Thermal management for head-worn computer

• US 9,423,842 B2
• Filed: 09/18/2014
• Issued: 08/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mentor Acquisition One, LLC (Magic Leap, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Osterhout Design Group
• Inventors: Huynh, Michael Van, Lohse, Robert Michael, Osterhout, Ralph F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Haughton, Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): WRIGHT, INGRID D
• Application Number:
  US14/490,586
• Publication Number:
  US 20160085278A1
• Time in Patent Office: 705 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.03, 361/679.01, 361/679.02, 361/679.21, 361/679.09, 361/679.26, 361/679.27, 361/679.46, 361709-711, 361718-719, 361/679.54, 165 802- 803
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/143 having special ear pieces
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/203 for portable computers, e.g. for laptops
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/206 comprising thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1016 Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1033 Cables or cables storage, e.g. cable reels cord reels per se H02G11/02; arrangements for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of conductors or cables B65H75/34; extensible conductors or cables, e.g. self-coiling cords H01B7/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/09 Applications of special connectors, e.g. USB, XLR, in loudspeakers, microphones or headphones
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/20409 Outer radiating structures on heat dissipating housings, e.g. fins integrated with the housing

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to thermal management systems for head-worn computers.

Claims

1. A head-worn computer, comprising:

an upper compartment adapted to contain a processor, a memory, and a sensor system, the upper compartment positioned above a lens assembly and including a top plate comprising;

a processor connection pad mechanically adapted to facilitate the connection between the processor and the top plate;

a plurality of heat dissipation fins adapted to dissipate heat received from the processor, wherein the top plate, a thermally conductive material, and the processor connection pad cause the top plate to operate at less than 70 degrees C. when the processor is operated and the head-worn computer is in an environment of approximately 55 degrees C. or less, wherein the thermally conductive material is positioned between the processor connection pad and the processor to reduce an air gap and to further facilitate the thermal connection between the processor and the top plate; and

a first arm and a second arm adapted to secure the upper compartment on a user'"'"'s head, each of the two arms comprising a battery compartment and battery connections for the powering of the processor, the memory and the sensor system.

2. The head-worn computer of claim 1, wherein the lens assembly comprises a see-through computer display.

3. The head-worn computer of claim 1, further comprising a second lens assembly, wherein both the lens assembly and the second lens assembly comprise see-through computer displays.

4. The head-worn computer of claim 3, wherein the processor is adapted to provide image content in each of the two lens assemblies to provide a three dimensional visual effect.

5. The head-worn computer of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment further comprises a wireless communication system, wherein the processor communicates through the wireless communication system.

6. The head-worn computer of claim 1, wherein each of the two arms comprises a removable ear horn.