IES85548Y1

IES85548Y1 - A handheld viewing device

Info

Publication number: IES85548Y1
Application number: IE2009/0873A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Alan Johnston Francis
Original assignee: Ash Technologies Research Limited
Filing date: 2009-11-17
Publication date: 2010-07-07

Abstract

ABSTRACT A handheld viewing device (1) comprises a first capturing means to capture a visual image of an object such as a page of reading material, a second capturing means to capture a visual image ofan object such as a sign in a public building, means (2) to display cithcr otthe visual images captured, and a handle element (6). The first capturing means is pivotably movable relative to the display means (2) from a stowed conliguration to at capturing conﬁguration. In the stowed configuration the first capturing means is located at the rear side ofthe display means (2). The second capturing means is located at the rear side ofthe display means (2) and is fixed rclatixe to the display means (2). The handle element (6) is slidably movable relative to the display means (2) between a stowed conﬁguration, and a holding conﬁguration in which the handle element (6) is extended outwardly to a side of the display means (2) to enable a user to grip the handle element (6). |l7ig. 3]

Description

A handheld viewing device Introduction This invention relates to a handheld viewing device.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a handheld viewing device comprising:- means to capture a visual image of at least part of an object; and means to display a visual image.

In one embodiment of the invention the capturing means is movable relative to the display means between a stowed conﬁguration and a capturing conﬁguration. In the stowed conﬁguration the capturing means may be ﬂush with a base side of the display means. This ensures that the viewing device presents a compact, low-proﬁle while in the stowed conﬁguration. Having a distance between the capturing means and the object being viewed is not necessary when the device is in the stowed conﬁguration. In the capturing conﬁguration the capturing means may be spaced above the object being viewed. This creates the required distance between the capturing means and the object to enable the desired visual image of the object to be captured.

Preferably the display means comprises a front side for displaying a visual image and a rear side. in the stowed conﬁguration the capturing means being located at the rear side of the display means. This arrangement results in a particularly compact device in the stowed conﬁguration.

Ideally the capturing means is pivotably movable relative to the display means. Most preferably the capturing means is pivotably movable relative to the display means by at least I80 degrees from the stowed conﬁguration to the capturing conﬁguration.

This arrangement results in a particularly compact device in the stowed conﬁguration. The capturing means may be biased away from the stowed conﬁguration. Preferably the device comprises means to selectively hold the capturing means in the stowed conﬁguration. Ideally the device comprises means to activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means. Most preferably the activation and/or deactivation means is conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the capturing means being moved relative to the display means between the stowed conﬁguration and the capturing configuration. This arrangement results in a simple. easy to use device. It is not necessary for the user to manually activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means.

In the capturing conﬁguration, the viewing axis of the capturing means may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means and/or substantially perpendicular to the plane of an object being viewed. This arrangement minimises or eliminates any distortion of the visual image.

In another embodiment the capturing means is fixed relative to the display means.

Preferably the display means comprises a front side for displaying a visual image and a rear side. the capturing means being located at the rear side of the display means.

Ideally the viewing axis of the capturing means is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means. Most preferably the device comprises a handle element.

The handle element may be movable relative to the display means between a stowed conﬁguration and a holding conﬁguration. This arrangement results in a particularly compact device in the stowed conﬁguration. Preferably the handle element comprises a holder part for holding one or more components. Most preferably the device comprises a cover element to selectively cover the capturing means. The POZOII.-‘l cover element may be movable relative to the display means between a covering con ﬁguration and at capturing conﬁguration. Preferably the cover element comprises a holder part for holding one or more components. Ideally the device comprises means to activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means.

The activation and/or deactivation means may be conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the handle element being moved relative to the display means between the stowed configuration and the holding conﬁguration. Most preferably the activation and/or deactivation means is conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the cover element being moved relative to the display means between the covering conﬁguration and the capturing conﬁguration. This arrangement results in a simple, easy to use device. It is not necessary for the user to manually activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means.

In one case the device comprises a ﬁrst capturing means and a second capturing means. The first capturing means may be suitable for capturing a visual image ofan object which is relatively close to the device. The second capturing means may be suitable for capturing a visual image of an object which is further away from the device. The first capturing means may comprise a capturing means of the invention.

The second capturing means may comprise a capturing means of the invention.

Preferably the device comprises means to determine which of the ﬁrst capturing means and the second capturing means was most recently activated. Ideally the display means is conﬁgured to display a visual image captured by whichever of the ﬁrst capturing means and the second capturing means was most recently activated.

This arrangement results in a simple, easy to use device. It is not necessary for the user to manually switch between the ﬁrst capturing means and the second capturing means.

In another case the device comprises means to determine the orientation of the display means. Preferably the device comprises means to control operation of the display means and/or the capturing means. Ideally the device comprises means to POZUIEI activate and/or deactivate the control means. Most preferably the control means is conﬁgured to be activated and/or deactivated responsive to the orientation of the display means. In this manner the device may conﬁgure itself automatically to suit the user. For example if the user is holding the device in the user’s right hand, the appropriate control buttons of the device may be activated to suit the position of the ﬁngers and thumb of the user‘s right hand.

The device of the invention may be portable. The device may be conﬁgured to be canied in a pocket. Ideally the device is sized to be carried in a pocket. The portable nature of the device provides for ease of use. A visually impaired person may simply carry the device with them, for example in a pocket, so that the device is available for use whenever required.

The device of the invention may be conﬁgured to magnify the visual image so that a visually impaired person may be better able to read the image.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. I is an isometric view from the front of a handheld viewing device according to the invention with a first capturing means in a stowed conﬁguration and with a handle element in a stowed conﬁguration, Fig. 2 is an isometric view from the rear of the device of Fig. 1 with the first capturing means in the stowed configuration and with the handle element in the stowed conﬁguration, POZOIF, I Fig. 3 is an isometric view from the front of the device of Fig. l with the first capturing means in a capturing conﬁguration and with the handle element in the stowed conﬁguration, Fig. 4 is an isometric view from the rear of the device of Fig. 1 with the first capturing means in the capturing conﬁguration and with the handle element in the stowed conﬁguration, Fig. 5 is an isometric view from the front of the device of Fig. 1 with the first capturing means in the stowed conﬁguration and with the handle element in a holding conﬁguration, Fig. 6 is an isometric view from the rear of the device of Fig. I with the first capturing means in the stowed conﬁguration and with the handle element in the holding conﬁguration, and Fig. 7 is an exploded isometric view from the front of the device of Fig. 1.

Detailed Description Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a portable, handheld viewing device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 is suitable for use, for example by a visually impaired person to assist in reading.

The device 1 comprises a ﬁrst capturing means 4 to capture a visual image of at least part of an object, a second capturing means 7 to capture a visual image of at least part of an object. means 2 to display either of the visual images captured. and a handle element 6.

P020! E I The ﬁrst capturing means 4 is suitable for capturing a visual image of an object which is relatively close to the device 1, such as a page of reading material. The second capturing means 7 is suitable for capturing a visual image of an object which is further away from the device 1, such as a sign in a public building. In this case, each of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 is provided in the form of an electronic camera The display means 2 is provided in the form of an electronic monitor, such as a flat panel display monitor. The display means 2 comprises a ﬁont side 1 l for displaying a visual image, and a rear side 12 which may be placed against the surface of the object being viewed.

The visual image displayed may be one of the captured visual images, or alternatively the visual image displayed may be an image which is derived from one of the captured visual images. It will be appreciated that the device 1 may comprise means to magnify one of the captured visual images before the visual image is displayed on the display means 2. This magniﬁcation aspect of the device 1 is especially advantageous for displaying the visual image to a visually impaired person who may otherwise find difficulty in reading the unmagniﬁed image.

The first capturing means 4 is connected to the display means 2 by a pivotable connector arm 5. The ﬁrst capturing means 4 is pivotably movable relative to the display means 2 by at least 180 degrees, and in this case by 225 degrees, from a stowed conﬁguration (Figs. 1 and 2) to a capturing conﬁguration (Figs. 3 and 4). The axis of pivoting of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is parallel to the plane of the display means 2.

In the stowed conﬁguration the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is located in a recess 10 at the rear side 12 of the display means 2. In the stowed configuration, the plane of the POZOIFI connector arm 5 is substantially co-planar with the plane of the rear side 12 of the display means 2. Thus the device 1 presents a low-proﬁle, compact size and shape when in the stowed conﬁguration. The device 1 is therefore suitable for being carried by a user, for example in a pocket.

The ﬁrst capturing means 4 is biased away from the stowed conﬁguration. The device 1 comprises a latch element 3 to selectively hold the ﬁrst capturing means 4 in the stowed conﬁguration. The latch element 3 may be provided on the connector arm or on the rear side 12 of the display means 2. A damping system is employed to provide for a smooth movement of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 relative to the display means 2.

In the capturing conﬁguration, the connector arm 5 is inclined relative to the plane of the display means 2 and inclined relative to the plane of the object being viewed. in this case by 45 degrees (Figs. 3 and 4). Because of the length of the connector arm 5, in the capturing conﬁguration the first capturing means 4 is spaced apart from the object being viewed. This creates the required distance between the first capturing means 4 and the object to enable the desired visual image of the object to be captured. It is possible for a user to read and write with the first capturing means 4 in the capturing conﬁguration. In particular it is possible for a user to place the tip of a writing instrument, such as a pen, within the view of the first capturing means 4. The device 1 may thus be used to display on the display means 2 what the user is writing.

When the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is unfolded it allows both reading and writing without further movement of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 being required.

The distance between the ﬁrst capturing means 4 and the object is sufficient to Facilitate an enhanced range of zoom operations.

The viewing axis of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is inclined relative to the plane of the connector arm 5, in this case by 45 degrees (Figs 3 and 4). The sensor of the ﬁrst |’020IEl capturing means 4 is small enough to mount at 45 degrees in a thin space within the connector arm 5. In the capturing conﬁguration, the viewing axis of the first capturing means 4 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means 2 and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the object being viewed. The first capturing means 4 is orientated parallel to the reading material so there is no angular distortion of the image. One or more lights may be provided adjacent to the first capturing means 4 to assist viewing of the object.

The device 1 comprises means to activate and/or deactivate the ﬁrst capturing means 4 and the display means 2. The activation means is configured to be automatically triggered responsive to the first capturing means 4 being moved relative to the display means 2 from the stowed conﬁguration to the capturing conﬁguration.

Similarly the deactivation means is configured to be automatically triggered responsive to the first capturing means 4 being moved relative to the display means 2 from the capturing conﬁguration to the stowed conﬁguration.

The second capturing means 7 is located at the rear side 12 of the display means 2 and is fixed relative to the display means 2. The viewing axis of the second capturing means 7 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means 2.

One or more lights may be provided adjacent to the second capttuing means 7 to assist viewing of the object.

The second capturing means 7 may automatically focus on the object being viewed.

The handle element 6 comprises a holder part 9 for holding one or more components, such as a power source 8 (Fig. 7). This ensures that the handle element 6 is sturdy for ease of use. Because the handle element 6 contains the battery 8, which accounts for a substantial portion of the weight of the device 1, this arrangement makes the device I particularly comfortable to hold. One or more ﬁnger grips may be provided at the side of the handle element 6.

F‘(I20lI:'| The power source 8 is positioned within the holder part 9 in a suitable manner to facilitate access by an external charger to recharge the power source 8.

The handle element 6 is slidably movable relative to the display means 2 between a stowed conﬁguration (Figs. 1 to 4), and a holding conﬁguration in which the handle element 6 is extended outwardly to a side of the display means 2 to enable a user to grip the handle element 6 (Fig. 5 and 6).

The handle element 6 also acts as a cover element to selectively cover the second capturing means 7.

The cover element 6 is slidably movable relative to the display means 2 between a covering conﬁguration in which the cover element 6 covers the second capturing means 7 (Figs. 1 to 4), and a capturing conﬁguration in which the cover element 6 is moved aside to uncover the second capturing means 7 (Fig. 5 and 6).

The device I comprises means to activate and/or deactivate the second capturing means 7 and the display means 2. The activation means is conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the handle/cover element 6 being moved relative to the display means 2 from the stowed/covering conﬁguration to the holding/capturing conﬁguration.

Similarly the deactivation means is conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the handle/cover element 6 being moved relative to the display means 2 from the holding/capturing conﬁguration to the stowed/covering conﬁguration.

The device l also comprises means to determine the orientation of the display means 2, for example using one or more accelerometer elements. [n particular the orientation may be determined by one or more solid state devices mounted on one or more circuit boards within the device I. The solid state device may output signals relative to the acceleration it experiences in three mutually perpendicular axes. If the I0 POZOII"-.| solid state device is not subject to additional accelerations, it may detennine its orientation by means of gravity. Other acceleration, for example a user performing a fixed sequence of gestures, may be used to perform additional functions.

The device 1 further comprises a plurality of control buttons 13 to control operation of the display means 2 and operation of the first capturing means 4 and operation of the second capturing means 7. The control buttons 13 may be used to change the zoom of the visual image, to change the focus of the visual image, to change the colour of the visual image, to make the visual image monochrome, to invert the visual image. The control buttons 13 may be activated and/or deactivated responsive to the orientation of the display means 2. In this manner the device I may conﬁgure itself automatically to suit the user. For example if the user is holding the device 1 in the user’s right hand, the appropriate control buttons 13 of the device I may be activated to suit the position of the ﬁngers and thumb of the user’s right hand.

The device 1 ftuther comprises means to determine which of the first capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 was most recently activated. The display means 2 is conﬁgured to display the visual image captured by whichever of the first capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 was most recently activated. in use. the latch element 3 is released to allow the ﬁrst capturing means 4 to pivotably move relative to the display means 2 from the stowed conﬁguration (Figs.

I and 2) to the capturing conﬁguration (Figs. 3 and 4). The ﬁrst capturing means 4 and the display means 2 are automatically activated as the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is moved relative to the display means 2 from the stowed conﬁguration to the capturing conﬁguration. The device 1 is then placed with the rear side 12 of the display means 2 resting on the object, such as a page of reading material. The user can move the device 1 across the page while reading the displayed text from the display means 2.

The user may read and write with the ﬁrst capturing means 4 in the capturing conﬁguration. l l P020lF.I When the user is finished using the first capturing means 4, the first capturing means 4 is pivotably moved relative to the display means 2 from the capturing conﬁguration to the stowed conﬁguration. The first capturing means 4 and the display means 2 are automatically deactivated as the ﬁrst capturing means 4 is moved relative to the display means 2 from the capturing conﬁguration to the stowed conﬁguration.

To use the second capturing means 7, the handle/cover element 6 is slidably moved relative to the display means 2 from the stowed/covering conﬁguration in which the cover element 6 covers the second capttuing means 7 (Figs. l to 4), to the holding/capturing configuration in which the cover element 6 is moved aside to uncover the second capturing means 7 (Fig. 5 and 6). The second capturing means 7 and the display means 2 are automatically activated as the handle/cover element 6 is moved relative to the display means 2 from the stowed/covering conﬁguration to the holding/capturing conﬁguration. The device 1 is then held by the handle element 6 with the second capturing means 7 and the rear side 12 of the display means 2 facing the object, such as a sign in a public building, to capture a visual image of the object.

The device 1 determines the orientation of the display means 2, and the control buttons 13 are activated and/or deactivated responsive to the orientation of the display means 2.

When the user is ﬁnished using the second capturing means 7, the handle/cover element 6 is slidably moved relative to the display means 2 from the holding/capturing conﬁguration to the stowed/covering conﬁguration. The second capturing means 7 and the display means 2 are automatically deactivated as the handle/cover element 6 is moved relative to the display means 2 from the holding/capturing configuration to the stowed/covering conﬁguration.

POZOIEI In the event that both the first capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 are activated, the device 1 determines which of the first capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 was most recently activated. The display means 2 displays the visual image captured by whichever of the ﬁrst capturing means 4 and the second capturing means 7 was most recently activated.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

1. A handheld viewing device comprising:- means to capture a visual image of at least part of an object; and means to display a visual image. A device as claimed in claim I wherein the capturing means is movable relative to the display means between a stowed conﬁguration and a Capturing conﬁguration, the display means may comprise a front side for displaying a visual image and a rear side, in the stowed conﬁguration the capturing means being located at the rear side of the display means, the capturing means may be pivotably movable relative to the display means, the capturing means may be pivotably movable relative to the display means by at least 180 degrees From the stowed conﬁguration to the capturing conﬁguration, the capturing means may be biased away from the stowed conﬁguration, the device may comprise means to selectively hold the capturing means in the stowed conﬁguration. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises means to activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means, the activation and/or deactivation means may be conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the capturing means being moved relative to the display means between the stowed conﬁguration and the capturing configuration, in the capturing conﬁguration, the viewing axis of the capturing means may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means and/or substantially perpendicular to the plane of an object being Viewed. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the capturing means is ﬁxed relative to the display means, the display means may comprise a ﬁont side for displaying a visual image and a rear side, the capturing means being located at the rear side of the display means, the viewing axis of the capturing means may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the display means, the device may comprise a handle element. the handle element may be movable relative to the display means between a stowed conﬁguration and a holding conﬁguration, the handle element may comprise a holder part for holding one or more components, the device may comprise a cover element to selectively cover the capturing means, the cover element may be movable relative to the display means between a covering configuration and a capturing con ﬁguration, the cover element may comprise a holder part for holding one or more components, the device may comprise means to activate and/or deactivate the capturing means and/or the display means, the activation and/or deactivation means may be conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the handle element being moved relative to the display means between the stowed conﬁguration and the holding conﬁguration. the activation and/or deactivation means may be conﬁgured to be triggered responsive to the cover element being moved relative to the display means between the covering conﬁguration and the captuxing conﬁguration. A device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the device comprises a first capturing means and a second capturing means, the first capturing means may comprise at capturing means as claimed in claim 2 or 3, the second capturing means may comprise a capturing means as claimed in claim 4. the device may comprise means to determine which of the first capturing means and the second capturing means was most recently activated, the display means may be conﬁgured to display a visual image captured by whichever of the first capturing means and the second capturing means was most recently activated, the device may comprise means to determine the orientation of the display means, the device may comprise means to control operation of the display means and/or the capturing means, the device may comprise means to activate and/or deactivate the control means, the control means may be conﬁgured to be activated and/or deactivated responsive to the orientation of the display means.