Wireless communication system with a liquid crystal display embedded in an optical lens

A wireless communication system includes a transparent lens system coupled to a frame that positions the lens system in front of a user's eye when the frame is mounted on the user's head. A wireless transceiver wirelessly receives display control signals and transfers the display control signals to an LCD system that is embedded within the transparent lens system. The LCD system renders images and transparency in response to the display control signals. In some examples, an optical receiver transfers the optical information signals to the wireless transceiver, and the transceiver wirelessly transfers the optical information signals. In some examples, a wireless communication device wirelessly transfers the display control signals and receives the optical information signals.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) renders graphic images for a variety of user devices. For example, LCDs are used in computers, telephones, game consoles, and other types of user devices. The pixels in an LCD are formed by a layer of liquid crystal molecules that are disposed between two transparent electrode layers. These liquid crystal and electrode layers are positioned between polarization filter layers. A minor or backlight layer is positioned at the bottom. In a backlit system, the layers are controlled to selectively pass or block the backlighting to render an image to the viewer. In a mirrored system, the layers are controlled to selectively block incident light or selectively allow reflected light to render the image to the viewer. The polarization of the two filter layers is orthogonal to effectively block the passage of light. The electrode layers control the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules that modifies the polarization of the light and enables the light to pass through the filters to the viewer.

An augmented reality system utilizes various display technologies to super-impose information on a view of the real-world. Augmented reality may be implemented in a heads-up display that can be worn by a user. For example, military personnel may wear a helmet that displays augmented information on the eye-shield.

A smartphone allows a user to wirelessly communicate over wide-area networks and over local wireless links. For example, the smartphone may communicate over a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) link with a large communication network and over a Bluetooth link with an earpiece worn by the user. The smartphone also executes applications that provide user services, such as gaming, messaging, and augmented reality.

OVERVIEW

A wireless communication system includes a transparent lens system coupled to a frame that positions the lens system in front of a user's eye when the frame is mounted on the user's head. A wireless transceiver wirelessly receives display control signals and transfers the display control signals to an LCD system that is embedded within the transparent lens system. The LCD system renders images and transparency in response to the display control signals. In some examples, an optical receiver transfers the optical information signals to the wireless transceiver, and the transceiver wirelessly transfers the optical information signals. In some examples, a wireless communication device wirelessly transfers the display control signals and receives the optical information signals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates wireless communication system100. Wireless communication system100comprises: lens system101, frame102, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) system103, wireless transceiver104, optical receiver105, signal links106, and wireless communication device107. Wireless transceiver104and wireless communication device107communicate over local wireless link111. Wireless communication device107and wireless communication network150communicate over network wireless link112.

Lens system101comprises one or more transparent materials, such as glass, plastic, or some other see-through material. Some examples of lens system100include eyeglass lenses, face shields, heads-up displays. In some examples, lens system101comprises a pair of glass lenses configured for vision correction and suitable for frame mounting. In some examples, lens system101uses a bi-focal configuration where LCD system103is positioned in one of the bi-focal sections but not the other. LCD system103and signal links106are embedded within lens system101. Other components in communication system100could be totally or partially embedded within lens system101as well. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates an “eyeglass version” of lens system101, please note that lens system101may comprise a different number of lenses that may also vary in shape.

Frame102comprises a mounting structure for lens system101, wireless transceiver104, and optical receiver105. Several different materials could be used for frame102, such as plastic, wood, ceramic, metal, glass, and the like. Frame102is configured to fit the head and/or body of the user and position lens system101in front of the user's eyes. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates an “eyeglass version” of frame102, note that frame102may comprise various shapes and configurations.

LCD system103is transparently embedded within lens system101. Typically, LCD system103is positioned as a layer in or on the lens material. This LCD layer may extend across various portions of the lens and occupy various different locations. LCD system103comprises various layers of polarization filters, transparent electrodes, and liquid crystal molecules. Based on the electrode charging scheme, each pixel of molecules may be independently controlled to produce an array of images in various colors, such as black, grey, or blue.

Note that LCD system103omits a backlight to provide transparency when not rendering images. In addition, LCD system103omits a reflective backing to provide transparency when not rendering images. Thus, LCD system103is modified from conventional systems to provide a see-through configuration. In some examples, LCD system103is distributed across lens system101, and may be controlled to filter ultraviolet light. In these, examples, system100may be configured to shield the user's eyes from ultraviolet radiation.

In configurations such as the “eye-glass version” shown, LCD system103is configured to provide a short-range focus capability to the human eye. Thus, LCD system103may implement digital logic to enable the user to bring an image into their visual foreground by focusing the image. The digital logic also enables the user to defocus the image and allow them to look through the image and focus on other objects.

LCD system103is configured to generate images with graduated color that allows an image to be rendered at dynamically controllable saturation and brightness levels. Thus, LCD system103renders images at controllable levels of opaqueness to enable the user to bring up a full color version of the image or to fade the image with simple instructions.

Wireless transceiver104is connected to or embedded within frame102, and transceiver104may be at least partially embedded within lens system101. Wireless transceiver104comprises communication and power circuitry. The communication circuitry includes an antenna, amplifier, filter, modulator, processor, memory, and software for wireless communication over local wireless link111. The communication circuitry also includes a processor, memory, software, and an electronic or optical communication port for signal transfer over signal links106. The power circuitry includes a battery, solar cell, kinetic generator, or some other power source. The power circuitry also includes an electronic coupling for power transfer over signal links106. Although wireless transceiver104has an intelligent capability (processing, memory, software), it primarily operates as a wireless communication interface and power source for LCD system103and optical receiver105.

Optical receiver105is connected to or embedded within frame102, and may be at least partially embedded within lens system101. Optical receiver105comprises a lens or other optical interface that directs light to a recording medium. The recording medium converts the received optical energy into representative optical or electronic data signals. In some examples, optical receiver105comprises a CCD or CMOS imaging chip. Optical receiver105typically detects electromagnetic energy in the visible spectrum, although optical receiver105may also detect ultraviolet, infrared, or energy in another portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Signal links106couple wireless transceiver104with LCD system103and with optical receiver105. The paths taken by signal links106onFIG. 1are merely representative, and various paths taking different routes within lens system101and/or frame102could be used. Signal links106comprise data and power transfer media that is embedded in lens system101and frame102. The data transfer media might comprise metal, glass, plastic, or air. Various data transfer protocols could be used. The power transfer media might comprise metal or air (if capacitive or near-field power couplings are used). The power is typically micro-voltage DC.FIG. 1illustrates an “eyeglass version” of frame102, but frame102may take on various shapes and configurations in other examples.

Wireless communication device107comprises a computer, phone, internet appliance, game console, media player, or some other user communication device. Wireless communication device107comprises wireless communication interfaces, processing circuitry, memory, software, and user interfaces. Wireless communication device107is configured to generate and transfer control signals to LCD system103to drive LCD image displays on lens system101. Wireless communication device107is also configured to receive and process optical data from optical receiver105to determine user instructions and/or ascertain the visual environment surrounding wireless communication system100. Local wireless link111uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or some other protocol for relatively short-range wireless communication.

Wireless communication network150comprises a wide area communication network with various wireless access points. Network wireless link112uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or some other wide-area communication protocol. In alternative examples, wireless communication link112and wireless communication network150are omitted altogether. In other alternatives, wireless communication link112and wireless communication network150and are replaced by a land-line and Internet service provider.

FIG. 2further illustrates wireless communication system100. Wireless communication network150and wireless communication device107exchange wireless network signals. Wireless network signals may carry user messages, video data, web pages, augmented reality information, gaming data, or some other user communication. Wireless communication device107processes the wireless network signals, its own operator instructions, and optical information from optical receiver105to generate control signals that traverse wireless transceiver104to LCD system103. Wireless transceiver104also transfers power to LCD system103. LCD system103renders images in response to the control signals. The images indicate the user messages, video data, augmented reality information, gaming data, web pages, or some other user communication.

Optical receiver105receives and converts optical energy (or other photonic energy) into corresponding optical information signals that are transferred to wireless communication device107over wireless transceiver104. Wireless communication device107may process the optical information from optical receiver105for various purposes. In some examples, device107processes the optical information to detect user instructions for applications such as gaming, messaging, web browsing, and the like. In other examples, device107processes the optical information to present suitable augmented reality information through LCD system103.

FIG. 3illustrates the operation of wireless communication system100to facilitate a wireless network messaging service. Prior to operation, the user places frame102on their head, enables the messaging service on wireless communication device107, and powers on wireless transceiver104. In response, wireless communication device107drives LCD system103to render a user menu (301). The user menu typically includes a simple set of messaging and display options. Wireless communication device107also awaits a message from wireless communication network150or an instruction from the user through either wireless communication device107or optical receiver105(301).

If wireless communication device107receives a message from wireless communication network150(302), then device107drives LCD system103to display a message indication (303). The indication could be an icon indicating a pending message, the name of the sender, a crawl of the message, and/or some information related to the message.

If wireless communication device107receives motion data from optical receiver105(304), then device107processes the motion data to determine if it represents a user instruction (305). For example, a swipe of the users hand from right-to-left might represent a user instruction to remove the user menu or the message indication from the display. In another example, the clasping of the user's hands together could represent a user instruction to delete the message from the inbox. In yet another example, an open right palm may represent a user instruction to crawl the entire message on the display while a flip to the back of the right hand represents a user instruction to stop the crawl.

If wireless communication device107determines that the motion represents a user instruction (305), then wireless communication device executes the instruction (306). It should be appreciated that several user instructions could be provided in this manner including messaging instructions such as: clear, reply, forward, delete, and the like. Likewise, user display instructions might control brightness, focus, content, and the like.

FIG. 4illustrates the operation of wireless communication system100to facilitate a wireless network gaming service. Prior to operation, the user marks specific fingers with optical markers. The optical markers could be symbols, such as squares, triangles, and the like. The optical markers could be colors, such as red and green. The optical markers could be wearable products such as rings, adhesive tape, stickers, and fingernail polish. Various combinations of colors, shapes, and accessories could be used. In addition, the user places frame102on their head, enables the gaming service on wireless communication device107, and powers on wireless transceiver104.

In response to the gaming mode, wireless communication device107drives LCD system103to render a game menu (401). The game menu typically includes a simple set of game and display options. Wireless communication device107awaits gaming information from wireless communication network150(401). Also, wireless communication device107attempts to acquire the optical markers on the user's fingers (401). If the optical markers are not acquired within an acquisition time period, then wireless communication device107transfers an error message to wireless communication network (406).

If wireless communication device107receives game information from wireless communication network150(402), then device107determines if the game information affects LCD display103(403). If the game information affects LCD display103(403), then wireless communication device107drives LCD system103to render the corresponding image (404) as directed by the game information. The game image could be menus, players, time, and actual game action and graphics.

If wireless communication device107receives motion data from optical receiver105(407), then device107processes the motion data to determine if it represents a user instruction. For example, the movement of a finger with a red fingernail polish might represent one type of game input while the movement of a different finger with blue fingernail polish might represent another type of game input. If wireless communication device107determines that the user motion represents a user instruction (408), then wireless communication device executes the instruction (409) which may include transferring the input to a gaming server over wireless communication network150.

FIG. 5illustrates wireless communication device500. Wireless communication device500provides an example of wireless communication device107, although device107could use alternative configurations. Wireless communication device500comprises wireless communication transceivers501, processing system502, and user interface503. Processing system502is linked to wireless communication transceivers501and user interface503. Processing system502includes processing circuitry504and memory device505that stores operating software506. Operating software506comprises software modules507-511. Wireless communication device500may include other well-known components such as a battery and enclosure that are not shown for clarity. Wireless communication device500may comprise a telephone, computer, e-book, mobile Internet appliance, media player, game console, wireless network interface card, or some other wireless communication apparatus—including combinations thereof.

Wireless communication transceivers501comprise RF communication circuitry and antennas for both wide area and local area networks. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, RF modulator, and signal processing circuitry. Wireless communication transceivers501may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other communication components. Wireless communication transceivers501may use various protocols, such as CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSPA, EV-DO, EV-DO rev. A, 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet, telephony, or some other wireless communication format. Wireless communication transceivers501include one long-range transceiver to exchange network communication signals with a wireless access point in a wide area network and another short-range transceiver to exchange local control and information signals with equipment worn or carried by the user.

User interface503comprises components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and to present media and/or information. User interface503may include a speaker, microphone, buttons, lights, display screen, touch screen, touch pad, scroll wheel, communication port, or some other user input/output apparatus—including combinations thereof. User interface503receives user instructions to enable modes that utilize additional control and information equipment that is worn or carried by the user as described herein.

Processing circuitry504comprises microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes operating software506from memory device505. Memory device505comprises a non-transitory storage medium, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some other memory apparatus. Processing circuitry504is typically mounted on a circuit board that may also hold memory device505and portions of communication transceivers501and user interface503. Operating software506comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions. Operating software506may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. In this example, operating software506comprises software modules507-511, although software506could have alternative configurations in some examples.

When executed by processing circuitry504, network module507directs processing system502to communicate over a wide area network to support the operations of application module511. When executed by processing circuitry504, optical module508directs processing system502to receive and format incoming optical information for use by application module511. When executed by processing circuitry504, LCD module509directs processing system502to generate display control signals to drive an LCD display as required by application module511. When executed by processing circuitry504, core module510directs processing system502to provide application module511with an operational interface to modules507-509. When executed by processing circuitry504, application module511directs processing system502to process the formatted optical information to recognize user motions that represent user instructions. In addition, application module511directs processing system502to generate LCD display requirements. Application module511directs processing system502to communicate with remote servers over a wide area network. Application module511also directs processing system502to perform some type of user service, such as gaming, messaging, augmented reality, or the like.