Device for attaching an accessory to a first perspective head-mounted device

Abstract

Disclosed herein are first person view (FPV) headsets that include a housing and a fan plate coupled to the housing, where the fan plate includes an attachment point configured to receive a headset accessory. The attachment point can include a hinged mount and / or a quick release connector (e.g., including a pin, screw, button, magnet). The attachment point can include an electrical connector for power and / or data. Also disclosed are accessories (e.g., an antenna, an antenna mount, a digital video receiver) having physical features that are complementary to the attachment point, enabling them to be attached to the FPV headset.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, often use digital goggles or display headsets to obtain a first-person view (FPV) from the aerial vehicle. These headsets are designed to be portable. Components needed for operation can be attached to the headset or headband. Most FPV headsets are designed with internal components or modular cradles for a video signal receiver (VRx).

[0002] The quality of the video signal provided to the wearer of the headset is related not only to the electronics inside the headset, but also to the type and location of the antenna. Many antennas have directional sensitivity, and placing the antenna on the front of the headset can improve performance, enabling the pilot to be able to "face" the aerial platform with high sensitivity. In addition to the antenna, most modern FPV goggles also have a fan for preventing fogging of the optical elements.

[0003] Due to the limited size of the headset, it is difficult to add other components, such as long-range antennas or digital video receivers, to the headset. Depending on the headset configuration preferred by the pilot in various applications, it can also be difficult to quickly add or remove different components.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a more flexible approach to FPV headsets and accessories. SUMMARY

[0005] This summary represents a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Disclosed herein are devices for attaching accessories to first-person view (FPV) headsets, and accessories for attaching to such FPV headsets.

[0007] In some embodiments, the FPV headset includes a housing and a fan plate coupled to the housing, wherein the fan plate includes an attachment point configured to receive a headset accessory. In some embodiments, the attachment point includes a hinge mount. In some embodiments, the attachment point includes a quick release connector (e.g., a pin, a screw, or a button). In some embodiments, the attachment point includes a magnet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the attachment point includes at least one electrical connector. In some embodiments in which the attachment point includes at least one electrical connector, the FPV headset further includes a fan, and the at least one electrical connector is configured to supply power to the fan. In some embodiments in which the attachment point includes at least one electrical connector, the headset accessory includes a video receiver, and the at least one electrical connector is configured to transmit data to or from the video receiver.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fan plate comprises at least two different pieces. In some embodiments, the fan plate is a unitary piece.

[0010] In some embodiments, the attachment point comprises a secondary connection. In some embodiments, the secondary connection is configured to supply power or transfer data to the FPV headset. In some embodiments, the secondary connection comprises a hinge joint.

[0011] In some embodiments, the headset accessory comprises an antenna or video receiver, or an extended antenna mount.

[0012] In some embodiments, the FPV headset further comprises a video receiver, and the attachment point comprises an electrical connector coupled to the video receiver, wherein the electrical connector is configured to provide a signal from the antenna to the video receiver.

[0013] In some embodiments, the FPV headset accessory (e.g., antenna, video receiver) comprises a connector that is complementary to the attachment point of the FPV headset. For example, the connector can be the other half of a hinge mount that mates with the attachment point, a magnet that attracts the attachment point, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, the FPV headset comprises a housing having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a front-facing portion; and a mount attached to the top portion of the housing and configured to receive one or more accessories. In some embodiments, the housing comprises at least one hole, and the mount is attached to the top portion of the housing by a pin or screw passing through the at least one hole. In some embodiments, the housing (and / or the mount) comprises a magnet, and the mount is magnetically attached to the housing. In some embodiments, the FPV headset comprises a headband coupled to the mount.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mount replaces the fan plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the FPV headset further comprises a fan, and the mount is disposed between the housing and the fan. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the particular embodiments, in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

[0018] Figure 1A A prior art headset is shown.

[0019] Figure 1B Another prior art headset is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An exemplary fan plate according to some embodiments is shown.

[0021] Figure 3AAn exemplary fan plate is shown, to which a hinge mount and an accessory are attached, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 3B is Figure 3A An exploded view of the components shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, often include an onboard camera that can be used to allow a pilot to fly the UAV in a first-person view (FPV) mode. Specifically, the camera provides the pilot with a view from the UAV, allowing the pilot to have the view that he or she would have if actually on the UAV.

[0024] To access the FPV, a UAV pilot typically wears digital goggles or a display headpiece (referred to herein generally as an“FPV headpiece” or simply a“headpiece”). The headpiece, which typically communicates wirelessly with the UAV, can display images and video from the UAV camera to provide the pilot with the FPV.

[0025] The FPV headpiece can include various components that allow them to provide the FPV (e.g., optics, a video receiver, one or more antennas, etc.), as well as components that improve the pilot’s experience (e.g., a fan to reduce fogging of the optical elements). It can be desirable to mount some of these components externally to the headpiece, sometimes on the front of the headpiece. For example, because many antennas have directional sensitivity, having one or more antennas on the front of the headpiece can improve performance, and thus sensitivity, when the pilot’s face is oriented toward the UAV that he or she is flying.

[0026] It is also desirable to enable pilots to add components to or remove components from the headpiece to accommodate different users’ needs or preferences. However, because of the size of the headpiece and the limited locations for attaching accessories, it can be difficult to add components to the headpiece. Depending on how the components are attached to and detached from the headpiece, and depending on the headpiece configuration that pilots prefer in various applications, it can also be challenging to quickly add or remove different components.

[0027] Figure 1A and 1B An existing technology headpiece 50 is shown that can provide a pilot with an FPV. These existing technology headpieces 50 include a fan 10 that is typically located in the top center of the headpiece 50, as shown in Figure 1A and 1B The fan 10 provides airflow to reduce or prevent fogging of the optical elements in the headpiece 50.

[0028] Disclosed herein is an FPV headset with a new mounting bracket that provides attachment points for adding accessories to the FPV headset. The mounting bracket may replace a fan plate or may be an improved fan plate including the attachment points. The mounting bracket may be an insert disposed between the headset housing and the fan. The mounting bracket may be a single piece or may comprise multiple pieces assembled together to form the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may have a single attachment point or may have multiple attachment points for one or more accessories. The mounting bracket may interact with and / or connect to attached accessories or integrated (non-removable) components, or may couple two or more other accessories and / or components together to enable them to communicate and / or share power.

[0029] This document also discloses an FPV headset mounting system that uses a modified fan plate as an attachment point. The mounting system may include hinges, magnets, or any other mechanism that allows accessories to be attached to the FPV headset via the attachment point. The mounting system may have an attachment / removal mechanism that facilitates quick attachment / removal of accessories. The mounting system may provide a path for electrical signals (e.g., power, data) between accessories or parts of the FPV headset. The mounting system may replace the fan. The mounting system may be an insert disposed between the housing of the FPV headset and the fan. The mounting system may be configured to attach to the headband of the FPV headset.

[0030] An FPV head-mount accessory is also disclosed herein, configured to attach to the aforementioned mounting. The accessory can be quickly attached or detached. The accessory may be, for example, an extension antenna, through which the antenna signal can be directly connected to an analog video receiver in the analog module bay of the FPV head-mount. Alternatively or additionally, the accessory may be a digital video receiver. The accessory may have additional mounting points for the antenna. The accessory may have auxiliary cables to directly power the attached device and / or transmit video signals to the input on the head-mount.

[0031] In some embodiments disclosed herein, a new fan plate is provided as an attachment point for accessories. The new fan plate (referred to herein as the attachment point fan plate) allows additional accessories to be attached to the FPV headset.

[0032] Figure 2 A head-mounted device 50 including an exemplary attachment point fan plate 100 is shown according to some embodiments. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the attachment point fan plate 100 includes an attachment point 105, illustrated as a hinge mount, which can receive accessories (e.g., modules, components, etc.) including corresponding complementary connectors (e.g., the other half of the hinge). For example, Figure 2The attachment point 105 shown in the middle can receive an accessory (e.g., an antenna, an antenna module, a digital video receiver, etc.) that includes a connector with two complementary protrusions that fit between the three protrusions shown in the attachment point 105 of Figure 2

[0033] Figure 2 Also shown is a module 110 that can be attached to the headset 50 via the attachment point fan plate 100, as described in further detail below. The module 110 shown has four antennas, a digital video receiver, and a fan, but it should be understood that the module shown is merely exemplary. In general, any type of accessory can be attached through the attachment point fan plate 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 includes multiple pieces that are assembled together to make the attachment point fan plate 100. In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 is a unitary piece (i.e., an unsegmented whole piece as opposed to a component made from pieces that are assembled or connected together).

[0035] In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 is attached to the housing of the FPV headset by one or more screws. In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 can be removed, enlarged, replaced, etc. to allow one or more screw holes of a single group to be used as secure mounting locations for alternative mounts. Such alternative mounts can also be designed to press against the housing of the headset.

[0036] In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 is attached to the housing of the FPV headset by a magnetic mechanism. In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 can be removed, enlarged, replaced, etc. to allow magnets in the FPV headset to be used as secure mounting locations for alternative mounts.

[0037] In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 allows head straps to be attached to the headset.

[0038] In some embodiments that include the attachment point fan plate 100, the power provided to the fan can also or instead be used to power any modules or accessories that are attached or coupled to the FPV headset via the attachment point fan plate 100. In some embodiments that include the attachment point fan plate 100, the attachment point fan plate 100 provides a data connection to connected modules or accessories. In some embodiments that include the attachment point fan plate 100, both power and data connections can reach attached modules or accessories through the attachment point fan plate 100.

[0039] ​In other embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 provides only mechanical attachment points and does not provide data and / or power through the attachment point fan plate 100. In some embodiments, the attached module or accessory is powered and / or data connected via a port that is unrelated and distinct from the attachment point fan plate 100 (e.g., an analog module port). In some embodiments, the attached module or accessory is an extension of an analog module of the FPV headset.

[0040] In some embodiments, the attachment point fan plate 100 provides an auxiliary connection with a quick release mechanism. As used herein, the term “quick release mechanism” refers to a mechanism that facilitates attachment and release of an accessory without requiring a substantial amount of time. In other words, a quick release mechanism allows for rapid attachment and release of an accessory such that the time required to attach or release the accessory is not burdensome to the user. It should be understood that a quick release mechanism can require the user to use a tool (e.g., a screwdriver, a hex key, etc.) or exert some effort (e.g., pulling a pin, turning a screwdriver, turning a hex key, etc.). In other words, a quick release mechanism does not require instantaneous attachment or removal of an accessory. For example, a quick release mechanism can include a pin, a screw, or a button. As another example, a quick release mechanism can be magnetic. For example, the attachment point fan plate 100 can include a magnet and the accessory to be attached to the attachment point fan plate 100 has a characteristic such that they are attracted to the magnet in the attachment point fan plate 100 (e.g., the accessory can include a magnet with a polarity opposite to the magnet in the attachment point fan plate 100, they can include metal that is attracted to the magnet in the attachment point fan plate 100, etc.).

[0041] In some embodiments, the auxiliary connection includes a hinge joint that can allow for adjustment of the orientation of the attached accessory.

[0042] In some embodiments, the attached module or accessory does not function. For example, the attached module or accessory can be decorative or attached for aesthetic reasons rather than for utilitarian purposes. For example, the attached module or accessory can be a pin or patch with a team logo. In some embodiments, the attached module or accessory is magnetically attached.

[0043] In some embodiments, the FPV headset includes an accessory mounting plate that can be, but is not necessarily, a fan plate or a replacement for a fan plate (e.g., the attachment point fan plate 100 described above). In some such embodiments, the accessory mounting plate includes quick release attachment points to allow for attachment of multiple types of accessories to the FPV headset via the mount. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment points include pins and different accessories can be quickly attached and removed by replacing individual pins. In some embodiments, the quick release attachment points are included in a fan plate. In other embodiments, the quick release attachment points are distinct from a fan plate.

[0044] In some embodiments with a quick release attachment point, the quick release mechanism includes a pin, screw, or button. In some embodiments, the quick release attachment mechanism is magnetic.

[0045] Figure 3A An attachment point fan plate 100 with an attached accessory is shown in accordance with some embodiments. The attachment point 105 is shown mated with a corresponding complementary connector 106 (e.g., the other half of a hinge). The connector 106 has two complementary protrusions that fit between the three protrusions of the connection point 105. An insertion pin 107 is used to hold the accessory in place.

[0046] Figure 3B is an exploded view of the attachment point fan plate 100, the connector 106, and the pin 107. Although Figure 3A and 3B The pin 107 is shown, but the pin 107 can be any suitable fastener, e.g., a screw, a cotter pin, a clevis pin, a dowel pin, a groove pin, a hook pin, a key pin, a spring pin, a taper pin, a nut and bolt, etc.

[0047] Similarly, although Figure 2 , 3A and 3B show the attachment point 105 as part of a hinge, it should be understood that other types of connectors can alternatively be used. Also, the connector 106 can be released from the attachment point 105 by a quick release mechanism such as a spring activated button.

[0048] In the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. In some instances, terminology or aspects particular to the practice of this application can have been suggested.

[0049] To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, well-known components are shown in block diagram form and / or not discussed in detail, or not discussed at all in some instances.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and drawings and meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. In this document, certain terminology can not be in accordance with their ordinary or customary meanings.

[0051] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude the plural, unless otherwise stated. The word “or” should be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise stated. Accordingly, the phrase “A or B” should be interpreted as all of the following: “A and B both,” “A but not B,” and “B but not A.” Any use of the term “and / or” herein is not meant to exclude the other.

[0052] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "one or more of A, B, and C" can be interchanged, and are each meant to include all of the following alternatives: "only A", "only B", "only C", "A and B but not C", "A and C but not B", "B and C but not A", and "A and B and C".

[0053] To the extent a term used in the detailed description or claims—such as for example, "including", "having", "containing" and "comprising"—are used, they are to be interpreted

[0054] The terms "over", "under", "between", and "on", as used herein refer to a relative position of one feature with respect to other features. For example, one feature disposed over or under another feature can be directly in contact with the other feature or can have one or more intermediate features or materials. Also, one feature disposed between two features can be directly in contact with the two features or can have one or more intermediate features or materials. In contrast, a first feature "on" a second feature is in contact with the second feature.

[0055] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the dimensions, shapes, and sizes of the features can substantially differ from what is depicted in the drawings.

[0056] While specific embodiments have been disclosed, it is apparent that various modifications and changes can be made that will embody the broader spirit and principles of the disclosure. For example, at least some of the features or aspects of any of the embodiments can be applied to any other embodiment, whether required or not. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A first-person view (FPV) head-mounted device, comprising: shell; as well as A fan plate connected to the housing, wherein the fan plate includes attachment points configured to receive head-mounted device accessories. The attachment point includes a portion of the hinge mount. The attachment point includes an auxiliary connection configured to supply power or transmit data to one or more components of the FPV head-mounted device, wherein the auxiliary connection includes a hinge joint.

2. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment point includes a quick-release connector.

3. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 2, wherein, The quick-release connector includes a pin, screw, button, or magnet.

4. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The attachment point includes at least one electrical connector.

5. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 4, further comprising a fan, and wherein, The at least one electrical connector is configured to supply power to the fan.

6. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 4, wherein, The head-mounted device accessory includes a video receiver, and wherein the at least one electrical connector is configured to transmit data to or from the video receiver.

7. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The fan plate comprises at least two different components.

8. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The fan plate is a single piece.

9. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising a video receiver, and wherein, The attachment point includes an electrical connector that is coupled to the video receiver, wherein the electrical connector is configured to provide a signal from the antenna to the video receiver.

10. An FPV head-mount accessory comprising a connector complementary to the attachment point of the FPV head-mount according to claim 1.

11. The FPV head-mounted accessory according to claim 10, wherein, The FPV head-mounted device accessory includes at least one antenna or video receiver.

12. A first-person view (FPV) head-mounted device, comprising: The outer casing has a top, a bottom, and a front-facing portion; as well as Mounting element, which is attached to the top of the housing and configured to receive one or more accessories via attachment points. The attachment point includes a portion of the hinge mount. The attachment point includes an auxiliary connection configured to supply power or transmit data to one or more components of the FPV headset, wherein the auxiliary connection includes a hinge joint.

13. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein, The housing includes at least one hole, and the mounting member is attached to the top of the housing by means of a pin or screw passing through the at least one hole.

14. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein, The housing includes a magnet, and the mounting element is magnetically attached to the top of the housing.

15. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein, The mounting component includes a magnet.

16. The FPV headgear of claim 12, further comprising a headband connected to the mounting member.

17. The FPV head-mounted device according to claim 12, wherein, The mounting component replaces the fan plate.

18. The FPV headset of claim 12, further comprising a fan, and wherein, The mounting component is disposed between the housing and the fan.

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