Non-invasive head mounted device

Abstract

The invention relates to a non-invasive head-mounted device. Systems, devices, and methods are provided for a head-mounted device. In some examples, a head-mounted device includes a frame having at least one arm, at least one display coupled adjacent an edge of the at least one arm, an electronic system coupled adjacent another edge of the at least one arm, a data processing unit configured to transmit and receive data from the display, wherein the data processing unit is coupled between the electronic system and the display by means of an arm; and an optical system configured to project an image from the display to an eye of a user, where the optical system is mounted on top of the display.

Description

[0001] Divisional Application Information

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of June 3, 2020, application number "202080040879.6", and invention name "Non-invasive head-mounted device". Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a wearable head mounted device that employs one or more displays, with an optical system placed on top of the displays. Background Art

[0004] Conventionally, head mounted devices (HMDs) have one or two displays, a digital projector and a microscope embedded in the device to project images onto the user's eyes. Due to all these circuits, HMDs are usually heavy and difficult to carry for a long time. In addition, these devices provide users with a limited field of view and an unpleasant experience.

[0005] In addition, the display may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCos) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED). These conventional displays have problems of low brightness, high power consumption and short lifespan.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved HMD that has a simple structure and can provide a better field of view, high brightness, and low power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a wearable HMD may be provided. The wearable HMD may be integrated with a micro LED display to provide a simple structure, better resolution, contrast, brightness, and low power consumption compared to conventional devices.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a head-mounted device may include a frame having at least one arm, at least one display connected adjacent to an edge of the arm, an electronic system connected adjacent to another edge of the arm, a data processing unit configured to send and receive data from the display, wherein the data processing unit is connected between the electronic system and the display via the arm; and an optical system configured to project an image from the display to an eye of a user, wherein the optical system is mounted on top of the display.

[0009] In another embodiment, the optical system can be placed between the display and the user's eyes. In one case, the optical system can include a concave lens.

[0010] In one embodiment, an electronic system may include a computing device, a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and a power supply unit.

[0011] In another embodiment, the display may include a micro light emitting diode microdisplay.

[0012] In one case, the arm attached to the frame can be made of a transparent material. In another case, the arm can include conductive traces for communicating with and powering the display. The arm can be flexible.

[0013] In another embodiment, the HMD may include one or more sensors configured to the head mounted device to detect eye movement to initiate projection of an image from the display.

[0014] In an embodiment, the HMD may also include one or more sensors to measure eye focal length to adjust the optical focus of the image to the focus of the eye.

[0015] In one embodiment, the arm and display may be integrated into the frame.

[0016] According to another embodiment, there may be one or two or more displays mounted on a frame or mounted on an arm. The two or more displays cover a wider viewing angle for the user.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a head-mounted device may be provided. The head-mounted device may include: a frame having at least one arm, at least one display mounted on the frame in front of a user's eyes, an electronic system connected adjacent to an edge of the arm; and an optical system placed between the display and the user's eyes to project an image from the display to the user's eyes. According to one embodiment, a method for displaying an image on a head-mounted device may be provided. The method may include providing a frame having at least one arm, mounting at least one display on the frame in front of a user's eyes, connecting the electronic system adjacent to an edge of the arm; and placing the optical system between the display and the user's eyes to project an image from the display to the user's eyes.

[0018] In one case, two display systems can provide images with different content that are seen simultaneously. This feature can be used to display 3D images, increase resolution, or add color by showing different colors to each display.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the display can be mounted further away from the edge of the frame. In one case, power and signal lines can pass through the transparent lens, or a coil in the frame can provide power or data to the display.

[0020] The foregoing and additional aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments and / or aspects with reference to the accompanying drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The foregoing and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a head mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 An example of an optical system for creating a virtual image of a display according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 3A An example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3B Another example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 3C Another example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 An example of a head mounted device with multiple displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] The use of the same reference numbers in different drawings indicates similar or identical elements.

[0029] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments or implementations have been shown in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Although the present teaching is described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, the present teaching is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present teaching encompasses various alternatives and equivalents.

[0031] The present disclosure relates to display devices, and more particularly to wearable head-mounted display devices. Head-mounted devices (HMDs) may include smart glasses, virtual reality headsets, augmented reality headsets, and mixed reality headsets. Here, for the purpose of illustration, the head-mounted device is implemented as glasses.

[0032] In addition, the present disclosure provides a wearable head mounted display with a micro LED display. Compared with a conventional display, a wearable HMD integrated with a micro LED display can provide a simpler device, high resolution, contrast, brightness, and low power consumption.

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a head mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, a display may be mounted on a frame in front of the eye that communicates with an electronic system to project an image into the eye through optics between the eye and the display. Communication may occur in different ways. In one case, an arm of the frame carries a power or data signal coupled to the display. The head mounted device may include a frame. The frame may include a pair of glasses or a helmet configured to be worn on the user's head. The frame may include at least one arm 102. In one case, there may be two arms on either side of the frame. In another case, there may be no arms connected to the frame. Here, for example, the frame includes the structure of glasses.

[0034] In one case, arm 102 may be made of a transparent material and include conductive traces (wires) for communicating with display 104 and providing power. Arm 102 may be pre-formed or may be flexible to be formed by a user.

[0035] In one embodiment, the electronic system 106 is coupled adjacent to the edge of the arm 102. The electronic system may include a processing unit, a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and a power supply unit. The processing unit may include a processor for executing instructions. The communication unit may be configured to communicate with the electronic system and the display unit to receive images. The data processing unit may be coupled between the electronic system and the display through the arm to send and receive data and instructions from the display and other units. The HMD may receive external power through the power supply unit. The power supply unit may supply power to the electronic system.

[0036] In one embodiment, the HMD further comprises at least one display 104 coupled adjacent to another edge of the arm. The display may comprise a micro display device. The micro display may be a micro light emitting diode device. The display unit is configured to transmit an image or image information to the user. The display receives power or data signals via an electronic system 106 coupled to the arm. In one embodiment, the size of the micro display may be less than 0.5 cm.

[0037] In one embodiment, an optical system 110 may be provided on top of the display 106 that projects the image displayed on the display 106 into the user's eyes. The optical system may include one or more lenses. The lenses may be concave. The optical system 110 is located between the display and the user's eyes.

[0038] In one embodiment, the HMD may also include a gesture sensor operable to detect when the user is looking at the display to start projecting an image. In another embodiment, there may be a sensor to measure eye focal length to adjust the optical focus of the image to the focus of the eye.

[0039] Figure 2 An example of an optical system with a display is shown. Here, the optical system 202 is placed between the display 204 and the user's eyes. The optical system 202 forms a virtual image 206 at a greater distance from the user's face after being projected into the user's eyes 210. The virtual image 206 is also magnified to enable easy access to information and data from the display 204. Figure 3A An example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, one or more displays (302-1, 302-2) can be mounted on a frame 310. Here, for example, the frame 310 includes the structure of glasses. An optical system can be arranged on the top of the display (302-1, 302-2), which projects the image from the display 106 into the user's eyes. The optical system is located between the display and the user's eyes. The display (302-1, 302-2) can be mounted on the glasses frame 310 or separately mounted near the edge of the frame arm 304. The combination of two displays (302-1, 302-2) can cover a wider field of view. For example, from one side to the center can be covered by the first display (e.g., 302-1) and from the center to the other side can be covered by the second display (302-2).

[0040] In another embodiment, the electronic system 306 is coupled adjacent to another edge of the arm 304. The electronic system may include a processing unit, a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and a power supply unit. The processing unit may include a processor for executing instructions. The communication unit may be configured to communicate with the electronic system and the display unit. The data processing unit may be coupled between the electronic system and the display unit through the arm to send and receive data and instructions from the display unit and other units.

[0041] Figure 3B An example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, one or more displays (302-1, 302-2) can be mounted on a frame 310 where images will be seen simultaneously. In one case, a display (e.g., 302-1) can be mounted adjacent to the edge of the eyeglass frame 310 or separately adjacent to the edge of a frame arm 304. Other displays (e.g., 302-4) can be mounted farther from the edge of the frame. Here, when the user's eyes tilt toward the displays, the content of both displays is projected into the eyes (each display is projected to a different eye). This feature can be used to display 3D images, increase resolution, or add color by displaying different colors to each display.

[0042] Figure 3CAn example of a head mounted device with two displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The two displays (302-5, 302-6) can be mounted on a frame 310 where the images will be seen simultaneously. Here, the displays (302-5, 302-6) are further away from the edge of the frame 310. In one embodiment, transparent data and power lines can pass through the lens to transmit signals and power to the displays placed away from the edge of the frame.

[0043] In another embodiment, coils within the frame may be coupled to a display to deliver signals and power to a display positioned away from the edge of the frame.

[0044] Figure 4 An example of a head mounted device with multiple displays according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, multiple displays 402 can be mounted on a frame for each eye. As the eye moves around the different displays, an optical system integrated on top of the display can project all or part of the image onto the eye. According to one embodiment, image stitching techniques can be used to create a unified image. In addition, when the user needs some information, depending on the position of the eye, one of the displays can start projecting an image into the eye.

[0045] In alternative embodiments, the arm and display may also be partially integrated into a display device such as glasses.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the head mounted device may include a frame having at least one arm, at least one display coupled adjacent to an edge of the arm, an electronic system coupled adjacent to another edge of the arm, a data processing unit configured to send and receive data from the display, wherein the data processing unit is coupled between the electronic system and the display via the arm; and an optical system configured to project an image from the display to a user's eye, wherein the optical system is mounted on top of the display. According to yet another embodiment, the optical system may be placed between the display and the user's eye, the electronic system may include a computing device, a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and a power supply unit, and the display includes a micro light emitting diode microdisplay. The optical system may include a concave lens.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the arm may be made of a transparent material. The arm includes conductive traces for communicating with and powering the display. The arm may be flexible.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the head mounted device may also include one or more sensors configured to detect movement of the eye to initiate projection of an image from the display, and one or more sensors configured to measure eye focal length to adjust the optical focus so that the image is in focus of the eye.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a head mounted device may be provided. The head mounted device may include: a frame having at least one arm, at least one display mounted on the frame in front of a user's eyes, an electronic system coupled adjacent to an edge of the arm; and an optical system placed between the display and the user's eyes for projecting an image from the display to the user's eyes. According to further embodiments, the optical system may include a lens and the arm of the frame carries a power or data signal coupled to the display. At least another display may be mounted on another edge of the frame.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the head mounted device may include one or more sensors configured to detect movement of the eyes to initiate projection of an image from the display.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a method for displaying an image on a head mounted device may be provided. The method may include providing a frame having at least one arm, mounting at least one display on the frame in front of a user's eye, coupling an electronic system adjacent to an edge of the arm; and placing an optical system between the display and the user's eye to project an image from the display to the user's eye.

[0052] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments or implementations have been shown in the drawings by way of example and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for displaying an image on a head mounted device, comprising: providing a frame having at least one arm for one of the user's eyes; mounting a plurality of displays on the frame in front of said one of the user's eyes, each of said plurality of displays comprising a micro light emitting diode microdisplay having a size less than 0.5 centimeters; coupling an electronic system adjacent an edge of the at least one arm; placing an optical system between the plurality of displays and the one of the user's eyes; and Movement of the one of the user's eyes is detected to project all or part of the image from a corresponding display of the plurality of displays to the one of the user's eyes via the optical system. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one arm includes conductive traces for communicating with and providing power to the plurality of displays.

3. A head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein the optical system is placed between the multiple displays and one of the user's eyes.

4. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the electronic system comprises a computing device, a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and a power supply unit.

5. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises a concave lens.

6. A head-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one arm is made of a transparent material.

7. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm comprises conductive traces for communicating with and providing power to the plurality of displays.

8. A head mounted device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the arms is flexible.

9. The head mounted device according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more sensors configured to measure eye focal length to adjust the optical focus of an image to a focus of said one of the user's eyes.

10. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm and the plurality of displays are integrated into the frame.

11. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

12. The head mounted device of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm of the frame carries power or data signals coupled to the plurality of displays.

13. The head mounted device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of displays are mounted further away from an edge of the frame.

14. The head mounted device of claim 13, wherein transparent data and power lines pass through the lens to transmit signals and power to the plurality of displays mounted further away from the edge of the frame.

15. The head mounted device of claim 13, wherein coils within the frame provide signals and power to the plurality of displays mounted further away from the edge of the frame.

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