Patent Publication Number: US-2017363258-A1

Title: Hand mounted mirror and indicator device

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a hand mounted mirror and indicator device, for example for safely viewing objects to the rear of an individual on a bicycle and for indicating a manoeuvre. The device improves safety of a wearer by notifying third parties of the intentions of the wearer and enables the wearer to observe a rear view to identify approaching traffic. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When a cyclist is travelling on a road they must turn their head to see if any traffic is approaching from behind and to signal with their arm their intended direction of turn. This can make the bicycle unstable especially in the case of a child rider or an older person, who may have problems twisting their back or neck and are not agile, when they wish to make a turn. 
     This can be dangerous as the cyclist has to take their eyes off the road ahead and can often be startled when turning their head if a car is very close or is overtaking them. It is also very difficult to gauge when to make a manoeuvre when a stream of traffic is behind a cyclist. It can also be difficult or uncomfortable to have to repeatedly turn around in order to judge the best time to make a turning manoeuvre. 
     The use of a conventional mirror can lead to a number of difficulties, not least that the cyclist, who usually travels close to a kerb, where there may be pot holes and grids which subject a mirror mounted on a bicycle handlebar, to vibration and distortion. 
     In addition fixed mirrors have a blind spot. One aim of the present invention is to eliminate blind spots associated with a fixed mirror. 
     Another problem with fixed mirrors is that they are awkward to store when transporting the bicycle on a conventional carrier rack. 
     The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a device that has a mirror and an indicating means in a single device that is mounted on the hand of a wearer. 
     PRIOR ART 
     US Patent Application US2011/0078842 (Tang) discloses a glove and illuminating indicating system. 
     UK patent application GB2509141 (Else) discloses an indicator glove. 
     US Patent Application US2011/0258753 (Jacque) discloses a glove comprising an outer shell with a back portion where a mirror can be adjusted. 
     US Patent Application US2011/0235310 (Chen) discloses a hand-wearing assembly and a side mirror mount. 
     US Patent Application US2009/0034102 (Bartlett) discloses a handheld mirror with first and second body portions. 
     Korean Patent Application KR20130048875 (Min) discloses a safety apparatus to indicate direction. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety mirror and an indicator device for wearing on a hand comprising: a first face housing a mirror and a second opposed face that interfaces a wearer&#39;s hand in use; a strap for securing the device to a wearer&#39;s hand; a light powered by a battery, the light arranged on an end of the device; the light and the strap are arranged such that the light projects past the hand of the wearer so that the light is not obstructed by the wearer&#39;s hand when viewed from a position in front of the wearer during use, wherein the device has a switch operatively connected to the light to activate the light when triggered. 
     An advantage of the device is that it has an indication facility. 
     In this way a wearer of the device can position their hand to view the mirror to observe a rear view, such as approaching traffic whilst also activating the light to alert surrounding persons, cyclists or vehicles of an intention to turn. 
     Advantageously the strap is positioned on the second face of the device such that the light is biased to project and extend from a side edge of a wearer&#39;s hand in the same plane as the wearer&#39;s palm. In this way light is visible from all around and in particular from both a front and rear view so that passing, approaching or following traffic can clearly see the indicating light when activated. 
     Furthermore this arrangement enables a wearer to position their hands on the handlebars in a regular grip without the device interfering. Advantageously the device is suitable for use on any bicycle or type of handlebars. 
     The design of the device incorporates the specific positioning of the strap which ensures that the light is viewable for both upcoming, oncoming and passing traffic with no adjustment required by the wearer. In this way the device serves as both a front and rear indicator in one device. Advantageously the position of the strap on the device ensures that device is suitable for any wearer regardless of the size of the wearer&#39;s hand as the light will always extend beyond a wearer&#39;s hand. 
     In some embodiments the strap may be adjustable, for example being a two part hook and loop strap or having an adjustable buckle to shorten or lengthen the strap to comfortably fit a user. 
     In some embodiments the strap may be elasticated or include an elasticated portion so as to readily fit various users and for additional comfort. 
     The strap may be formed from a breathable material for additional comfort and improved hygiene. 
     Preferably the switch includes an accelerometer that is activated upon movement of a wearer&#39;s hand. In this way the indicating light is automatically activated when a wearer moves their hand to an indicating position outstretched to their left side or right side of the direction of travel of the bicycle. 
     Typically the accelerometer must move through a range of at least 90 degrees in order to trigger activation of the light. 
     In some embodiments the switch may be a reed switch that is activated by passing the device through a magnetic field that activates the reed switch thereby activating or deactivating the light. For example a magnet may be located on a wearer, on the bicycle or on a cycle helmet and the device, as it passes by the magnet, activates or deactivates the light. 
     In yet a further embodiment the switch may include a touch sensor. For example a first face, that houses the mirror, or an end of the device, may include a touch sensor or a touch sensitive region that activates and/or deactivates the light upon touch. 
     In some embodiments the mirror may act as a capacitance screen that activates and/or deactivates the light upon touch. 
     For devices having a touch sensor, during use a wearer may tap part of the device against their body, such as their leg, chin or against part of the bicycle, such as the handlebar, or against their helmet, in order to activate the light when indicating and prior to turning. 
     In another embodiment the strap may include a sensor that can be activated or deactivated to trigger the light. For example the strap may include a pressure sensor that activates the light when a wearer&#39;s hand is removed from the handlebar. 
     In another embodiment the device may include an audio sensor that is activated on detection of a sound, for example the sound sensor may include a voice activated device. 
     In yet a further embodiment the device may be activated by a wireless signal received from a remote device. For example a signal may be transmitted from a smartphone to the device to trigger the light. The signal may be transmitted by a radio frequency (RF) signal such as Bluetooth, via a mobile network or via a satellite. 
     In an advanced embodiment the device may receive signals from a photo that correspond to geographic location of a rider. For example a global positioning device may transmit location signals to the device to automatically pick up a forthcoming turn. 
     The device may have an on and off switch but ideally a sensor detects a period of non-use and switches the device into a sleep or quiescent mode, so no actual switch is needed. 
     Preferably the device has a robust and tough outer casing that encloses the battery, switch and at least one light. An inner face of the casing may be cushioned and adapted to receive the components and to protect them should the device be dropped. Optionally the inner surface of the casing may be moulded to receive parts. 
     Ideally the device is waterproof to protect all electrical parts in wet conditions. The casing of the device is typically formed from a lightweight, strong, durable material such as one or more layers of a synthetic plastics material. The casing ideally includes rubber or silicone seals to hermetically seal any parts that may have to be opened, for example in order to replace a battery. 
     In a preferred embodiment the device casing is formed in two parts that are contain so as to define a cavity in which components are arranged. The parts are separated to access the batteries. A seal is provided between the two parts to protect the components from water ingress. 
     Preferably the body is substantially oblong in form and does not have any sharp edges. In this way the device can fit comfortably across the back of a wearer&#39;s hand. 
     The at least one light is arranged under a transparent or translucent cover that is connected to the body. Preferably the light is arranged against or near to a reflective surface to enhance the amount of light reflected. 
     In some embodiments the light cover or surrounding region includes a diffusing surface. 
     Preferably the light or lights are light emitting diodes (LEDs) and/or a light emitting polymer (LEP) or similar material that may be formed and which emits light when an electric current passes through it. Typically the light or lights are programmed to flash. 
     In a preferred embodiment a plurality of surface LEDs are arranged to disperse light over a greater area. For example, a surface LED may be mounted on each opposed side of the PCB and on the end of the device. In this way the lights emit light in plural directions for greater visibility of a wearer. Advantageously this avoids dulls spots which can occur when LEDs all mounted in the same orientations. 
     Lights may be arranged to flash at different speeds and in different colours depending upon applied signals. Preferably the device light flashes orange to mimic a conventional vehicle indicating light. 
     Typically the cover is also orange. In some embodiments the cover may be clear and an orange LED may be provided. 
     Ideally the battery is arranged under a lid to permit its easy removal and convenient replacement. The device may have more than one battery. 
     In some embodiments the battery is rechargeable. The device may include a port to permit connection to a power supply for charging the rechargeable battery. 
     In another embodiment the device may have a terminal suitable for being received by a docking station for charging. 
     In yet another embodiment the device may include at least on imager, such as a camera or high definition camera for capturing image data. The imager may have a lens provided on a first face of the device and images captured by the imager may be displayed in real time on a screen on the first face to provide the wearer with a view of wherever the imager is directed. The screen may be provided as an alternative or in addition to the mirror. 
     In some embodiments having an imager a memory means may be provided to record and store collected data. 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by example only, and with reference to the Figures in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a top view of one embodiment of the mirror and indicator device; 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom view of the mirror indicator device in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the device in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the device in use; 
         FIG. 5  shows a first face of the device; 
         FIG. 6  shows a block diagram indicating system inputs and outputs; 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross section of the device; 
         FIG. 8  shows a mode flow chart; 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic diagram of battery connections for an embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic diagram of programming connections for an embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic diagram of LED connections for an embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 12  shows a schematic diagram of accelerometer connections for an embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 13  shows a schematic diagram of microcontroller connections for an embodiment of the device; 
         FIG. 14  shows a print diagram of the PCB; 
         FIG. 15  shows an example parts list for an embodiment of the device; and 
         FIG. 16A  shows a top view of an empty casing; 
         FIG. 16B  show a bottom view an empty casing with a strap; 
         FIGS. 16C and 16D  show two examples of different PCBs that may be used; and 
         FIG. 16E  shows an overview of the device 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 5  show a preferred embodiment of the mirror and indicator device  100 . The device  100  has a first face  10 A that houses a mirror  20  and a second face  10 B that is adjacent a wearer&#39;s hand in use. The device  100  is oblong shaped. 
     A light  30  is arranged at an end  40  of the device. The light  30  is semi-circular. A strap  50  is arranged on the second face  10 B. The strap  50  is arranged to pass across the palm of a wearer&#39;s hand so that the mirror  20  faces outwards on a rear face of the hand. 
     A lid  60  is provided on the second face  10 B for covering battery  70 . The lid  60  can be removed to access the battery  70 . Within the casing  11  of the device is housed a printed circuit board  80  that connects the battery  70 , a switch  90  and a microcontroller  95  which triggers a flashing command signal upon receipt of an input signal. The switch  90  shown in  FIG. 3  is a reed switch. 
     In a preferred embodiment the switch  90  is an accelerometer. 
     In another embodiment the switch such as an accelerometer or touch sensor may be activated when it is tapped against a rider&#39;s helmet (not shown). This process is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 6 , which is a block diagram indicating system inputs and outputs between the battery  70 , accelerometer  90 , microcontroller  95  and light  30 . 
     The switch such as the accelerometer  90  is powered by the battery  70  and provides a system input to the microcontroller  95  when the accelerometer  90  is activated in order to trigger the light  30  to flash. Ideally the accelerometer  90  is a 3-axis solid state gyroscope or includes three separate accelerometers. 
     The microcontroller  95  controls digital communications in the device, enables mode selection, and ensures sinking of current.  FIG. 6  shows one example of a circuit diagram for achieving these aims. 
     Circuit components are arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board (PCB)  80 . The components are arranged such that the light  30  when activated, automatically indicates using a flashing orange LED when the user moves their hand in a predefined manner or through a predefined activation range. Preferably the activation range is from a minimum of 0 to 90°. In this way the light  30  is not accidently triggered by wearer movement such as riding over bumps or changing gear or changing riding positions. 
     The system shown in  FIG. 6  is powered continuously from the moment when batteries are inserted. The accelerometer is the only input component to the device. Ideally the accelerometer in  FIG. 6  is a 3-axis device and be capable of measuring forces up to ±8 g. Typically the accelerometer is a digital device with a range of interrupt generation and power saving modes available. 
     In a preferred embodiment the device includes a PIC24F microcontroller  95 . A 2 mm right angle pin header (not shown) may be included to allow the device to be programmed and reprogrammed. The microcontroller  95  is capable of sinking current from at least an 18 mA LED  30  continuously and so is capable of operating in a low current consumption mode and includes a sleep function. 
     A standard 5 mm LED  30  is ideally included in the device, although other light emitting device may be used such as laser LEDs or light emitting polymer (LEP) devices. In some embodiments two or more LEDs may be provided, the additional LED may act as a back-up device or display a different colour. The device  100  may be powered by two CR2032, 3V, 220 mA (minimum), non-rechargeable batteries. Preferably the device  100  is configured to have a long battery life of at least 5 hours. 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross section of the device  100  showing a preferred layout of internal components. As mentioned earlier device  100  has two batteries  70  and one LED  30 . The LED  30  is positioned so that it protrudes slightly into a diffuser  36  in order to maximise the light emitted. The LED  30  and diffuser  36  are enclosed by a cover  35 . The PCB  80  is secured in place via contact with the casing  11 . The casing  11  is moulded to receive the components. 
       FIG. 8  shows a mode flow chart detailing the firmware for the modes of operation of the device  100 . When the device  100  is powered it remains in sleep mode until the accelerometer  90  detects an input force, for example from a predefined motion or designated knock or tap. At this instant the microcontroller  95  senses this and increases current and switches the current to the LED  30  in pulses as well as increasing the sensitivity of the accelerometer  90  so as to allow the device  100  to detect user indicating intentions. 
     Ideally the action of indicating may be recognised by an orientation change of approximately 90°. The microcontroller  95  preferably includes algorithms and is able to calculate to detect movement and learn to recognise specific user activity to reduce power consumption. 
       FIGS. 9 to 13  show schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the device. 
       FIG. 14  shows an example of a PCB print that may be used for the device. 
       FIG. 15  shows an example of a parts list detailing all components of an embodiment of the device. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  show an empty casing  11  for the device  100 . The casing  11  is clear with an orange portion arranged over the light(s)  30 . 
       FIG. 16B  shows the strap  50  mounted to the second face of the device  100 . The strap  50  is positioned away from the end  40  of the device having the light  30 . The strap has two parts that are secured about a wearer&#39;s hand by hook and loop means such as Velcro®. 
       FIGS. 16C and 16D  show two examples of different PCBs,  80 A,  80 B that may be used. The first PCB  80 A ( FIG. 16C ) has 3 LEDs  31  in a row projecting from an edge of the PCB. 
     The second PCB  80 B ( FIG. 16D ) has three LEDs  31 . A first LED surface mounted on a first face of the PCB, a second LED surface mounted on the second face of the PCB and a third LED surfaced mounted on an edge of the PCB. Therefore each LED is arranged to project in a different direction to enhance light emitted. Each PCB  80 A,  80 B has two batteries  70 . 
       FIG. 16E  shows an overview of the device viewed from above. The device has a two part strap  50 . The two parts of the strap  50  are arranged around and secured about the wearer&#39;s hand in use. 
     The strap  50  may include text and/or images, such as logo to represent a brand. 
     The invention has been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the claims.