Eyeglasses with integrated video display

Eyeglasses including at least one video display that may be pivoted forwardly and outwardly to a viewing position in front of the lenses of the eyeglasses, and folded rearwardly and inwardly to a stored position for retention by the ear pieces of the eyeglasses when not in use are described. When the at least one video display is disposed in the rearward, folded configuration against or within receiving portions of the temple members of the eyeglasses, the eyeglasses present the appearance and function of conventional eyewear. Video signals may be generated by at least one camera integrated with the eyeglasses, or by an external source thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to eyeglasses and, more particularly, to eyeglasses adapted for viewing video signals while having the appearance and function of ordinary eyewear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As computerized display screens continue to be made smaller and lighter, many applications for their use present themselves. Eyeglasses having liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and earphones are currently available, but such eyewear does not retain the appearance of conventional or stylish optical glasses or sunglasses. Detachable viewers for mounting to conventional eyewear for either right or left eye viewing and liquid-crystal glasses having clear optics adapted to fit over prescription eyewear are examples.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,832 for “Eyeglasses With Integrated Rear View Mirrors” which issued to Robert J. Fuziak on May 23, 2000, describes a pair of eyeglasses including rear view mirrors, each having a mirror surface that may be folded forwardly and outwardly to an open position for use, and that may also be folded rearwardly and inwardly to a closed position for retention by the temple members of the eyeglasses when not in use, such that when in the closed position against the temple members, the eyeglasses present the appearance of conventional eyeglasses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide eyeglasses suitable for viewing video signals, while maintaining the appearance and function of ordinary eyewear when the displays are not in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide eyeglasses suitable for viewing video signals and for obtaining still or video camera pictures, while maintaining the appearance and function of ordinary eyewear when the displays are not in use.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the video display integrally combined with a pair of eyeglasses, hereof, includes in combination: a frame having left and right temple extension portions extending rearward at left and right sides thereof; left and right lenses mounted within the frame; left and right ear pieces at least one each ear piece having a receiving portion on an outer surface thereof; a right, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the right ear piece to the right temple extension portion of the frame, and a left, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the left ear piece to the left temple extension portion of the frame; at least one single-axis pivot member having the pivot axis thereof collinear with either the axis of the right pivot member or the axis of the left pivot member; at least one video display holder having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a first surface facing the frame; at least one video display disposed on the first surface; a two-axis pivot member attached to the at least one video display holder between the top edge and the bottom edge thereof; an arm having an end thereof pivotably attached to the single-axis pivot member, and the opposite end thereof pivotably attached to the two-axis pivot member; and means for providing a video signal to the at least one video display, whereby the at least one video display can be disposed in front of one of the left lens or the right lens, or be disposed in the receiving portion of the left ear piece or the right ear piece, respectively.

In another embodiment of the invention and in accordance with its objects and purposes, the video display integrally combined with a pair of eyeglasses, hereof, includes in combination: a frame having a left side and a right side; left and right lenses mounted within the frame; left and right ear pieces, at least one ear piece having a receiving portion on an outer surface thereof; a right, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the right ear piece to the right side of the frame, and a left, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the left ear piece to the left side of the frame; at least one single-axis pivot member having the pivot axis thereof collinear with either the axis of the right pivot member or the axis of the left pivot member; at least one video display holder having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a first surface facing the frame; at least one video display disposed on the first surface; a second single-axis pivot member attached to the at least one display holder between the top edge and the bottom edge thereof; an arm having an end thereof pivotably attached to the at least one single-axis pivot member, and the opposite end thereof pivotably attached to the second single-axis pivot member; and means for providing a video signal to the at least one video display, whereby the at least one video display can be disposed in front of one of the left lens or the right lens, or be disposed in the receiving portion of the left ear piece or the right ear piece, respectively.

In yet another embodiment of the invention and in accordance with its objects and purposes, the video display integrally combined with a pair of eyeglasses, hereof, includes in combination: a frame having a left side and a right side; left and right lenses mounted within the frame; left and right temple ear pieces at least one ear piece having a receiving portion on an outer surface thereof; a right, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the right ear piece to the right side of the frame, and a left, single-axis pivot member for pivotably attaching the left ear piece to the left side of the frame; a single-axis pivot member having the pivot axis thereof collinear with either the axis of the right pivot member or the axis of the left pivot member; at least one video display holder having a top edge and a bottom edge, and a first surface facing the frame; at least one video display disposed on the first surface; a three-axis pivot member attached to the at least one display holder between the top edge and the bottom edge thereof; an arm having an end thereof pivotably attached to the single-axis pivot member, and the opposite end thereof pivotably attached to the three-axis pivot member; and means for providing a video signal to the at least one video display, whereby the at least one video display can be disposed in front of one of the left lens or the right lens, or be disposed in the receiving portion of the left ear piece or the right ear piece, respectively.

Benefits and advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, an integrated eyeglass system adapted for viewing at least one video display through a corresponding lens thereof while appearing and functioning like ordinary eyewear when the at least one display is pivoted out of the way of the corresponding lens and stored in or on the corresponding ear piece. The location of the at least one video display away from a user's eyes provides additional safety over many current wearable display systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention includes eyeglasses adapted for viewing video signals, while maintaining the appearance and function of ordinary eyewear. By employing at least one pivoted arm, upon which a viewing screen is disposed, video signals may be viewed at adjustable distances from a viewer's eyes. The at least one arm may be a telescoping arm. Electronics such as video receivers and amplifiers, audio receivers and amplifiers, Bluetooth components, still and/or video cameras, including night-vision cameras and cameras having electrical and/or optical zoom capability, earphones, microphones, as examples; flash memory card readers, as an example, for driving and complementing the video displays; power supplies, such as batteries; and electrical connections among the various components, may be mounted on and/or in the eyeglasses, may be plugged into the eyeglasses or worn on the body of the user of the eyeglasses, or be used in various combinations thereof as is suitable for the intended applications in ways known to those having skill in the audio/video arts. It should be mentioned that at least some of the electrical components may cooperate using wireless technology.

Current wearable display systems may give rise to safety concerns since viewing screens are commonly located on the inside of the eyewear; that is, between the lenses and the user's eyes. The present invention, by contrast, places the viewing screen(s) on the opposite side of the lenses from the user's eyes. To further increase safety, the lenses of the present invention may be made from shatter proof materials. This may be of significance for military applications.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the inventions, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the Figures, similar or identical structure will be identified using identical reference characters. Turning now toFIG. 1A, eyeglasses,10, are shown which may have a rearwardly curved frame member,12, for retaining conventional lenses,14aand14b, which may be prescription lenses, shatterproof lenses, sun-protection lenses, and the like, and may be made from glass or plastic materials, as examples. Although the FIGURES illustrate lenses14aand14bas being fixed lenses, it is contemplated that lenses14aand14bmay be removable to accommodate prescription lenses including multifocal lenses, and/or tinted lenses. Frame member12includes temple extension portions,16and18, which may extend outwardly and rearwardly at the left and right sides thereof, respectively. Each of the temple extension portions16and18of frame member12includes left and right, single-axis temple member or ear piece hinges,20and22, respectively, by which left and right temple members (ear pieces),24and26, are hingedly attached to frame member12, respectively.

Arm,28, is pivotably connected to frame12by single-axis pivot member,30, having an axis collinear with axis,32, of left pivot member20, on one end thereof. The other end of arm28is pivotably connected to two-axis pivot member,34, which pivot member is attached to proximal edge,36, of the at least one video display holder,38, between the upper edge,40a, and the lower edge,40b, thereof. Display holder38is illustrated in its unfolded or deployed position.FIG. 1Ashows pivot member30disposed below left pivot20. Clearly, pivot member30may be placed above left pivot member20(not shown in the FIGURES) for some applications with suitable rearrangement of the receiving portion or compartment for display holder38in ear piece24. Further, as an example, pivot member30may be placed between split left pivots20(not shown in the FIGURES), if display holder38is to be disposed centrally to lens14a. These variations permit a user to see through lenses14aand14baround display holder38when display holder38is in its deployed condition. Arm28may be a telescoping arm,42, to assist in placing video display holder38at an effective distance in front of the eyes of a wearer of glasses10, and/or for storing the video display holder in the temple members as will be described hereinbelow.

Attachment location,43, of pivot member34may be tilted toward lens14ain order that arm28may be folded against front (inner) surface44of display holder38when display holder38is in its stored position. Additionally, arm28is shown affixed,45, to pivot30on the surface thereof to the outside of diameter32(FIGS. 1A,1B and2A) such that display holder38may fit flush against the outer surface of ear piece24when in its stored, out-of-the way position in the receiving portion thereof. Display holder38is shown covering the lower portion of lens14a, although many variations thereof may be contemplated, two variations thereof having been described hereinabove, wherein pivot member30is placed above left pivot member20, or between split left pivots.

Inner surface,44, of video display holder38includes video display,46, that may be bonded thereto by conventional means. Video display46may be liquid crystal displays, organic semiconductor displays or nanotube-based displays, as examples.

Outer surface,48, of video display holder38may hold camera,50, which may be a still camera or a video camera, a combination thereof. Camera50may be a night-vision camera and/or a camera having electrical and/or optical zoom capability. Microphone,51, and flash attachment,52, may also be included on outer surface48.

Tab or fin,53, may assist in adjusting video display holder38in front of lens14a, and in moving display holder38to its folded position, as will be described hereinbelow. Cover,54, may be used to conceal two-axis pivot member34when display holder38is in its folded position, as also will be described hereinbelow.

Electronic components, power sources, and electrical connections therebetween may be housed in compartments,56and58, depending on the thickness of temple members24and26, and the size of the desired components. Frame12may be used to provide additional concealed housing as well. In other embodiments of the invention, electrical connections may be provided in compartments58and60for placing electronic components and power sources in electrical communication with video displays46. Electrical connections (not shown in the FIGURES) among various components would be made depending on the types of components and power sources employed, and would be understood by those having skill in the audio and video arts. As mentioned hereinabove, wireless communication between components is also anticipated.

FIG. 1Bis a schematic representation of the eyeglasses shown inFIG. 1Ahereof with cover54shielding two-axis pivot member34removed to better reveal the two-axis pivot member having pivot axes,60and62and attached to edge36of video display holder38. Two-axis pivot member34may also be attached to inner surface44of video display46in order to permit arm28to fold against inner surface44when display holder38is in its folded location, for some designs of pivot member34. Also shown inFIG. 1Bis receiving portion,64, which may be an indentation, depression or compartment, fashioned in temple member24for storing video display holder38. It should be mentioned that the receiving portion64, illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1Chereof, may be cut through the entire thickness of the ear piece24in some circumstances to provide a sleeker profile.

FIG. 1Cis a schematic representation of the eyeglasses shown inFIG. 1Ahereof illustrating video display holder38in its storage position in indentation64in left temple member24, cover54for concealing pivot member34enhancing the smooth appearance of the left temple member when the video display holder is stored therein. Video display holder38may be pivoted rearwardly into its retracted or stored position in receiving portion64in temple member24adapted to receive video display holder38and attached video display46. Display holder38is thereby retained in a retracted position, and eyeglasses10have the appearance of ordinary eyewear, that is, arm28and pivot member34are not visible. It should be mentioned that surface48of display holder38may be provided with a convex shape in order to fit the curvature of earpiece24if this temple member has significant curvature. For some applications, telescoping arm feature42, if provided in arm28, may assist in producing a more compact storage of display holder38.

Clearly, a right video display holder (not shown in the FIGURES) having associated components may be included, for some applications.

In use, the video display holder38is pivoted forwardly into the position illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1Bsuch that the wearer of eyeglasses10may view video display46. When not in use, video display holder38may be quickly and easily pivoted rearwardly, as may be illustrated with video display holder38inFIG. 1C, wherein video display46may be disposed against temple member24and retained in that position. Electrical connections might be removed and stored as appropriate. As stated hereinabove, electrical connections may not be required should wireless components be employed.

FIG. 2Ais a schematic representation of an embodiment of the eyeglasses of the present invention having rearward extending left and right temple extension portions at left and right sides thereof, wherein the at least one video display holder is shown in its deployed position with a camera facing away from the glasses frame, andFIG. 2Bis a schematic representation of the eyeglasses shown inFIG. 2Ahereof illustrating the video display holder in its storage position in an indentation in the left temple member, ball-type pivot member (three-axis),66, mounted to the surface of the video display holder facing the frame in the vicinity of an edge between the upper and lower edges thereof, and permitting the display holder to conceal the pivot member. It should be mentioned that if ball-type pivot member66is replaced with a hinge-type pivot having two vertically oriented leaves, as an example, with one leaf thereof being affixed to arm28and the other to display holder38(not shown inFIG. 2A), three-axis pivot member66becomes second single-axis pivot member,67(the other single-axis pivot member30having its axis disposed collinearly with the axis of single-axis pivot member20). Additionally, although pivot member66is shown mounted on front surface44, of display holder38, for some designs of pivot member66, pivot member66may be mounted on the proximal edge36of display holder38.

FIG. 3Ais a schematic representation of an embodiment of the eyeglasses of the present invention not having rearward extending left and right temple extension portions at left and right sides thereof, wherein the at least one video display holder is shown in its deployed position with a camera facing away from the glasses frame, andFIG. 3Bis a schematic representation of the eyeglasses shown inFIG. 3Ahereof illustrating the video display holder in its storage position in an indentation in the left temple member, another embodiment of the ball-type pivot member (three-axis),68, mounted to an edge of the video display holder between the upper and lower edges thereof, and permitting the display holder conceal the pivot member. In this embodiment camera50is shown on the lower portion of surface48of display holder38in its deployed location.