Wearable vision redirecting devices

• US 10,423,012 B2
• Filed: 06/25/2017
• Issued: 09/24/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vertical Optics, LLC
• Original Assignee: Vertical Optics, LLC
• Inventors: Garofolo, Timothy Richard, Clear, Scott, Loock, Dean, Choi, Jungwoo, Elam, John Michael, Devernoe, David Lynn
• Primary Examiner(s): Dang, Hung X
• Application Number:
  US15/632,346
• Publication Number:
  US 20170293162A1
• Time in Patent Office: 821 Days
• Field of Search: 351158, 351 41, 351 44, 351 47, 351 57, 351 48, 351 58
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0692 head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/24 for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors tongue depressors per se A61B13/00; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth combined with saliva removers A61C17/00; mouth openers for animals A61D15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0138 comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 25/004 having binocular arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0179 Display position adjusting means not related to the information to be displayed
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/088 Lens systems mounted to spectacles
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 7/14 Mirrors; Prisms
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 9/02 by hinging
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/14 for taking photographs during medical operations
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/563 Camera grips, handles means in general for steadying hand-held apparatus F16M13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2215/0503 Built-in units
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 35/08 by simultaneous recording
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 : Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 : from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to cantilevered and divergent view wearable optical systems that redirect an optical path, and provide for optimal ergonomics coupled with vision enhancement and vision magnification. Methods of use, devices, and kits are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A wearable optical system, comprising:

a user wearable frame comprising a display that is viewable by a user via a horizontal optical path, wherein a first frame support attaches the display to the user wearable frame; and

a vision redirecting mechanism comprising a camera defining a work area optical path, wherein the camera is in optical communication with the display such that an image captured by the camera is transmitted to the display, the work area optical path being oriented downward relative to the horizontal optical path,

wherein the vision redirecting mechanism is comprised in a cantilevered vision directing mechanism on an imaging extension comprised in the user wearable frame, wherein a second frame support attaches the imaging extension to the user wearable frame.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a light source configured to emit a light signal that is coextensive with the work area optical path.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is comprised in a lens supported by the frame.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical communication comprises data transmission of an image obtained by the camera to the display.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the display comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the outer surface comprises smart glass.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the vision redirecting mechanism or display is in data communication with a laboratory information system, a medical apparatus, or an insurance efiling system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the work area optical path is oriented downward at an angle relative to the horizontal optical path.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the angle is between 55°

to 100°

.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the vision redirecting mechanism or the viewing portion magnifies an image passed through the work area optical path and the imaging magnification comprises between about 2.0×

to 400.0×

magnification of the image.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical communication comprises direct image transmission across the work area optical path and horizontal optical path.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is adapted to provide an image from a device or camera not physically connected to the device and positioned in a location that is remote relative to the device.

12. A wearable optical system, comprising:

a user wearable frame;

a centered display supported by the frame by a first frame support; and

a cantilevered imaging modality comprised in an imaging extension supported by the frame by a second frame support in data connection with the display, wherein the first frame support and the second frame support are positioned at different locations on the frame.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the frame comprises an eyeglass frame.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the imaging modality comprises a camera.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the imaging modality or display is adapted to be remote controlled by the user using a hand-held tool or device.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the imaging modality is oriented between about 30°

to about 100°

below horizontal.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the imaging modality or display is voice-controlled.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the display comprises inner and outer portions, and the outer portion comprises smart glass.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the display is adapted to provide an image from a device or camera not physically connected to the device and positioned in a location that is remote relative to the device.

20. A wearable optical system, comprising:

a user wearable frame comprising a viewing portion comprising a display defining a horizontal optical path for the user, wherein the display comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and the outer surface comprises smart glass; and

a vision redirecting mechanism comprising a camera that redirects the horizontal optical path to a second optical path defined by a different angle versus the horizontal optical path, wherein the vision redirecting mechanism magnifies an image passed through the second optical path and the horizontal optical path.