Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
1
EAR-MOUNTED DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates in general to ear-mounted devices.
Specifically, the present disclosure relates to apparatus for removable ear
attachment to optical devices, head-mounted or head-sensing devices. More
specifically, a load-bearing ear unit for secure and comfortable attachment of
a
forward extending member is provided. Also provided in various embodiments are
ear-mounted camera, flash lights, Virtual Reality (VR) device, Infrared Data
Association (IrDA) device, and Electroencephalography (EEG) device
incorporated
therein the load-bearing ear unit of this disclosure.
Various forward extending head mounted devices are well known, such as
glasses and head attached flash lights.
Many solutions use an ear hook attachment wherein a member is placed
between the pinna of the ear and the skull, preferably with a downward
extending
hook anterior to the ear. This is the typical case for glasses. References
should also
be made to US6637910 regarding an ear attached flashlight using an ear hook.
However ear hook solutions suffer from several problems such as instability
due to rotational momentum caused by the relatively long arm. If this is
balanced
using a counterbalance the total weight increases and correspondingly the
comfort
decreases. Also a counterbalance will not improve matter regarding the
stability in
following head movement. Moreover an ear hook device will interfere with use
of
traditional glasses. Stabilisation using the nose will also interfere with use
of glasses
and can also be uncomfortable particularly for heavier devices such as
glasses, VR-
equipment and the like.
Some solutions such as head mounted flashlight use a headband. Typically a
flashlight or torch is positioned on the forehead of a user and a battery pack
conveniently is located at the back, thereby functioning as a counterbalance.
However to provide stability the headband has to be relatively tight and thus
less comfortable. Such a positioning is also far from unobtrusive. The
positioning for
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
2
devices such as light sources are also problematic since the illumination is
close to
co-axial with the eyes of the wearer since illumination strongly reduces
shadowing
effects and contours resulting in flat images or "whiteout". The presence of a
counterbalance also increases weight and discomfort.
From prior art one should refer to US 5298692 relating to an ear piece for
insertion into an ear canal,
US 6637910 relating to an improved earpiece light, particularly an earpiece
having a power supply and a light source mounted on the earpiece,
GB 2396421 relating to a head-worn device for measuring brain and facial
muscle activity,
WO 2014/017922 relating to an ear unit for comfortable wear, and
WO 2011/006681 relating to a hearing aid adapted for detecting brain waves
and a method for adapting such a hearing aid.
SUMMARY OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
It is therefore an object of this disclosure to provide new and improved
methodologies and designs to correct the shortcomings of the aforementioned
ear-
mounting devices.
Particularly, in accordance with this disclosure, there is provided, in one
embodiment, a load bearing ear unit comprising an anchor for stable attachment
in
an ear, and a member extending from the anchor, wherein the anchor comprises a
rotational stabiliser thereby stabilizing the member.
In another embodiment, the anchor further comprises a housing unit forming
an attachment connecting the member to the anchor.
In yet another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is adapted to stabilize
the
member in the sagittal plane.
In a further embodiment, the anchor comprises an arm adapted as a
decremental curve corresponding to the antihelix of the ear. The decremental
curve
falls along an inner part of the antihelix and is partly positioned under the
antitragus.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
3
In another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is an end that extends into a
cavity defined by the antihelix and root of helix.
According to another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a protrusion
adapted to engage with an end surface of fossa triangularis.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is
adapted to stabilize the member in the transverse plane.
In a further embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a member abutting a part
of pinna.
In one embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a tragus support adapted to
abut incisura anterior.
In another embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a sulcus support adapted
to
abut sulcus auriculae posterior.
According to a further embodiment, the rotational stabiliser is a temple
support
adapted to abut temple.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the member further comprises a
connector for mechanical connectivity. In another embodiment, the
connector is rotatably adjustable. In yet another embodiment, connector is a
magnet.
In accordance with another embodiment, the member further comprises a
connector for power connectivity. In accordance with yet another embodiment,
the
member further comprises a connector for data connectivity. In another
embodiment, the connector is one of the group including an audio jack, an
audio jack
socket, a USB socket, and a USB plug.
In accordance of this disclosure, there is provided, in another embodiment, an
ear-mounted optical device that comprises a load bearing ear unit. The load-
bearing
ear unit comprises an anchor for stable attachment in an ear and a member
extending forward from the anchor, wherein the anchor comprises a rotational
stabiliser thereby stabilizing the member.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
4
According to alternative embodiments, the optical device is one of a flash
light, a display unit, a VR device, an IrDA-device, a photo diode, and a
camera, and
glasses.
According to another embodiment, there is provided an ear-mounted EEG
device, comprising a first anchor for stable attachment in an ear and a first
member
extending forward from the anchor, wherein the first anchor further comprises
a first
EEG electrode, and wherein the first member further comprises a temple support
pad adapted to be a second EEG electrode.
In a further embodiment, the EEG device further comprises a second anchor
and extended therefrom a second member. The second anchor comprises a third
EEG electrode. In another embodiment, the second member comprises a second
temple support pad adapted to be a fourth EEG electrode.
In another embodiment, the EEG device further comprises a nose support,
adapted to connect the first and second members.
In accordance of this disclosure, there is provided, in a further embodiment,
an ear-mounted device that comprises a load bearing ear unit and one or more
sensors. The load-bearing ear unit comprises an anchor for stable attachment
in an
ear and a member extending from the anchor, wherein the anchor further
comprises
a sensor adapted to detect signals when the device is worn by a user, from a
part of
the user's ear.
In another embodiment, the member further comprises a sensor adapted to
detect signals when the device is worn by a user, from a part of the user's
head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1A shows the anatomy of a human ear from the outside.
Fig. 1B shows a cross section of the anatomy of a human ear along A ¨ A.
Fig. 2A depicts an ear unit inserted into an ear according to one embodiment,
Fig. 2B depicts an ear unit inserted into an ear shown in an intersection
along
B ¨ B according to one embodiment.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
Fig. 2C depicts s an ear unit inserted into an ear showing an intersection
along B ¨ B according to one embodiment,
Figs. 3 and 4 depict a load-bearing ear unit according to one embodiment.
Figs. 5.1 and 5.2 depict two load-bearing ear units according to alternative
5 embodiments.
Fig. 6 depicts a pair of glasses comprising two load-bearing ear units
according to one embodiment.
Fig. 7 depicts a carrier carrying therein a cell phone and connected to two
load bearing arms according to one embodiment.
The following table set forth reference numbers and the corresponding
annotation
according to various embodiments as shown in the drawings.
10 Pinna
11 Helix
11a Flap
12 Crus of helix
13 Antihelix
14 Crura of antihelix
Superior crux
16 Inferior crux
17 Fossa triangularis
18 Sulcus auriculae posterior
19 lncisura anterior
21 Tragus
22 Antitragus
23 Incisura intertragica, intertragic notch
24 Concha
Cymba concha
26 Cavum concha
27 Scapha
28 Sub-tragus region
29 Tympanic membrane, eardrum
Ear canal
100 Ear unit
200 Anchor
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
6
210 Curve
212 Upper end
214 Lower end
216 Extended lower end
218 Curvature
220 Protrusion
222 Protrusion end, for engaging fossa triangularis
224 Protrusion for engaging intertragic notch
300 Housing
400 Part extending downwards
500 Member, forward extending
502 Member attachment to housing or to anchor
504 Arm, extending forward
506 Tragus support
508 Sulcus support
510 Front, arm payload
512 Display unit
516 Temple support
520 Rear, counterbalance
530 Transverse arm
532 Nose support
533 Left connector between transverse arm and arm extending
forward
534 Left part of transverse arm
535 Connector connecting left and right part of transverse arm
536 Right part of transverse arm
537 Right connector between transverse arm and second arm
extending backward
540 Second arm, extending backward
546 Second temple support
600 Second audio device, second anchor
602 Wire
700 Rear unit
705 Rear arm
706 Light source
800 Carrier
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
7
802 Side shadow
805 Cell phone received into carrier
811 Connector for engaging connector on the arm extending forward
812 Connector for engaging connector on the second arm
816 Connector engaging a first connector on the cell phone
817 Connector engaging a second connector on the cell phone
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
8
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
Anatomy of the Human Ear
Referring to Figure 1A, the structure of a human ear, and in particular of the
outer ear, is depicted. Various features of the outer ear as described herein
are
closely related to the various embodiments of the ear-mounted apparatus
according
to this disclosure.
Specifically, outer ear 10, also known as pinna comprises a plurality of
features of significance. Outermost is helix 11 tracing the periphery of the
ear
upwards and in towards the skull where it transitions into crus of helix 12.
Within this
is antihelix 13 which in the upward direction bifurcates into crura of
antihelix 14,
comprising superior crux 15 and inferior crux 16, separated by fossa
triangularis 17.
Below antihelix is sulcus auriculae posterior 18 and further below that again
is
antitragus 22 which is opposite tragus 21, separated by incisura intertragica
23, also
known as the intertragic notch. Within these again is concha 24 which
comprises
cymba concha 25 and cavum concha 26, separated by crus of helix 12.
It should be noted that a the part of helix near where it transitions into
crus of
helix forms a flap lla that covers the anterior part of fossa triangularis and
the
anterior part of the upper part of the antihelix.
Immediately within and partially covered by the tragus is the entrance to the
ear canal 30. It is important to realize that this entrance is still a part of
cavum
concha. The ear canal proper extends from the deepest part of the concha to
the
eardrum 29, a distance of about 2.5 cm and approximately 4 cm from the tragus.
The
ear canal comprises an approximately 8 mm lateral cartilaginous part and an
approximately 16 mm medial osseous part. It should also be noted that it is
typically
quite uncomfortable to have any foreign object in the ear canal. The ear canal
is
partially visible from the outside and is indicated in Fig. 1A.
This area immediately within and partially covered by the tragus 21 does not
have an official anatomical name. For the purposes of this disclosure it has
been
called the sub-tragus region 28 and is shown in Fig. 1B. The ear canal 30 is
located
below the sub-tragus region.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
9
Stability of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
A movable object in space can be described with 6 degrees of freedom:
linear: anterior ¨ posterior, dorsal ¨ ventral, and left ¨ right lateral;
rotational: in the
sagittal plane, in the coronal plane, and in the transverse plane.
For an ear mounted or head mounted device these axes and planes are
defined with reference to the head according to anatomical terms of location.
For a
device to be stably positioned into an ear it is important that linear motion
is
restricted relative to the ear, otherwise the device will fall out. Similarly
it is strongly
preferred that rotational motion relative to the head is restricted. For use
for optical
devices flash light, display unit such as VR devices or camera such stability
is
important for the user experience. Also a rapid rotational movement of the
head can
also create a force that pulls the device out of the ear.
For a device having a member extending forward this means that a static
rotational force in the sagittal plane is created as gravity pulls the member
downwards. This then must be counteracted by a rotational stabiliser.
For a VR device stability means that the unit remains stable with respect to
the head of the user. On the other hand stability for a camera means that the
unit
should be stable with reference to space to avoid shaking images. In practice
this
means that high frequency movements should be damped while still allowing the
camera to track the general motion of the head.
Load-Bearing Ear Unit
Referring to Fig. 2A, an ear unit fitting into an ear according to one
embodiment of this disclosure is shown from the outside. A line A ¨ A
indicates a
section for Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C. The anchor 200 comprises the curve 210 having
an
upper end 212, a lower end 214 and a curvature 218. Due to the angles it is
not
possible to clearly show all components of the anchor in all figures.
In this embodiment, an anchor 200 provides stable attachment in an ear, and
a member extending forward from the anchor. The anchor is provided with a
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359 PCT/N02016/050055
rotational stabiliser, and the member is stabilised in the sagittal plane and
becomes
vertically stable.
The rotational stabiliser presents several embodiments according to this
5 disclosure. Of relevance, for example, the pinna 10 of the ear comprises
several
anatomical details that a part, particularly a protuberance, of an anchor can
extend
into to counteract a rotation in the sagittal plane by the fact that these
effectively form
cavities, sacks or trenches (Latin: qfossae ) having an end surface that said
protuberance can extend to in order to create a force counteracting the
rotational
10 momentum.
According to another embodiment, in addition to stability against rotation in
the sagittal plane, stability in the transverse plane is provided.
Some of this stability is inherent in the anchor according to one embodiment,
as it is stable against falling out. In a further embodiment, the member is
adapted to
contact parts of the head of the user. For compactness and comfort, in one
embodiment, this contact is made against parts of the pinna 10.
While the sagittal plane and transversal plane stabilities are achieved by
separate means it should be noted that the use of supports for transversal
plane
stability also improves sagittal plane stability according to alternative
embodiments.
Various Embodiments of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a load bearing ear unit as one embodiment of
the ear-mounted device according to this disclosure is provided. This ear unit
comprises an anchor adapted as the C-shape according to the applicant's prior
patents and applications, specifically as described in W0/2002/045390, and as
the
improved earpiece having a curve 210 and a curvature 218 as described in
WO/2008/147215, the curve having an upper end 212 and a lower end 214.
In one embodiment, the anchor is based on the C-shape known from
WO/2002/045390 or the curve known from WO/2008/147215, both disclosed and
taught by the present Applicant. The latter comprises a curvature that
provides
some stabilisation.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
11
In another embodiment the anchor 200 comprises a curve 210 having an
upper end 210 that extends into an upper anterior part of the antihelix
forming a
cavity defined by the antihelix and the root of the helix. According to this
embodiment, the upper end is adapted to abut or engage an end surface of the
upper or dorsal part of the antihelix. The root of the helix forms an end
surface that
the upper end of the curve engages to in order to create a force counteracting
the
rotational momentum in this embodiment. Accordingly, as the concha is close to
the
skull, the force can be transferred over a short distance and with limited
elasticity
and thereby providing improved stability. These anchors are stable with
respect to
linear motion and thus do not easily fall out of the ear.
According to another embodiment, for rotational stability in the transverse
plane the member 500 is provided with supports 506, 508. The tragus support
506
is adapted to engage with incisura anterior 19 located between the upper part
of
tragus and a lower part of the anterior part of helix. Since this anatomical
detail forms
a depression into which a support pad fits snugly this provides rotational
stability in
both the transverse plane and the sagittal plane. The sulcus support 508 is
adapted
to engage with sulcus auriculae posterior 18 located posterior to the anti
tragus.
Since this anatomical detail forms a plateau it will provide limited stability
in the
transverse plane beyond what an anchor according to the above three documents
but will represent an improvement over simpler anchors like earbuds.
In another embodiment the ear unit 100 comprises a housing 300 attached to
the anchor 200. The housing unit is suitable for containing electronics and a
power
source. Also the housing unit is useful for containing acoustic devices for
providing
the user with an audio experience. Such a combination overcomes a common
design problem with VR glasses that attach using traditional ear hooks and
also
contain earbuds that have to be individually adjusted and attached to the ear
or ears.
In this embodiment the concha is used for attachment and audio and thus no
separate audio devices are required, leading to a more compact and convenient
design.
In a further embodiment the housing unit comprises a sub tragus audio device
as disclosed in WO/2014/017922, from the present applicant.
Referring to Fig. 5.1, in another embodiment, the audio device operates
together with a second audio device 600 to create a stereo sound experience.
In an
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359 PCT/N02016/050055
12
alternative embodiment, this second audio device is connected to a common
electronic unit in the housing, either wirelessly or as shown in Fig. 5.2
using a wire
602.
In one embodiment, the member 500 comprises an attachment 502 to the
housing 300. From the attachment an arm 504 extends forward or anterior to the
user. The arm is preferably thin and light weight both for stability reasons
as well as
for aesthetic reasons according to this embodiment.
According to another embodiment, the attachment 502 also provides an offset
and is at an angle with respect to the arm 504. Using an offset it is possible
to put on
or remove a pair of glasses while keeping the ear unit inserted.
In certain embodiments, the front 510 of the arm is provided with the relevant
payload. In another embodiment, the payload is a device 512 for overlaying an
image to the view field of the user using a projector that projects an image
onto the
eye or via a glass.
To avoid interference with the use of glasses, in one embodiment the member
extends upwards and forward so that the front 510 is positioned above the
upper
edge of the glasses.
According to another embodiment, the load bearing ear unit is adjustable to
the use by different individual users. In one embodiment the member is
rotatable
with respect to the stabiliser against rotation in the sagittal plane. This is
achieved in
this embodiment by adjusting the length of the upper end of the curve.
In another embodiment, the attachment to the housing 502 and/or the arm
504 is adjusted lengthwise, for instance by a telescoping structure.
According to one embodiment, the arm is rotatably adjusted relative to the
housing. Such rotation is used to raise the arm 500 in this embodiment
carrying
virtual reality glasses, out of sight. For adjustment when in active use,
according to a
certain embodiment, the rotation function is provided with a ratcheting
function or a
lock thereby holding the arm at desired angle.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359 PCT/N02016/050055
13
Referring to Fig. 4, in a further embodiment a part 400 is provided that
extends downwards. According to this embodiment, the part 400 contains
electronics, battery, power sources or other parts that has substantial mass.
In a
further embodiment, for wired devices the wire is attached to this downward
extending part.
According to another embodiment, this downward extending part extends
along the intertragic notch 23. According to an alternative embodiment, this
part also
passes through the intertragic notch thereby providing additional stability.
In another
embodiment, this part is detachably attached to the ear unit.
According to a further embodiment, this part curves in the posterior direction
thereby balancing the forces from the arm 500. In another embodiment, this
part
takes on in part the functionalities of the rear unit 700.
In a particular embodiment of this disclosure, the above configuration is
utilized for reading out brain waves in a manner similar to
electroencephalography
(EEG). It is noted that prior systems such as W02011006681 have the advantage
of
reading out brain signals in the ear canal in a compact solution but also the
disadvantage of being able to read out only in one location and also in a
situation
subjected to noise from muscular activities. The ear-mounted EEG device
according
to one embodiment of this disclosure overcomes those limitations by
complementing
an in-ear sensor with a sensor integrated with temple support 516 and/or 546.
Using substantially rigid arms positioned using ear canals or the entrance to
the ear canals as a reference point, provides the system with a stable
geometry that
is beneficial for reliability and also reproducibility between measurements.
This
overcomes a manual and error prone process in prior art where electrodes are
carefully placed on the scalp of a subject to be analysed.
In another embodiment a nose support 320 is used to further improve
positional stability and/or reproducibility of the electrodes.
In yet another embodiment, muscular activities are detected by means
provided with the ear mounted system. Several such means are employed in
various embodiments and can be freely combined to ensure misinterpretations
are
kept to a minimum. A camera records eye movements in one embodiment, where
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO. 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
14
eye movements imply muscle movements leading to noise. A microphone records
the user speaking in another embodiment, itself a strong indicator of muscle
movements. In another embodiment, a mechanical sensor provided with the temple
support detects relative motion in the skin of the user, indicating muscle
motions in
the head.
Further Embodiments of Ear-Mounted Apparatus
In an alternative embodiment, the stabiliser is a protrusion 220 extending
from
the anchor or the housing and having an end 222 adapted to engage or abut an
end
surface of the fossa triangularis 17. Note that the protrusion according to
this
embodiment achieves rotational stability; it does not provide attachment to
the ear.
As fossa triangularis is a more peripheral part of pinna than concha, the
counteracting force in this embodiment, therefore, is transmitted across an
extended
part of tissue compared with the antihelix stabiliser.
According to another embodiment, the above stabiliser is combined with the
antihelix stabiliser discussed herein earlier. In a further embodiment, these
stabilizers are blended into a single stabiliser. The end wall in both
embodiments is
defined by the helix. As a result, the pressure is exerted over a larger area
thus
improving comfort.
Further, rotational stability in the transverse plane are achieved by various
alternative embodiments. In one embodiment the arm is provided with support in
the
form of a temple support 516 that contacts the temple anterior to the ear for
stability.
Since the temporal bone underneath the temple is not connected to the jawbone,
speaking will not cause the member to move.
In another embodiment, for further improved stability the ear unit is provided
with a member or protrusion 224 entering and engaging the intertragic notch
23. In
an alternative embodiument, the protrusion 224 engaging the intertragic notch
is the
sole rotational stabiliser.
In a further embodiment, the ear unit comprises a counterbalance 520 at the
rear of the of the ear unit. This is beneficial for particularly large
payloads at the front
510 of the arm. In one embodiment, the counterbalance is detachably attached
to
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
the ear unit. In another embodiment, the counterbalance contains a power
source
such as a battery.
In an alternative embodiment, the member extends forward such that the front
5 510 is positioned to the side of the edge of the glasses, thereby
avoiding interference
with the use of glasses.
In a further embodiment, an ear-mounted optical device according to this
disclosure comprises the load-bearing ear unit and a light source, a camera,
and
10 combination thereof. In various embodiments, the lighting and camera
comprises
infrared functionality such as infrared communication, using for example IrDA,
relay
function and wireless communication.
According to another embodiment, the load-bearing ear unit further comprises
15 a rear unit 700 having a rear arm 705. In a further embodiment, this ear
unit further
comprises a light source 706. Accordingly, together with a light source at the
front
510 of the member 500 the device can be used by pedestrian and cyclists for
illumination of the ground as well as for indication to others in traffic.
In yet another embodiment the member 500 and/or the rear unit 700 are
detachably attached to the ear unit, optionally replaced with units having
different
functionality such as added battery capacity, camera or a microphone arm.
Referring to Fig. 6, in another embodiment, the member 500 is provided with a
transverse arm 530, preferably extending from the front 510 of the member 500
extending forward. In this embodiment, this transverse arm supports a glass
532.
This glass is used to overlay images onto the view field of the wearer by
projection
according to this embodiument. In another embodiment, the glass is adapted to
correct vision. In a further embodiment, the transverse arm is extended to
provide
support for a second glass. In another embodiment, further stability is
provided by
nose-pieces. The nose pieces according to this embodiment stabilize the
apparatus
with respect to the head of the user thereby providing a comfortable viewing
experience. Moreover in another embodiment the transverse arm is connected to
a
second arm 540 extending backward towards the second ear and is further
provided
with a second temple support.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359 PCT/N02016/050055
16
In alternative embodiments the transverse arm is segmented and functionally
comprises at least part of the glasses such as for rimless designs. For
instance a
binocular set of glasses can be separated into a left and/or right monocular
glass.
In such segmentation the transverse arm of this embodiment carrys binocular
glasses and are divided into a left 534 and a right 536 part. These are
detachably
attached and are connected using a connector 535 in another embodiment.
In another embodiment the transverse arm is used to contain a connecting
wire between two ear units, in a manner similar to wire 602.
According to one embodiment, several optionally detachable parts 400, 500,
520, 700 are provided in the load-bearing ear unit. These detachable parts are
used
in another embodiment to change the mechanical response to movement of the
head, for example the change between the aforementioned stability preferred
for VR
use and stability preferred for camera use. Such response is modified
according to
alternative embodiments using weights as well as varying spring properties of
the
member and/or rear unit. Each of the parts is provided with a range of masses
to
achieve the desired response in various embodiments.
In another embodiment, detachable parts of different sizes and lengths are
provided for adaption to users with different head sizes. These parts are made
extensible according to one embodiment, like telescopic rods. The apparatus in
one
embodiment is relatively insensitive to dimensions for applications such as
light
sources or camera. For VR applications in another embodiment, the forward
extending member is adapted far enough forward to provide an image in focus
and
positioned with respect to the eyes. In this embodiment, the member 500 is
rotated
with respect to the ear or the member 502 is adapted accordingly.
According to one embodiment, when using a left and right ear unit together it
is advantageous to provide the front of the arm 510 with different payloads
such as a
flash on a first ear unit and a camera on a second ear unit. The offset
created
between the two ear units avoids the red eye effect that is observed when
camera
and flash are close together. Also this configuration provides better
illumination and
shadows, avoiding whiteout.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
17
In another embodiment the payload is detachably attached to the front 510 of
the member 500 extending forward. This way the payload can be changed,
replaced
= or upgraded, for instance between camera, microphone, light source and
other
optical, communication, wearable devices.
In a further embodiment the attachment comprises a plug, for instance a USB
plug, Firewire plug, providing power and/or data connectivity as well as
mechanical
connectivity. In another embodiment, the mechanical connectivity is further
augmented by magnets, mechanical attachments or similar. These attachments are
rotatably adjusted to accommodate a wider range of payloads in various
embodiments.
. The ear-mounted device according to various embodiments are applied in
video viewing, virtual reality, and augmented reality displays. Such displays
are
monocular or binocular according to different embodiments. In the latter case
according to a further embodiment, the binocular display employ a second arm
540
comprising further mechanical, power and data connectivity.
For connectivity involving two arms 504, 540 bridged electrically by a
transverse arm 530, in another embodiment a wire 603 is replaced by the
connectivity provided by this transverse arm.
Connectivity according to an alternative embodiment comprises detachable
attachment between arm 504 and transverse arm 530 using a connector 533. The
connection is an electrical connector such as USB in one embodiment. Similarly
the
second arm 540 is detachably attached to transverse arm 530 using a second
connector 537 according to another embodiment. This is combined with the use
of
connector 535 for a split transverse arm according to a further embodiment.
Thus full
flexibility regarding payload, also asymmetric payload, are achieved according
to
various embodiments.
Connectivity is asymmetric according to certain embodiments. In one
embodiment, the first arm 500 is connected using USB to a first end of a cell
phone
and the second arm 540 is connected using an audio jack to a second end of
said
cell phone. According to another embodiment, a cell phone is provided with a
USB
socket at the lower end and an audio socket at the upper end. According to yet
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
18
another embodiment, the cell phone is connected to the load bearing unit by a
transverse arm as described above.
The load bearing system provides multiple points of attachment according to
various embodiments. For instance in addition to being in electrical contact
with a
cell phone as described above, according to another embodiment, the load
bearing
system provides attachment for lenses positioned between the cell phone
display
and the eyes of the wearer.
In alternative embodiments, each anchor is provided with a plurality of arms.
In one embodiment, one arm is used for a display that is kept steady with
respect to
the head whereas the second arm is provided with a camera that is kept steady
with
respect to space. This is done using varying degree of stabilisation and/or
damping
with respect to the head. Thus a camera is more loosely coupled, with limited
damping and preferably no strong stabilisers such as a temple support in this
embodiment. As mass of camera and activity of user varies, in various
embodiments
varying damping is applied with respect to the anchor.
In another embodiment, the payload is carrier 800 for placing a display. In a
further embodiment, the display is a cell phone 805. In one embodiment, the
carrier
is attached to at least one arm 504, 540 and is adapted to receive a display
or a cell
phone. In another embodiment, the carrier is provided with connectors 816, 817
that
attach to the cell phone, either using flexible wire or more preferably using
connectors that are located in positions to directly engage with the cell
phone.
These connectors are connected via connectors 811, 812 to the arms in one
embodiment. The carrier is adapted to specific units, displays or cell phones
in
different embodiments.
In a further embodiment, one or two side shadows 502 is employed to prevent
side glare from interfering with the viewing. In another embodiment the side
shadows
are detachable attached to the arms 504, 540 or the carrier 800.
In another embodiment a part of the part extending forward is used for
payload. Such payload comprises electronics and batteries in one embodiment.
In a
further embodiment, the part extending forward is used for antennae.
CA 02975983 2017-08-04
WO 2016/153359
PCT/N02016/050055
19
In summary, according to various embodiments, the ear-mounted apparatus
of this disclosure provides secure and comfortable load bearing in support of
optical,
biosensor, and mobile communication functionalities. The ear-mounted device
disclosed herein avoids bulky counterbalances as part of the system; uses
light
weight and compact power sources; corrects instability due to rotational
momentum;
supports small and inconspicuous devices; allows wearing for extended period
of
time; allows for offsetting and thus improved illumination; and provides for
integration
with other in-ear and head-mounted devices.
The descriptions of the various embodiments provided in this disclosure,
including the various figures and examples, are to exemplify and not to limit
the
invention and the various embodiments thereof.
