Head-Wearable Visual Recognition with Horizontally Long Prisms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-wearable cameras with cubic prisms require larger sizes to expand the field of view, leading to increased weight and burden on the wearer.

Innovation Solution

A head-wearable visual recognition apparatus with horizontally-long prisms that widen the field of view in the horizontal direction while minimizing vertical size and weight, using prisms with oblique surfaces to refract light and integrate imaging means for capturing images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the size of the cubic prism is increased to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the weight of the prism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidweight of prism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by changing the prism shape from a symmetric cubic form to an asymmetric horizontally-long cuboid form. This asymmetric design allows the prism to extend primarily in the horizontal direction to maximize field of view while keeping the vertical dimension compact, thereby reducing overall weight while achieving the desired horizontal field of view expansion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a cubic prism (equal dimensions in all directions) to a horizontally elongated cuboid prism (asymmetric dimensions). This dimensional reconfiguration prioritizes horizontal extension for field of view while constraining vertical and depth dimensions to minimize weight, effectively solving the contradiction between field of view area and weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the vertical and horizontal sizes of the prism are increased to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the burden on the wearer increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidburden on wearer
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric horizontally-long cuboid design allows the prism to achieve maximum horizontal field of view extension while minimizing vertical height and depth. This asymmetric configuration reduces the overall weight and bulk that would burden the wearer, while still providing the desired expanded horizontal viewing area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the optical functionality specifically in the horizontal direction where field of view expansion is most needed, while minimizing the prism's presence in vertical and depth directions. This localized optimization reduces the overall burden on the wearer while maintaining the essential field of view improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus enhances user comfort and workability by expanding the horizontal field of view and reducing weight, allowing prolonged use without increased burden.

Implementation Method 1

the prism... refracts an optical axis of the imaging means forward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

transmission and reflection means, which divides light incident from the front into transmitted light passing therethrough to the rear and reflected light reflected upward or downward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4610714A1Head-wearable visual recognition apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KONDO LABO INC
  • EP4610714A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610714A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4610714A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention proposes a head-wearable visual recognition apparatus (1)capable of widening a wearer's field of view. The head-wearable visual recognition apparatus(1) includes: a pair of line-of-sight passing units (5, 6) attached to a head belt (2) worn on the wearer's head; and a camera (35) disposed adjacent to the one line-of-sight passing unit (6). The one line-of-sight passing unit (6) includes a prism (31) in a horizontally-long cuboid shape, through which the wearer's line of sight passes forward, and which refracts an optical axis of the camera (35) to the front. The other line-of-sight passing unit (5) includes a prism (31) in a horizontally-long cuboid shape, through which the wearer's line of sight passes forward. According to such a configuration, it is possible to widen a field of view in a horizontal direction of each of the line-of-sight passing units (5, 6) through the prism (31) and to improve workability of the wearer.