Patent Application
20170152990
This invention relates to improvements for use with a wearable portable computer support. In one variant it relates to an arrangement whereby a camera may be mounted to a portable computer which is configured to be wearable. In another variant it relates to an arrangement whereby a stereoscopic image may be viewed on a portable computer which is configured to be wearable. Addition improvements in the mode of use of such wearable support are also addressed.
Cameras have been disclosed which are adapted to be connected to a portable computer, particularly to a tablet computer which is handheld, in order that camera operation may be controlled using the touch screen of the computer to accept user commands. For example: the popular GoPro™ style of “action camera” includes Wi-Fi wireless connectivity which enables connectivity with a nearby handheld tablet computer such as an iPad™
Data connectivity between camera and tablet computer has the advantage of providing the photographer with a much larger digital viewfinder as well as a remote means of controlling the camera. The major disadvantage of this arrangement is that, since two separate handheld devices must be supported and manipulated while taking photos, the ergonomics and overall usability are cumbersome. Ideally, one or even both of the devices could be mounted on the user's body in a manner that frees their hands.
Numerous support devices have been proposed to allow a user to carry a computer in a ready-to-use position in front of the user's body. A variety of arrangements proposed by the same inventor as herein for carrying a portable computer, making it essentially “wearable”, are described in PCT applications CA/2012/000342 and CA/2015/000276, the contents of which are adopted herein by reference.
The present invention addresses the need for an arrangement which enables a camera to be mounted to a “wearable”, body supported computer, thereby enabling both devices to be used in a mobile hands free synergistic manner.
Technology has been developed to enable persons to experience a three-dimensional image on the viewing screen of a cell phone or portable computer, such as a tablet computer. According to one variant, two distinct images taken from different angles of a scene are presented side-by-side on the viewing screen. A stereoscopic viewer having two lenses is then placed between a user and the screen. This stereoscopic viewer presents the respective images on the screen to the left and right eyes of the user, providing a three-dimensional viewing experience.
A similar 3D simulation may be achieved through presentation of differing images on the screen and viewing the respective images through corresponding colored or polarized filter lenses. A further technology employs electronically controlled shuttering lenses synchronized with alternating screen images. All modes of 3D viewing compatible with the disclosure below are addressed by the present invention.
This invention addresses an invention that facilitates 3D viewing of a body-supported portable computer.
Related references are:
Curtin's U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,898
Leong et al U.S. Pat. No. 9,069,527
The present invention addresses a configuration and procedure by which a person carrying a body-supported computer can readily experience a three-dimensional “Virtual Reality” (VR) viewing effect presented by the viewing screen of such computer in a manner not addressed in the prior art.
The invention in its general form will first be described, and then its implementation in terms of specific embodiments will be detailed with reference to the drawings following hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of the invention, and the manner of its implementation. The invention in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this Specification.
According to one aspect of the invention a portable computer is provided with a mount for connecting to and supporting a camera. Preferably, the camera is digital in operation and has the capacity either to take single frame images or video. The computer is further preferably provided with a body support system, or computer support, which allows the weight of the computer and camera combination to be carried by the body of a user.
According to one variant, the support for carrying the weight of the computer and camera comprises an upper body support member in the form of a neck strap or cord (hereinafter a “cord”) by which the weight of the computer may be carried by the upper body of the user. Preferably the upper body support member comprises adjustment means to permit the user to raise or lower the vertical location of the computer when carried by said user. The upper body support member may be detached from the computer support when the computer is in table-top use and in other convenient circumstances.
Additionally, and advantageously, the camera support system also includes a body propping member for positioning the computer outwardly from the torso of the user. This may include two movable arms with computer connections for connecting with the computer when present and outer deployable arm ends that are joined by a bridge to form a U-shaped propping member or “swingarm”, as described in the above PCT applications. It may also include any other form of body propping structure that positions the computer at a spaced distance from the torso of a user. Even without an upper body support member attached, this swing arm provides a convenient handle for grasping and holding a computer that is coupled to a camera.
Portable computers are generally equipped with their own frame. The above referenced support members may be attached directly to the frame of a computer. Alternately, the computer may be fitted into a holder, which may include a receiving case having a supporting surface underlying the computer and curled edges which will engage with and hold the receiving case firmly in place in respect of the computer. The holder or receiving case will generally be coplanar to the computer. When such a holder is present, the camera support members may connect to the holder. Other forms of holder arrangements may also be employed. Engagement with the computer as hereinafter described is intended to cover all such cases.
A camera, according to the invention may be coupled through a camera support connector either to the frame of a computer or to a holder which is engaged with the computer. This coupling is preferably located along the outer edge of the computer remote from the body of a user. In the case of a direct connection to the frame of the computer, or an indirect connection through a holder, the camera support connector can be affixed to the computer the frame or holder by any form of traditional connecting means.
The camera support connector can be unitary or it can be of a multi-part, preferably two- or three-part, structure by which a receiving guide is permanently attached to the computer in an unobtrusive manner, and the other part of the camera support connector may be slid, snapped, interfitted or otherwise positioned into readily removable engagement with the receiving guide. Such receiving guide may be fastened to the underside or edge of a computer, or holder by an adhesive connection, by screws, by being integral with the holder or by any other form of traditional connection means. In all cases, the function of the camera support connector combination is to stabilize the camera in its relationship to the computer. This relationship may be fixed, adjustable, or dynamically controllable so as to allow or cause the camera to direct its pointing axis in a preferred direction.
Whether unitary or made of multiple parts, the camera support connector is preferably configured to cause a camera carried thereby to point at an angle that is below the plane of the computer touchscreen, corresponding to an approximate horizontal orientation for the camera pointing direction. When the computer is being worn by a user so as to present the computer screen to the user at approximately 20° above the horizontal plane, a convenient angle for this configuration of the camera support connector may similarly be 20°. More particularly, such fixed angle provided by the camera support connector for pointing the camera may be in the range of 20°±10°, more preferably 20°±5°.
The camera support connector may also be articulated. It may allow adjusting the pointing direction of the camera to range about a single axis. This will allow for the camera to have differing pointing directions within a single, e.g. vertical, plane; and it may allow the camera to change its pointing direction about two axes, e.g. about both a vertical and horizontal plane. The pointing direction of the camera in such cases may be manually adjustable, as where a clamping bolt joins two limbs wherein the inner limb is fixed with respect to the computer and the outer limb which carries the camera may be rotated with respect to the inner limb about the clamping bolt. The clamping bolt may be tightened to stabilize the orientation of the two respective limbs to provide the desired camera pointing direction.
In a preferred embodiment the upper body support member comprises one or more cords that carry at least a portion of the weight of the computer through engagement points located proximate to the respective sides of the computer or case supporting the computer. Such cords may terminate at fixed anchor points, or may be disengageably attached to such anchor points. The anchor points are preferably located along the sides of the computer or computer support so as to carry the weight of the computer in an at least partially balanced manner. When a body propping member is in place, the need to provide fully balanced support for the weight of a computer is reduced. In such case, at least one of such cords may be connected to the computer or computer holder approximately along the line of the outermost edge of the computer when present. Preferably, such connection is made at one of the two corners of the computer or its supporting case.
As a preferred arrangement, the outer corners of the computer or computer support may be provided with fairlead guides to receive the upper body support cords when the computer is deployed. When the cords are provided with disengageable anchor points along the sides of the computer the ends of the cords, then when the computer is deployed, the anchor points may be switched to these fairleads. Alternately, and preferably, the cords remained anchored along the sides of the computer and, when the computer body support is deployed, one or both of the cords are routed through the fairleads with a sliding engagement.
Such fairleads may be in the form of protruding hooks or slots that guide the cord(s). Conveniently, these hooks may be used as attachment points for a camera support member.
An advantage of routing the neck strap or cord through positions which are located proximate to the outer two corners of a computer when present is to clear the sides of the computer of the interfering presence of such cords descending from the neck or shoulders of a user when the computer support is in its deployed mode. This provides improved manual access to the keyboard.
Howsoever the neck cords are anchored, such cords carry at least a portion of the weight of said computer when deployed and stabilize the computer while providing maximum user access to a keyboard on the computer.
A preferred format for the body propping member is an arrangement wherein: side arms provided as part of the body propping member are deployable from storage positions along the sides of and coplanar with the computer when present, from the stored positions to operating positions whereat the respective deployable ends of the arms are positioned for being supported by the torso of the user; the distal end of the sidearms remote from the point where the sidearms are connected to the computer are joined by a bridge to thereby form a U-shaped propping member, and once deployed at least one of such arms is provided with a computer connection which allows such arms to be disengageably fixable at the deployed position to allow locking of the U-shaped propping member in place.
The arms may connect directly to the computer as through clamps that engage the edge of the computer or through openings into the side edges of the computer which receive fasteners. Or the arms may be connected to a backing plate or containment case that extends between the two arms into which the computer is mounted. Collectively such structures comprise the computer connections for connecting the arms to a computer when present.
With the cords positioned to connect with the computer support or computer when present proximate to the outer two corners there will be a greater tendency for the bridge of the U-shaped propping member to slide down on the torso of a user. While this bridge may have a frictional engaging surface to resist this tendency, the bridge can be solidly positioned in place by employing a waist strap, preferably elasticized, that passes around the back of the user or is equivalently anchored to a waist-encircling garment of a user. The waist strap may not need be a unitary element but may be subdivided into components that connect with a garment being worn by a user. One or both of the two ends of such waist strap are then removeably connected to the U-shaped propping member, optionally with sliding engagements along the respective sidearms. When the computer is deployed this engagement point can be at a junction where a sidearm meets with the connecting bridge.
A preferred form of camera support is suitable for use when the outer corners of the computer or computer support are provided with fairlead guides in the form of protruding hooks. In this variant parts of the camera support engage with such a hook, the fairlead hook serving as a receiving guide. The respective parts of the resulting assembly are preferably disengageably engageable from the hook as well as with a camera.
A camera support connector may have an upper camera connector portion serving as a seat and a lower clamping bolt screwed into the seat through a fairlead hook. In this variant the upper camera connector may be screwed directly into the camera or into a base, optionally hinged, carrying the camera. Specialty quick-clip connectors may also be used as the camera seat provided a suitable camera connector is present in the camera.
Another embodiment of the camera support connector may compensate for the tilt angle of a computer screen by providing the seat of the upper camera connector (which is affixed to the fairlead) with a forward tilt. The seat, in the form of a bevelled top-ledge on the upper portion of the upper camera connector, can carry a threaded stud that engages directly with a threaded hole on the camera. Alternately an intermediate crown boss which is threaded into a camera on one side can include a centering hole on its other, lower, surface. This centering hole then slideably engages onto a positioning post carried on the bevelled seat portion of the upper camera connector fastened to the fairlead hook. This positioning post can be reciprocally mounted on the crown boss with the centering hole formed in the hook-mounted upper camera connector portion.
The post and hole engagement can be a sliding or friction fit or may rely on a magnetic attraction between the interfitting parts to secure the engagement. Any tendency for the camera to inadvertently swing left or right during use can be resisted by providing the positioning post and reciprocal hole with non-circular cross-sections that will lock against rotation.
A laterally extending arm can slidingly fit over the positioning post to support a side-mounted camera outboard of the computer support.
According to another aspect of the invention a body-support portable computer is provided with a stereoscopic viewer that is positionable between the eyes of a user and a stereo image provided by the computer. The body support for the computer carries the weight of the computer on the user's torso, thereby providing such support in a hands-free manner.
Preferably, the body support for the computer includes straps or cords (“straps”) by which the computer is supported by the upper torso of a user in combination with a body-propping member. The straps are adjustable in their length. In particular and preferably, the straps are adjustable in their length to permit the computer to be located at a deployed position in front of a user that permits manual access to the screen in such viewing position, and an alternate position wherein the computer screen and stereoscopic viewer are held in close proximity to the face of a user. The body-propping member may optionally in either case be positioned on the user's chest to fine adjust the attitude and distance of the computer screen.
In the close proximity position, the user is able to obtain a stereoscopic viewing experience of the screen image presented on the screen of the computer. This latter position allows ready viewing of a stereoscopic image presented on the computer screen with a mere downward orientation of the user's head, retaining the ability of the user to raise his/her head to view the actual surrounding scene.
The arrangement, which enables a stereoscopic viewer to be mounted to a “wearable”, body supported computer, enables the computer to be used in a mobile, hands free synergistic manner. “Hands-free” in this context means that the user's hands need not be occupied with providing support for the computer and any camera attached thereto. Meanwhile, manual access to the screen remains available to the user, optionally and preferably even in stereoscopic viewing mode. For example, touch sensitive actuatable “buttons” on the viewing screen for camera control can be accessed without interfering with the viewing of the stereoscopic image.
According to one variant of the invention, the computer can carry or be supplied with data that will allow the generation of the stereoscopic image, wherein the data has been pre-recorded. As another feature of the invention, the body support, which carries the weight of the computer can, in turn, support a three-dimensional camera mounted thereon. This 3D data input device allows use of the user's body motion to control the stereo image scene being presented on the viewing screen of the computer. The camera may be controllable through actuatable control buttons present on the screen. The ability to access such buttons under these conditions is a valuable, though not essential, aspect of the invention.
The convenience of this variant of the invention arises from a body-supported strap system with straps of adjustable length which extends upwardly from the computer support to embrace the torso of a user over at least one of the user's shoulders, the straps being adjustable in their length to provide an adjustable separation between the viewing screen of the computer and the face of the user.
According to one variant, the neck strap may be composed of two pieces of linear material, such as nylon parachute-quality cord or the like, (hereafter all referred to as “straps”), that pass each other when crossing behind the neck of the user to respectively terminate on the front side of the torso of a user. In this version one end of each strap portion is connected to support the computer at a coupling point. The respective lengths of the portions of this composite strap may then be dimensioned to pass around the back of a user with their other ends terminating at special end connectors located proximate to the chest of the user.
These connectors are preferably compression-actuated clamps which effect, through a compression-actuated button, a sliding/locking engagement between the respective ends of one of the composite straps and an adjacent mid-portion of the other strap. Adjusting the positioning of the end connectors will adjust the vertical locations of the two computer-supporting ends of the strap portions, provided the strap portions are allowed to slide as they pass around the back of a user.
For the convenience of the user, the multiple strap portions may be contained within a protective sleeve at least for the sections along their lengths where such respective portions pass around the back of the neck of the user or over the back of the user. The use of such a sleeve isolates any sliding action by the strap portions from rubbing against the clothing or body of a wearer.
The adjustability of the straps permits the computer to be located at a deployed position in front of a user and at a viewing position wherein the computer screen is held in close proximity to the face of a user. In this position the user is able to obtain a stereoscopic viewing experience of a stereoscopic image presented on the screen of a computer when present.
The straps may connect with the computer support or computer when present along respective locations proximate to the sides of the computer. Or they may connect at one or both of the outer two corners of the under-computer support, proximate to the outer corners of a computer screen, when present. “Outer” in this case means remote from the torso of a user. The strap connections may be shiftable between the sides of the computer and such outer two corners to provide improved access to the screen when the computer is in its deployed position.
To resist any tendency for the bridge of the U-shaped propping member to slide down on the torso of a user this bridge may have a frictional engaging surface to resist this tendency. The bridge can be solidly positioned in place by employing a body-anchored tether as previously described. In use when stereoscopic viewing is to be experienced, the straps are shortened in their lengths and the connecting bridge between the sidearms is positioned higher up on the chest of a user. In this configuration a waist-anchored tether strap is advantageous to ensure balanced stability during deployment while the user is in motion.
A preferred form of stereoscopic viewer has the following features:
A camera support connector may be mounted on the under-computer support along the outer line of the computer. If present, the data captured by the camera or 3D sensor may be fed directly into the computer by a wired connection or by telemetry. In the reverse direction, the camera can be controlled by commands issued by touching portions of the viewing screen of the computer that provide touch-sensitive control buttons.
To aid viewing the tablet computer's display in bright lighting conditions a light cloaking accessory may be provided that the user can deploy during lengthy viewing sessions to minimize interference from ambient lighting conditions. A preferred embodiment of this light-cloaking device comprises a sheet of lightweight opaque light-cloaking fabric that is fitted or anchored at one end to a user's head. This anchoring is preferable, though not necessarily effected through a hat or headband fitted to the user's head with provision for the fabric to be rolled-up to the edge of the hat for storage. Alternately, such fabric can be formed with a “head-pocket” at one end that engages over the back of the user's head. The balance of fabric in either case is dimensioned to be draped forward to hang past the edges of the deployed computer, thereby forming an opaque, tent-like viewing structure. The length of cloaking fabric overhang the tablet computer may terminate in one or more weights, magnets, a clamp, Velcro™ or similar fixation patches to provide sufficient tension on the fabric to maintain a tent-like structure.
To accommodate a mobile user wishing to quickly see out into the world a viewing flap may be included in the tent-like structure that the user can open or shut as needed. This flap may be invertible to be stored over a user's head. One suitable usage scenario for this viewing port is piloting small drone aircraft with the tablet computer. The availability to alternately engage in 3D viewing transmitted from a drone will enhance the drone piloting experience.
A computer whether or not in its carrier or support may be provided with a detachable decorative cargo panel having an outer perimeter and shape that conforms approximately to the outer contours of the closed swingarm, thereby concealing the computer and/or support assembly while it is being shoulder-carried by the user. Preferably this panel has an inner elastomeric foam-core to which is bonded two outer layers of “UBL™” or “Velcro™ Loop” fabric on both sides for engaging with Velcro™ hook fasteners carried on the computer support. The fabric surface is preferably made of white polyester that enables digital images to be printed on either or both sides of the panel using the dye-sublimation printing. This decorative cargo panel when affixed in place conceals the underlying computer and/or computer support, improving its appearance.
One or more cargo modules with Velcro™ hook fasteners can be affixed to the outer surface of the cargo panel, thereby enabling the user to carry sundry items
The computer support of the invention can, with the swingarm locked at right angles to the computer, be attached to the dashboard of an automobile by engaging the swingarm with mounting fixtures fastened to the upper surface of the dash. These fixtures may be in the form of disengageable hooks or posts. The fairleads may rest on a lower portion of the dash, preferably on cushion patches, more preferably on patches with fairlead-engaging hooks.
The computer support can also be hung onto the steering wheel by its swingarm.
The computer support can further, with the swingarm parked, be detachably fitted into a specially constructed dashboard recess equipped with resilient latches.
A laptop-style computer of the “Folding Book” dual-mode format with a screen that can be swung through 360 degrees for positioning beneath its keyboard can be mounted in the computer support of the invention if the computer, or casing for the screen and keyboard, is provided with an special hinge. To avoid having the touchscreen collide with the backplate of the computer support when swung round, the hinge is re-configured to accommodate the thickness of backplate. This can be effected by using a multi-axis hinge that provides a gap when the screen is swung-round to underlie the keyboard. With this type of hinge the touchscreen will seat flush against backplate when fully rotated.
The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention and some of its optional aspects. The invention may be further understood by the description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, which now follow.
Wherever ranges of values are referenced within this specification, sub-ranges therein are intended to be included within the scope of the invention unless otherwise indicated or are incompatible with such other variants. Where characteristics are attributed to one or another variant of the invention, unless otherwise indicated, such characteristics are intended to apply to all other variants of the invention where such characteristics are appropriate or compatible with such other variants.
Neckstrap 8 is configured for asymmetric wearing by the user such that its right portion passes under their right arm, crosses diagonally across their back, whereupon the left portion reaches over their left shoulder for support of the computer support 1 at its (hidden) left, hook-shaped neckstrap cord fairlead 5.
In
The camera 2 shown is a “GoPro™ style of “digital action camera” that includes a wireless data connection with tablet computer 3 such that images it senses are displayed in real-time on the touchscreen and the touchscreen can control the camera. The illustrated style of camera 2 also includes a base with a hinge 14 that enables it to be fixed at a desired vertical angle.
The GoPro™ style of camera 2 shown in
A friction fit may be used to secure the camera 2 from inadvertently swinging left or right during use; however in a preferred embodiment crown 22 and connector 12 carry opposite magnetic polarities that cause them to snap firmly together as needed. Positioning post 21 is shown with a round cross-section however other cross-sections may be used to enable positive rotational locking of the magnetically mated parts: for example a square post 21A would enable the user to more easily snap their camera onto or off of body-supported computer support 1 while maintaining a forward-looking view on their computer's touchscreen.
In
This general configuration is well-adapted to the needs of Google's “Project Tango™” device. That device is essentially a specialized handheld tablet with 3D sensors built into its forward edge. The embodiment of
The lens for the tablet camera of tablet computer 3 is visible through containment case 4. Note that ¼-20 threaded holes 9 in swingarm 7 enable the computer support 1 to be mounted onto a floor-standing camera tripod (not illustrated but see
In
In
Waist anchor strap 31 may be deployed to stabilize the asymmetric structure as the user moves about. Anchor strap 11 includes swingarm fixation means or engagement end 32 that secures swingarm 7 against the user's torso. Engagement end 32 is typically a Velcro hook tab that engages onto Velcro loop material affixed onto the inside of swingarm 7 (not illustrated). Optionally an engagement end 32 may be formed at both ends of an encircling waist strap (not shown) to attach to both corners of the swingarm 7. When not in use, each end of waist strap can be secured to the user for storage.
Known software algorithms running on computer 3 generate and display left and right stereo images 41 and 42, each image portraying a different perspective view of a static or animated scene. Left and right viewing lenses 43 and 44 are configured and positioned within stereo viewer 40 such that when the user looks down and through them, images 41 and 42 fuse and are perceived as a realistic 3D model of the scene. Other types of stereoscopic images with corresponding viewers can similarly be presented to the user.
Note that this ability to simply tilt one's head forward to quickly consult a 3D model, while moving about with both hands free is a major advantage of the present invention with respect to handheld viewers such as the Google Cardboard™ or face-worn stereo viewers such as Samsung's Gear™.
Lenses 43 and 44 are affixed through horizontal viewer frame 45, which is supported and spaced above tablet computer 3 at their focal length by left and right viewer side frames 46 and 7. The lenses 43, 44 may be conventional convex magnification lenses as shown however other prior art optical configurations may to used. U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,898 by James Curtin discloses a useful prismatic lens configuration that is well-adapted for use in the present invention.
To improve optical performance, a useful configuration for lenses 43 and 44 (not illustrated) is to slideably mount them in frame 45 such that the distance between them can be adjusted to match the user's interpupillary distance. Nose cut-out 60 helps position a user's face on the stereo viewer 40. Side frames 46 and 47 are affixed to the horizontal portion of viewer frame 45 at left and right corners 50, 51 and angled such that their lower tablet-engagement fixtures 58 and 59 are positioned on or near the left and right edges of receiving case 4. In its preferred embodiment, the U-shaped structure of the viewer assembly is inwardly elastically biased to facilitate and enable the preferred means of engagement between viewer 40 and computer 3.
In
Corners 50 and 51 may be rigid monoliths formed at an approximate right-angle as shown. Alternatively, the corners 50, 51 may include a travel-stopped hinge (not illustrated) thereby enabling viewer side frames 46 and 47 to fold flat against the horizontal bridge portion of viewer frame 25. When thus folded (like conventional eyeglasses), viewer 40 can be conveniently stored and carried in a detachable storage pouch 14 that may be mounted on hinged screen cover 10.
The natural variability between different users' eyesight makes adjustable focus of lenses 43 and 44 desirable. One convenient way of providing that capability is to provide a plurality of viewer side frames 48 and 49 that enable the user to selectively affix viewer 40 to receiving case 4 at various heights (not illustrated).
Another feature that facilitates optimal viewing is the inclusion of a raised stand-off that protrudes from the stereo viewer immediately above lenses 23, 24 and spaces member 25 away from the user's face. This brow stand-off (not illustrated) is prior art from Curtin's “898” patent. When used in conjunction with nose cut-out 60 the brow stand-off forms a rudimentary “mask” onto which the user may tilt their face for faster registration and perception of the 3D stereo image. Another advantage of this rudimentary facemask is that when the user is lying prone in bed, gravity will cause the stereo viewer 40 to rest against their face. The brow stand-off and nose cut-out 60 will therefore make that face contact and pressure more ergonomic; cushioned edges may be provided along its contact edges to improve the user's facial comfort.
Note that by unhooking neckstrap cord 8B from the computer support's left fairlead hook 5 the computer 3 may be very quickly repositioned lower on the user's torso. Lengthening the neckstrap portion 8B can also be performed very quickly as per Kielland's PCT applications (above) to achieve the same lowering effect. Once lowered from upper-torso to lower-torso positions, if stereo viewer 40 is slid forward or removed and stored, the computer's 2D graphical user-interface can be used to perform a wide variety of conventional tablet computer tasks (including desktop applications when the swingarm is locked at 90 degrees). This ability to multitask between stereo viewing applications and 2D applications as well as making full use of the large-format tablet computer is a major advantage of the present invention with respect to small handheld viewers such as the Google Cardboard™ or face-worn stereo viewers such as the Oculus Rift™.
Note also that the space between the sides 46, 47 of the viewer 40 enable the user to access the computer's touchscreen to control the software and that this too is an advantage of the present invention with respect to closed-sided handheld viewers such as the Mattel's View-Master™ or closed-sided face-worn stereo viewers such as the Samsung Gear™.
A disadvantage of the present invention's open-access stereo viewing is that, in bright lighting conditions, the computer's display will have noticeably poorer contrast and be subject to unwanted reflections. To mitigate that image-quality problem, a light cloaking accessory may be provided that the user can deploy during lengthy viewing sessions in bright light conditions to create a local darkened viewing environment.
One embodiment of this light-cloaking device is a sheet of lightweight opaque light-cloaking fabric. To form a suitable light-cloak 61, one end of an approximately rectangular sheet of light-cloaking fabric is folded and fastened, e.g. sewn, together to form a “head-pocket” at one end that engages over the back of the user's head; the balance of fabric is dimensioned such that it can then be draped forward to hang past the edges of the deployed computer, thereby forming an opaque, tent-like viewing structure.
In
The general form of this “cloaking-hat” is similar to that of a “Legionnaire's Hat”; i.e. it includes an affixed sheet of cloaking fabric 61 that can hang down the back of the user's neck to prevent sunburn. In the case of the present invention, the hat's rear flap of cloaking fabric 61 is outlandishly large, thereby enabling to extend forward over the user's head and used as described above for improved viewing and operation of the body-worn computer 2. The length of cloaking fabric 61 overhanging the tablet computer 3 may terminate in one or more weights, magnets, a clamp, Velcro™ or similar fixation patches 63 to provide sufficient tension on the fabric 61 to maintain a tent-like structure.
To accommodate a mobile user wishing to quickly see out into the world a viewing flap 64 may be included in the tent-like structure that the user can open or shut as needed. This flap 64 may be invertible to be stored over a user's head.
When not formed as part of a hat 62 and not needed, the light-cloaking accessory 61 may be folded and carried in accessory bag 14.
To switch into its local viewing and navigation mode, the user grasps the front, overhanging edge of the viewing flap 64 and temporarily affixes it to the top of their cloaking-hat 62 using a Velcro or similar fixation so that it can quickly be redeployed over the computer 3. Alternatively, they can simply let the hat's entire light-cloaking portion hanging down their back for unobstructed viewing of the local environment.
The fabric used to form panel 70 is typically comprised of an inner foam-core 75 such as neoprene that gives it suitable flex characteristics. Inner fabric core 75 is bonded to outer layers of “UBL™” or “Velcro™ Loop” fabric 74 on both sides, thereby enabling Velcro™ hook fasteners to engage securely onto both sides of cargo panel 70. The UBL™ fabric surface 74 is preferably made of white polyester that enables digital images to be printed onto it using the dye-sublimation printing process commonly used to customize the fashion appearance of T-shirts.
Hinged screen-cover 10 is covered partially or wholly with a Velcro™ hook surface 76 that engages onto decorative cargo panel 70 to hold it in place. If computer 3 is a “laptop-style” or “Netbook” style of computer comprised of a hinged keyboard and display elements that form a clamshell computer rather than the “tablet-style” computer shown, the Velcro™ hook surface 76 used to attach panel 70 to the computer 3 is affixed to the back of the laptop's closed display panel (not illustrated) instead of the tablet computer's hinged cover 10.
Computer support 1 is configured in its desktop stand usage mode wherein the swingarm 7 is locked at right angles to computer 3, and affixed to the central portion of dashboard 80 by engaging swingarm 7 onto upper mounting fixtures 82 and 83. Said upper mounting fixtures 82, 83 are hook-shaped or spool-shaped appliances dimensioned to engage around the upper and lower edges of swingarm 7; the user having positioned and securely affixed both mounting fixtures 82, 83 to their car's dashboard 80 as shown, thereby enables said fixtures 82, 83 to support the weight of computer support 1 while the car is being driven.
Note that the weight of the wearable computer support assembly 1 is carried in part by the neckstrap cord fairleads 5 bearing onto dashboard console 88. Lower fairlead engagement fixtures 84 and 85 may be optionally affixed to console 86 to prevent marring of its finish. Note also that the orthogonal structure of computer support 1 can be installed at a position on dashboard 80 and console 88 such that bridges over the complex shape which comprise typical car dashboards. Note also that to access obstructed dashboard controls that might be located behind computer 3, the user can simply lift the lower edge of computer 3 to rotate it and swingarm 7 about its engagement points on upper fixtures 82 and 83. Removal of the computer support from the dashboard is instantaneous if the swingarm is then unhooked from its upper engagement fixtures 82, 83. Note also that while hanging on the dashboard 80, the weight of the structure and force vectors bearing onto it tend to lock it in place during rapid acceleration and deceleration.
Note that the neckstrap cord fairleads 5 shown in
When mobile usage of the laptop-style computer 3 is no longer needed, the user reconfigures it for transport by rotating its display portion 98 about hinge 99 to close it flush against its keyboard portion 97 (see
The left end 31 of waist strap 96 is shown deployed from its storage position on the user's waist (not shown) and is temporarily affixed with Velcro™ to swingarm 7, thereby fully stabilizing the computer support structure against the user's body while they are engaged in active motion (as previously described in PCT/CA2015/000276 and in PCT/CA2012/000342). The effect of constraining the left side of swingarm 7 is to provide a secure “tensegrity” style of wearing harness for computer 3 that is easily carried and deployed when needed and that provides optimal comfort and ergonomic efficiency while the computer is being used, regardless of whether the user is walking, standing sitting or reclining. As previously noted, the “computer” used in combination with computer support 1 may be a touchscreen “tablet” but might also be a compact “laptop” or “netbook” style of clamshell computer configuration as shown in
The “laptop-style” of computer shown in
An alternate methodology for configuring a dual-mode computer is practiced by Microsoft in their “Surface Book™” style of computer. Microsoft do not transform their laptop-style computer into a tablet-style computer by opening and rotating its touchscreen backward through 360 degrees (as practiced by Lenovo). Microsoft's dual-mode transformation is accomplished by the user detaching their touchscreen display portion 97 from hinge 99, rotating it horizontally through 180 degrees, whereupon re-attaching it to the hinge and closing it results in a handheld touchscreen tablet equivalent in functionality to that of a Lenovo's “Yoga-style” dual-mode computer 3. Both general methodologies result in equivalent dual-mode computer functionality and (with suitable modifications) are compatible with the present invention as described below.
The “laptop” and the “tablet” wearing modes of dual-mode computer support 95 each have advantages and disadvantages. The laptop configuration is optimal for mobile typing and for using the device while it is placed on a desktop (not illustrated). However, its hinged touchscreen display 98 limits mobility to some extent and it also precludes its use as a dashboard display (as shown in
The laptop-style computer illustrated in
“Chromebook™-style” computers which, unlike the MacBook™, have a touchscreen display. Lenovo's “Yoga Book™” or other fully-folding, dual-mode style of computer can also be attached to computer support 1 as shown in
An effective and relevant means for configuring an equivalent single-mode, laptop-style computer is disclosed by Leong et al in U.S. Pat. No. 9,069,527. Leong's aftermarket conversion accessory has been successfully commercialized under the brand name “Brydge™”; it effectively converts Apple's iPad™ “tablet” into a “laptop” by providing a pair of receiving brackets that are hinged to a keyboard. The device securely grips the handheld tablet and communicates keystroke data to and from the hinged keyboard via a Bluetooth datalink, thereby forming a laptop-style computer similar to that shown in
The “Brydge-style” of tablet-to-laptop conversion strategy is cost-effective because it enables millions of existing touchscreen tablet-style computers, such as Apple's iPad™ series or Samsung's Galaxy Tab™ series, to be retro-fitted with laptop functionality. Note however that each tablet make and model requires a custom gripping mean to fit its exact shape and size. Note that tablet-style computers have large radius lower edge fillets to facilitate handholding them and small radius top edge filets to maximize display area; therefore Leong's gripping clips are invariably asymmetrically shaped in order to hold the tablet with its display side facing the user.
Note also that once the handheld tablet is converted into a wearable laptop, it can no longer be used as such when used in combination with the wearable support 1 shown in
While mirror-imaging the shape of the friction grippers will enable Leong's device to serve as a dual-mode computer, the use of friction grippers are poorly suited to the forces imposed by the high-dynamic motion of mobile use of the device and rapid deployment of the swingarm 7. Therefore to further enhance performance of a “receiving case” rather than “gripping pincers” may be employed to hingedly affix the tablet to the keyboard portion 98, which can in turn be affixed to backplate 12 of computer support 1(95). The receiving case is comprised of a close-fitting protective rear shell that grips the perimeter of the tablet to provide a more robust grip suitable for mobile use. The snapped-on receiving case includes a pair of symmetrically located bayonet-style fixtures along its lower edge (not illustrated) that mate with corresponding fixtures on the hinge 99 of keyboard 97. Since front-to-back panel symmetry about hinge 99 is maintained, the direction of converted display portion 98 can be easily and precisely reversed to provide the two desired dual-mode computer configurations shown in
A serendipitous advantage of converting a tablet-style computer to form the display portion 98 of computer 3 is that, unlike most laptop-style computers, tablet-style computers typically include a high-quality camera on their rear surface (see 3A in
Various multi-axis 360-degree hinges exist that provide suitable friction characteristics and closing geometry for configuring a dual-mode computer for use with the present invention. Lenovo have devised a variety of hinge configurations that enable dual-mode usage (see U.S. Pat. No. 8,958,206, U.S. Pat. No. 8,687,354, US20150259959, US20150277506, U.S. Pat. No. 8,861,187, U.S. Pat. No. 9,009,919, US20110265288 and US20090070961). Nokia also has relevant prior art (US US20070164924, U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,440 and others). Other “living hinge” style of flexible hinges made of fabric or laser-cut metal are adaptable to rotatably mounting display portion 98 to keyboard portion 97 such that the two faces of each panel can be swung through 360 degrees. Angular position must be maintained throughout the display panel's rotational travel and high-friction multi-axis hinges are commonly available for single axis use in laptop displays. Using two pairs of these high-friction hinges with suitable inter-axis distances will provide a suitable hinge 99 for actuating display portion 98 with respect to keyboard portion 97 in the dual-mode computer embodiment 95 of the present invention. Since the present invention will be actively used and carried about in more active work environments than typical laptops, the closing friction of hinge 99 may be augmented by means of a positive latching mechanism that prevents inadvertent opening (not illustrated).
If a user mounts a Lenovo-style of dual-mode computer 3 onto backplate 12 for wearability and then attempts to rotate the touchscreen display portion 98 through 360 degrees so that it mates flush against the back of its keyboard portion 97, the thickness of backplate 12 shown in
Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the computer support 1 is used in combination with a folding dual-mode computer in which its multi-axis hinge elements have been configured to accommodate the thickness of backplate 24, thereby allowing touchscreen display portion to arrive flush against backplate 12 when fully rotated. The resulting new style of wearable computer 95 enables its user to selectively enjoy the benefits of both a laptop and a tablet style of computers while mobile. In another preferred embodiment, a handheld tablet such as Apple's iPad is gripped by clips hinged to a keyboard portion. The tablet-to-hinge gripping clips are symmetrically configured (not illustrated) such that the tablet can be removed and reinstalled in the opposite direction, thereby enabling the device to be mounted and used in combination with computer support 1 to form a wearable dual-mode computer 95.
An alternate strategy to achieve the same result is to incorporate the functional elements of backplate 12 (fairleads 5 and locking swingarm mounts 25) into the housing of keyboard portion 97 (not illustrated). This “OEM” embodiment requires more substantial redesign of a dual-mode computer or to a specific tablet-to-laptop retro-fitted keyboard adaptor however once tooling is complete it would reduce production costs.
Note that the Apple MacBook™ modeled in
Note that when a mobile user carrying their folded dual-mode wishes to use computer 3 for brief periods of handheld use, they will leave swingarm locked in its compact storage position and grasp in one hand while opening display panel 98 with the other. As the display panel is swung open, its rotation will inevitably be stopped when it contacts the nearby curved portion of the swingarm 7. For best ergonomic performance, users will want to open the display as far as possible and also avoid damaging the back of the display panel. Therefore, the swingarm can have an appropriately angled straight bevel is cut-out along its closest inside curve (not illustrated), thereby providing a flat arresting surface for the back of the display panel.
To help provide a wide opening angle for display panel 98, the sidearms of swingarm 7 may be extended somewhat, thereby increasing its contact distance. To further protect the panel 98 from being marred from repeated contacts against swingarm 7, its contact area may be protected by a patch of clear protective film such as 3M's Scotchguard paint protection film™ (not illustrated).
The appearance and functionality of the shoulderbag configuration of
In some work scenarios, users may wish to configure their dual-mode computer into its compact tablet configuration of
The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims which now follow. These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2913369 | Nov 2015 | CA | national |
