Wearable device with input and output structures

• US 9,091,852 B2
• Filed: 09/26/2013
• Issued: 07/28/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Olsson, Maj Isabelle, Martin, Matthew Wyatt, Hebenstreit, Joseph John, Cazalet, Peter Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): MAI, HUY KIM
• Application Number:
  US14/037,788
• Publication Number:
  US 20140028968A1
• Time in Patent Office: 670 Days
• Field of Search: 351/114, 351/158, 220/913
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0138 comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0159 with mechanical means other than scaning means for positioning the whole image
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0101 characterised by optical features G02B27/0172 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0149 characterised by mechanical features G02B27/0176 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 11/10 Electronic devices other than hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 3/003 Arrangements for fitting and securing to the head in the position of use
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt

Abstract

A head-wearable device includes a center support extending in generally lateral directions, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center frame support and a second side arm extending from a second end of the center support. The device further includes an extension arm configured to present information to the user via a display element. The extension arm extends at least partially along the first side arm on a first side of the center support and further extends from the first side arm to a display end that supports the display element in a position on a second side of the center support. The extension arm has a joint therein configured for movement of the display element at least in a direction having a lateral component relative to the center support.

Claims

1. A wearable device assembly configured to be worn on a user'"'"'s head, comprising:

a module including an extension arm configured to present information to the user via a display element, a housing unit remote from the extension arm, and a connecting member extending between the housing unit and the extension arm; and

a retention band including a center support extending in an arc along a first plane, a first side arm extending from a first end of the center support, and an attachment arm extending from a second end of the center support;

wherein the module is configured for assembly with the retention band by attaching the connecting member with the attachment arm to provide a second side arm extending from the second end of the center support; and

wherein the module is further configured to determine when the module is assembled with the retention band and to adjust one or more settings of the module in response to the determination.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension arm includes a joint therein to enable rotation of the display element on a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention band includes a compliant inner portion and a resilient outer portion, the resilient outer portion being a substantially uniform structure that defines an outer surface of the first side arm and extends from the second end of the center support to define the attachment arm.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention band includes a nosepiece configured for resting on the nose of the user when the module and retention band are assembled together, wherein the first side arm is configured to contact a portion of the head of the user near a first ear, the second side is configured to contact a portion of the head of the user near a second ear, and the display element is positionable adjacent an eye of the user.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the retention band includes a first lens and a second lens affixed to the center support thereof, the first and second lenses being positionable over respective eyes of the user, and wherein when assembled the display element is supported by the extension arm on a side of the lens opposite one of the user'"'"'s eyes.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more settings of the module include adjusting a brightness of the display element.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the display element is a transparent display element, and the transparent display superimposes the information over a view of the surrounding environment.