
17. The modular heads up display of claim 15, wherein the base member comprises a track coupling portion and a display coupling portion rotatably coupled with the track coupling portion, wherein the track coupling portion is slidably coupled with the track and the display coupling portion is rotatably coupled with the display member.
18. The modular heads up display of claim 17, wherein the display coupling portion is extendable relative to the track coupling portion along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the second longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
19. The modular heads up display of claim 14, wherein the optical module comprises an imager positioned to direct an image to an optical filter.
20. The modular heads up display of claim 19, wherein the optical filter comprises a polarizer.
21. The modular heads up display of claim 15, wherein the display member comprises a prism constructed from at least one of glass or a molded polymeric material.
22. The modular heads up display of claim 15, wherein the display member comprises an illuminated screen.