Wearable electronic steroscopic device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable electronic stereoscopic device, hereinafter referred to as stereoscopic device (1) for brevity, comprising at least a front portion (2), a rear portion (3), and an intermediate portion (4), the stereoscopic device 1 comprises: - support means (10) wearable on a user's head, for example in the form of a helmet or an element encircling the circumference of the skull; - screen means (15) in the front portion (2); characterized in that the stereoscopic device (1) comprises : - an electronic microscope (20) comprising: - optical objective means (22), - electronic sensor means (26) where: - the optical objective means (22) are in the front portion, - the electronic sensor means (26) are in the rear portion.

Description

[0001] Title : Wearable electronic stereoscopic device

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a wearable electronic stereoscopic device . The invention was made with reference to medical use , particularly dental and surgical , however other uses are not excluded, such as in j ewelry making or in any precision field where magni fied stereoscopic vision is desirable .

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the field of precision medical instruments , wearable electronic augmented reality vision devices have long been known and appreciated, such as those described in Italian patent 102018000004694 or US patent US 10423012 .

[0006] These devices are in the form of a helmet or headband wearable on the head and have a camera capable o f capturing the intervention area with a focus on a speci fic point of interest , and of transmitting the images to a screen placed in front of the operator ' s eyes .

[0007] However, these devices have various defects , primarily ergonomics . In general , they have a forward- biased weight , where all the instrumentation is located, particularly the camera . This causes operator fatigue , especially in the neck, making it impossible to wear the device for long periods without incurring uncomfortable pathologies .

[0008] Moreover, due to limited optical paths , these devices are electronic and the images are processed by interpolation, so they may have lower quality compared to stereoscopic images obtained with Galilean lenses .

[0009] Fully optical wearable instruments are also available on the market , such as glasses with Galilean lenses . Although these are very light and therefore comfortable to wear, and although they have a native 3D stereo function and therefore high quality, they are not without disadvantages . These instruments , not having a camera, have a fixed focus , unlike the electronic devices mentioned above where there is a tilting camera . Consequently, the operator is forced to adj ust the focus with head movements , with related postural problems and eye fatigue . Moreover, due to the need for freedom of action and weight containment , such systems are very limited in terms of magni fication, reaching levels below x6-x8 and sometimes of fering poor image quality, as they result from electronic magni fication interpolation .

[0010] In patent literature , optical vision devices that also send images to electronic displays are known, however, the electronic vision is not intended for the operator wearing them and constitutes a weight aggravating factor . An example is given by W02009 / 051013 , where balance is attempted by keeping the optical parts vertical in front of the user ' s face so that they are as close as possible to the neck axis , while the electronic display is at the top of the head . Such an arrangement is still unbalanced .

[0011] A further example is represented by US4621283 which does not have an electronic screen but is fitted with a connection to send images to a remote screen . Furthermore , this document has an even greater deviation from an electronic vision device that makes use of optical obj ectives , as the two are completely disconnected from each other .

[0012] To achieve both excellent stereoscopic vision quality and magni fication, it would be necessary to use optical or electronic microscopes , which also have great image stability . However, these are not wearable as they are bulky and unwieldy devices , forcing the operator to continuously adj ust their positioning and focus .

[0013] The general purpose of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the problems and deviations o f known technology .

[0014] A preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear even for long periods .

[0015] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear and has high stereoscopic image quality .

[0016] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear and has a magni fication capability that of fers high image quality .

[0017] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear and has high practicality in focusing . Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear and has high practicality in magni fication adj ustment .

[0018] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that is comfortable to wear and easy and economical to produce .

[0019] Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stereoscopic vision device that combines in a single device and in an ergonomic manner the image capture through optical obj ectives and the viewing of the corresponding electronic images by the operator wearing the device .

[0020] GENERAL INTRODUCTION

[0021] The purposes are solved by a wearable electronic stereoscopic device according to the attached claims .

[0022] Advantageously, the invention combines in an electronic stereoscopic device the positive characteristics of known devices , allowing an experience very similar to the one provided by stereoscopic optical microscopes , with the practicality of use of a wearable vision device , adding high comfort of use even for prolonged periods .

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its preferred embodiments , made with reference to the attached drawings and given as indicative and not limiting .

[0025] - figure 1 schematically shows a device according to the present invention in side view and worn by an operator, where the optical paths from the obj ective means to the sensor means are highlighted in transparency;

[0026] - figure 2 schematically shows in top view the device of figure 1 , where the optical paths from the obj ective means to the sensor means are highlighted in transparency .

[0027] With reference to figures 1 and 2 , a wearable electronic stereoscopic device for magni fied stereoscopic vision according to the present invention is shown, indicated as a whole with reference number 1 , and hereinafter referred to as stereoscopic device for brevity .

[0028] The stereoscopic device 1 comprises at least a front portion 2 , a rear portion 3 , and an intermediate portion 4 , configured in such a way that , with reference to the head of a user wearing the stereoscopic device 1 , the front portion 2 extends at least in an area proximal to the eyes and forehead, the rear portion 3 in an area proximal to the nape , and the intermediate portion 4 in an area between these two .

[0029] The stereoscopic device 1 comprises :

[0030] - support means 10 wearable on a user ' s head, for example in the form of a helmet or an element encircling the circumference of the skull ;

[0031] - electronic screen means 15 in the front portion

[0032] 2 ; - an electronic microscope 20 comprising :

[0033] • optical obj ective means 22

[0034] • optical magni fication means 24

[0035] • electronic sensor means 26 where :

[0036] • the optical obj ective means 22 are in the front portion,

[0037] • the optical magni fication means 24 are in the intermediate portion

[0038] • the electronic sensor means 26 are in the rear portion .

[0039] In general , the stereoscopic device has a balanced mass distribution, that is , such as to have a substantial weight balance on opposite sides . For example , the optical obj ective means 22 , the magni fication means 24 and the sensor means 26 have a balancing effect .

[0040] Preferably, at least the obj ective means and the sensor means are basically of the same weight and are balanced between each other, meaning they do not cause the stereoscopic device to lean to one side of the user wearing it compared to a correct use position .

[0041] In general , it is preferable that the optical magni fication means are in a substantially central position of the stereoscopic device 1 , for example substantially at its top, in such a way that their weight has a basically neutral ef fect in the global balance , that is , it does not prevail on one side and therefore does not cause the stereoscopic device to lean to one side of the user wearing it.

[0042] The stereoscopic device 1 includes at least two optical paths 30 that extend from the optical objective means 22 to the electronic sensor means 26 passing through the optical magnification means 24. Preferably, the two optical paths 30 are parallel to each other. This advantageously favors the adoption of at least one of the following characteristics:

[0043] • the optical objective means 22 comprise a single objective, for example of CMO type (Common Main Ob j ective ) Basically, the objective 22 is configured to generate, starting from a single observed point, at least two parallel image beams, directed along said respective optical paths 30 towards the optical magnification means 24.

[0044] The stereoscopic device 1, preferably, comprises common focusing means for the two optical paths, arranged to focus the images of both optical paths, for example they are placed between the optical magnification means 24 and the electronic sensor means 26 or in correspondence with them.

[0045] The optical magnification means 24 comprise common regulation means 34 for the two optical paths 30. The regulation means 34, for example, comprise optical magnification selection means.

[0046] The optical magnifications, for example, can be chosen between X2 and X20, or preferably between X2 and X10, for example at least the following magnifications are selectable: X2, X4, X6, X8, X10. Basically, it is possible to adopt groups o f magni fication lenses for each path, where each group corresponds to a desired magni fication . The stereoscopic device comprises multiple magni fication configurations , where in each one along every optical path 30 there is a lenses group identical to the group of the other paths , and at each selection it is possible to simultaneously change all groups or modi fy them, for example by changing the distances between lenses .

[0047] The use of this particular microscopic vision system allows to reduce the number of movements necessary for optical magni fication and focus adj ustment as their respective means are common to both optical paths .

[0048] This characteristic contributes signi ficantly to the lightness of the wearable device .

[0049] Moreover, since the distribution of the microscope parts is spread into various zones of the stereoscopic device , in addition to having excellent ergonomics and weight distribution there is also much space available , which allows for a signi ficant adoption of optical magni fication means , with a great gain in image quality compared to traditional electronic magni fications . Thi s extra space also allows the use of a high number of lenses , which i f desired allow a wide choice of magni fication values , even very high ones .

[0050] The sensor means 26 have the task of receiving the image beams transmitted by the obj ective means 22 along the optical paths 30 after they have passed through the magnification means 24. From the sensor means, the images are transmitted to the screen means.

[0051] The sensor means 26 may include electrical power means 40, such as battery means. In case these are distinct from the sensor means 26, their arrangement will still contribute to the balance of the stereoscopic device.

[0052] The optical paths 30 generally define respective curved paths to pass from the front portion to the rear portion, so as to circumvent the head of the user.

[0053] The optical paths include guiding means 50 for the image beams along said curved paths. The guiding means 50, for example, comprise respective series of prisms and / or optical fibers.

[0054] In general, the magnification means 24 divide the optical paths 30 into two parts, an anterior 30a and a posterior 30b, to favor weight balance. In this case, preferably the guiding means 50 are present in both parts.

[0055] In summary, during use, a user wears the stereoscopic device 1 on his head with the screen means 15 in front of his eyes, the objective means 22 near the forehead, the sensor means 26 near the nape, and the magnification means 24 substantially at the top of the head. In this way, the weights of the stereoscopic device are balanced and do not induce neck fatigue. The stereoscopic device 1 is therefore ergonomic overall. Moreover, thanks to the available space gained from the diffused distribution of the various means, the stereoscopic device can make extensive use of optical parts, such as in the magnification means, favoring very high image quality. The general adjustment is very easy as the user, or an electronic system, can act simultaneously for both optical paths for both magnification and focus. All the predetermined objectives are thus achieved by the invention .

[0056] GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

[0057] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used here, are intended as open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The above applies also to words having similar meanings such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used here to describe the above embodiment ( s ) , directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "below" and "transverse", as well as any other similar directional terms, refer to the embodiment as described in operating position. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0058] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . For example , the si ze , shape , location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and / or desired . Components shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures placed between them . The functions of one element may be performed by two , and vice versa . The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment . It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time . Every feature which is unique compared to the prior art , alone or in combination with other features , should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant , including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features . Thus , the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable electronic stereoscopic device, hereinafter referred to as stereoscopic device (1) for brevity, comprising at least a front portion (2) , a rear portion (3) , and an intermediate portion (4) , the stereoscopic device 1 comprises: support means (10) wearable on a user's head, for example in the form of a helmet or an element encircling the circumference of the skull; electronic screen means (15) in the front portion (2) ; characterized in that the stereoscopic device (1) comprises : an electronic microscope (20) comprising:• optical objective means (22)• electronic sensor means (26) that transmit images to the electronic screen means (15) where :• the optical objective means (22) are in the front portion,• the electronic sensor means (26) are in the rear portion.

2. Stereoscopic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a balanced mass distribution.

3. Stereoscopic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the optical objective means (22) andthe electronic sensor means (24) are basically of the same weight and are balanced between each other.

4. Stereoscopic device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises• optical magnification means (24) arranged between the optical objective means (22) and the electronic sensor means (26) .

5. Stereoscopic device according to claim 4, characterized in that:• the optical magnification means (24) are in the intermediate portion (4)6. Stereoscopic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the optical magnification means (24) are in a substantially central position of the stereoscopic device ( 1 ) .

7. Stereoscopic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical magnification means (24) are substantially at the top of the stereoscopic device (1) •8. Stereoscopic device according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two optical paths (30) that extend from the optical objective means (22) to the electronic sensor means (26) passing through the optical magnification means (24) .

9. Stereoscopic device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two optical paths (30) are parallel to each other and where at least one of the following features is present: A - the optical objective means (22) comprise a single lens, B - the optical magnification means (24) comprise regulation means (34) common to the two optical paths (30) , C - the stereoscopic device comprises common focusing means (32) of the two optical paths arranged between the optical magnification means (24) and the electronic sensor means (26) or in correspondence with at least one of them.

10. Stereoscopic device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises all features A, B, C.

11. Stereoscopic device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor means (26) comprise electrical power means (40) .

12. Stereoscopic device according to claim 8 or any dependent claim thereof, characterized in that the optical paths (30) define respective curved paths to pass from the front portion to the rear portion, so as to circumvent the head of a user.

13. Stereoscopic device according to claim 12, characterized in that the optical paths comprise guiding means (50) of the image beams along said curved paths.

14. Stereoscopic device according to claim 8 or anydependent claim thereof, characterized in that the magnification means (24) divide the optical paths (30) into respective two parts, an anterior (30a) and a posterior (30b) .

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