Optical head-mounted displays for laser safety eyewear
Inventors
Inman, Jennifer A. • Danehy, Paul M. • Perkins, Brian K. • Peters, Christopher J.
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-10690918-B2
Publication Date
2020-06-23
Expiration Date
2037-12-05
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
According to certain examples, a head-mounted apparatus includes a safety eyewear component and an optical display coupled to the safety eyewear component. The safety eyewear component is configured to be worn of a head of an operator and to block transmission of a laser light therethrough. The optical display is configured to receive data associated with the laser light and to display a visual representation of the laser light in a field of view of the operator. In other examples, an apparatus includes a display, a sensor, at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive, from the sensor, data associated with a laser light, process the data, and provide an image to the display, such as a representation of the laser light.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to head-mounted apparatuses, systems, and methods that allow laser operators to safely view laser light and experimental equipment while using high-powered lasers. These apparatuses enable the alignment of a laser beam even at low power settings without requiring cumbersome camera or image monitoring equipment. The head-mounted apparatus includes a safety eyewear component configured to block transmission of laser light and an optical display that receives data associated with the laser light and displays a visual representation of the laser in the operator's field of view.
The safety eyewear component may include filters corresponding to specific laser wavelengths or ranges, and the optical display can process data to depict the laser beam's path. It provides augmented reality displays showing the beam and related information such as power meter readings or beam profiles. The apparatus may also include input devices for modifying display settings and can communicate with remote computing systems. The components can be removably coupled to a head-mounted frame and positioned relative to the operator's eyes.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two main independent claims describing inventive apparatus and system features related to laser visualization and safety eyewear.
Augmented reality visualization of laser light beam
An apparatus comprising a display, sensor detecting scattered or reflected laser light, a processor, and memory with computer-readable instructions that cause the display to show a simulated projection of the laser beam as an augmented reality image mimicking the actual laser beam's projection in the operator's field of view.
Head-mounted laser safety system with modular components
A system including a head-mounted frame with a removably coupled safety lens module to block laser light and an optical display module that receives sensor data and provides an augmented reality visual representation of the laser beam. The system allows wearing the safety lens module, optical display module, or both, and includes lens inserts rated for specific laser wavelengths.
The independent claims focus on the integration of sensor data processing and augmented reality displays for laser beam visualization within a head-mounted apparatus providing laser eye protection, enabling real-time, spatially accurate laser alignment while ensuring operator safety.
Stated Advantages
Combining laser safety eyewear, an optical head-mounted display, and real-time image processing into a single integrated system.
Allowing laser operators to visualize laser light at lower power settings, improving safety and efficiency.
Enabling visualization of invisible laser light (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet) outside the human visible spectrum.
Documented Applications
Laser beam alignment by operators wearing laser safety eyewear.
Safe viewing of laser beams and experimental equipment during operation of high-powered lasers.
Visualization and alignment of high-powered lasers, including invisible wavelengths such as infrared Nd:YAG lasers.
Use in welding operations as an example beyond laser operation.
Interested in licensing this patent?