GB2628980A

GB2628980A - A wearable display device and system

Info

Publication number: GB2628980A
Application number: GB2305274.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sharma Rajesh
Original assignee: Captivatiun Ltd
Current assignee: Captivatiun Ltd
Priority date: 2023-04-11
Filing date: 2023-04-11
Publication date: 2024-10-16
Also published as: WO2024213864A1; GB202305274D0

Abstract

A wearable display arrangement 10 comprises a display device (11, fig.1) including a body 12, and a display screen 13 mounted relative to the body. A first part of a removable attachment system in the form of a pair of a planar attachment plate 15 and a second part of a removable attachment system is provided in the form of a backing component 16 which is releasably engageable relative to the attachment plate to releasably secure the display device relative to a clothing article (14, fig.3). The attachment plate may be a metallic or ferrous layer to form part of a magnetic attachment system or the attachment plate itself could include ferrous or magnetic particles to form part of a magnetic attachment system with backing component. Preferably the screen is a flexible AM OLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode display). A wearable display system (fig.4) comprises the wearable display arrangement and a computer software program operating on a personal computing device 20 such as a smartphone 22, to allow a user to issue instructions to the at least one controller via a wireless communication module to change the media displayed on the display device 11. Preferably, media is pushed to the display which includes one or more animations or video media, including audio media. The media will relate to an event, or to a principal or person involved in the event.

Description

A WEARABLE DISPLAY DEVICE AND SYSTEM Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of display devices useable to display media and more particularly to a display device and system which is wearable by removable attachment to clothing.

Background to the Invention

With the advances in the quality of display devices, and more particularly the decrease in driving devices such as processors and memory, new uses for display devices are being developed.

With the new uses. also comes the need for bespoke devices to put the intended use into effect.

It would therefore be an advance in the art to provide a display device which is wearable by removable attachment to clothing.

Existing design solutions currently on the market do not satisfy the above requirements and the new design below solves all of the current issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable display arrangement comprising: a) a display device including: i. a body; ii. a display screen mounted relative to the body and iii. at least one first part of a removable attachment system; and b) at least one second part of a removable attachment system, rcleasably engageable relative to the at least one first part of a removable attachment system to releasably secure the display device relative to a clothing article.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wearable display system comprising a wearable display arrangement configured to be removably mounted relative to a clothing article, the display device including a body, a display screen mounted relative to the body and at least one first part of a removable attachment system and at least one second part of a removable attachment system, releasably engageable relative to the at least one first part of a removable attachment system to releasably secure the display device relative to a clothing article, at least one controller associated with the display device to control media displayed on the display device, a wireless communication module associated with the at least one controller and a computer software program operating on a personal computing device to allow a user to issue instructions to the at least one controller via the wireless communication module to change the media displayed on the display device.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wearable display system according to the second aspect further including a server operating a server computer software program in communication with the computer software program operating on a personal computing device, the server computer software program maintaining a library of media, at least one media item to be pushed to the computer software program operating on a personal computing device in real time upon the occurrence of an event, the at least one media item relating to the event, wherein the server computer software program is notified of the event occurring and the server computer software program selecting the at least one media item and pushing the at least one media item to the computer software program operating on a personal computing device in real time for display on the display device.

Providing a display device with a display screen and at least one first part of a removable attachment system and at least one second part of a removable attachment system allows the display device to be releasably secured relative to a clothing article by releasable engagement of the at least one first part of a removable attachment system and at least one second part of a removable attachment system, to temporarily mount the display relative to the clothing article.

The wearable display arrangement may preferably be worn on or relative to a clothing article. The wearable display arrangement may be worn on or relative to any type of clothing article. In one form, the clothing article may be an upper body clothing article for example a shirt or jacket or pullover.

The wearable display arrangement is preferably attachable to and detachable from the clothing article.

In one form, the attachment system preferably sandwiches a portion of the clothing article between the at least one first part of the removable attachment system and the at least one second part of the removable attachment system. The display device may have any shape. In one preferred embodiment, the display device may be circular or oval as these shapes provide excellent strength and also a lack of corner apices which could cause discomfort or injury to the wearer or others.

The display device may have any size. In one preferred embodiment, the display device may be between 5cm and 30cm in external cross-dimension. The display device is preferably thin, preferably no more than I cm in thickness.

The display device may be flexible.

The display device preferably includes a body. The display screen is preferably mounted relative to the body. The body may preferably be used to mount the display device relative to the clothing article. In this form, the body may be provided with the at least one first part of an attachment system. Alternatively, a mounting plate or similar may be provided in relation to the body with the at least one first part of an attachment system provided relative to the mounting plate or similar.

The body may be a flexible body The body will preferably be shaped, and the display screen will preferably be shaped correspond to the shape of the body. In one form, the body (and the display screen) may preferably be circular or oval in shape.

The body may be a planar body or include a substantially planar portion. The body may include at least one upstanding peripheral lip or wall to define an internal cavity/volume into which the display screen is received. The body will preferably be unitary body with a substantially planar backplate and a continuous peripheral lip extending about the outer edge of the backplate.

The body may be manufactured of any material. A plastic material may be particularly preferred. A plastic body may include one or more embedded materials such as a metallic or ferrous material in order to provide a magnetic engagement as a part of a magnetic attachment system. The body may include one or more layers, particularly on a rear surface thereof. Again, a metallic or ferrous layer may be provided on a rear surface of the body in order to form part of a magnetic attachment system.

Any metallic, magnetic or ferrous component will preferably be provided on an outer surface of the body. This may assist with shielding the electronic components of the display screen from any interference from any metallic, magnetic or ferrous components.

Locating the display screen within the internal cavity or volume of the body may assist with protecting the thinner side edges of the display screen.

As mentioned above, the body may simply be planar, without a peripheral lip and provided on a rear side of the display screen, however this is less preferred as the body in this form will not be able to protect the side edges of the display screen.

The display screen will preferably be sized to fit closely within the preferred cavity or volume of the body. The display screen will preferably be fixed relative to the body.

The display screen may be of any suitable type. Major technologies are LCD and its derivatives (Quantum dot display, LED backlit LCD, WLCD, OLCD, IPS-LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display), TFT), Plasma, Light-emitting diode (LED) display and its derivatives (OLED, Transparent OLED, PMOLED, AMOLED), and Electroluminescent (EL) display. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages.

For example, TFT is one of the best Liquid Crystal Display technologies in terms of image quality and response time. However, it also consumes more power and is more expensive.

A preferred display screen is an AM OLED (Active matrix organic light emitting diode display) display.

The display screen may preferably be a flexible display screen.

A controller may be provided on each display device. In an embodiment, the controller will preferably be a chipset 16 MHz 32 bit, with SWD interface. The chip will preferably include Bluetooth 5.1 communication capabilities. In an embodiment, a chipset measuring 2.0 x 1.7 mm is used, with on board memory, radio transceiver and integrated power management.

The display device will preferably be constructed using a number of layers. Typically, the layers will be built up one on top of one another. Preferably, each of the layers will extend over the entirety of the area of the display device. Each of the layers will typically be shaped according to the shape of the body.

A lower base layer is preferably provided. In an embodiment, a control board layer is preferably provided inside or above the body. Preferably, the control board layer is or includes a flexible control board in order to control the display. The control board layer may be integrated into or connected to the rear of a display layer. Other layers are preferably located or formed on top of the control board layer.

In an embodiment, a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) layer is provided. An LTPS layer preferably functions as a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer. Typically, a layer of this type is provided on or in or built upon, a substrate. Typically, the substrate is flexible. Although a rigid material such as glass may be used, is preferred that a flexible substrate is provided. The TFT layer may also be referred to as a TFT backplane.

Thin metal foils such as stainless steel, and thin polymer substrate materials can be used as substrates. Metal foil substrates offer the advantages of higher process temperature capability (for TFT fabrication), dimensional stability (no shrinkage of the substrate due to the temperature cycles associated with the TFT fabrication) and being impervious to oxygen and moisture. Limitations of metal foil substrates include requiring top emission OLED device architecture due to the opaqueness of the substrate, and poor surface smoothness characteristics.

Use of metal foil substrates typically requires consideration of the capacitive coupling (parasitic capacitance) of the substrate to the backplane. The metal foil substrates will generally need to be smoothed by either polishing (for example by using chemical-mechanical polishing), or by applying additional surface smoothing layers, to achieve acceptable yield of the TFT and OLED devices to be fabricated. The backside of the metal substrate will normally be protected from the process chemicals during the backplane fabrication. In general, a metal foil substrate, by itself, is a good barrier (for oxygen and moisture) and may not require an additional, lower, barrier layer. However, a display fabricated using the metal foil substrate my still require a good barrier layer to be applied on top of the preferred display layer.

A transparent plastic substrate has the advantage of being compatible with both the bottom emitting and the top emitting OLED device architectures. A transparent plastic substrate is also compatible with transmissive and transflective active matrix liquid crystal display (AIVI LCD) displays, thereby making them suitable for a broader range of applications. Also, some plastic substrate materials, such as polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) films (Teonex® brand -Q65), are fully compatible with the TFT fabrication chemistry.

Limitations of the plastic substrates include limited process temperature capability, lack of dimensional stability (during TFT processing involving high temperatures), and differences in the linear thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) between the plastic substrate and the TFT thin films. TC,F. mismatch is an issue for stainless steel substrates as well, particularly if higher process temperatures are utilized.

The nature of the TFT layer will normally be chosen based on a combination of considerations including high optical transmission in the visible range (>87%), low moisture pickup, reasonable dimensional stability, reasonable surface smoothness, compatibility with TFT process chemistry, and the reasonable TCE match with the TFT thin films.

A flexible plastic substrate is preferred. A polyester plastic substrate is more preferred. A polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) such as Teijin® Teonex® PEN film substrate is most preferred.

Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates in general, meet the requirements, including a TFT fabrication temperature of around 150°C. It should be noted that while PEN is superior to other available plastic substrates with respect to moisture pickup, dimensional stability, and smoothness etc., substantial improvements are still possible in these characteristics for active matrix organic light emitting diode display (AM OLED) applications.

A pre-stabilization process involving annealing of the plastic substrates in vacuum at 160°C to increase the dimensional stability may be used improve plastic substrate characteristics.

To reduce or preferably eliminate the dimensional changes associated with moisture absorption/de-sorption during TFT processing, a moisture barrier deposition process can be used. After the substrate pre-stabilization, and prior to the TFT array fabrication, a plasma deposited SiNx film can be deposited on both sides of the preferred PEN substrate. The SiNx film maintains the substrate's dimensional stability by eliminating moisture absorption during the TFT array fabrication processes, and the associated dimensional changes that occur with moisture absorption.

One or more display layers are preferably provided above the TFT backplane. Any type of display media may be used in or as the display layer. Typically, the display is provided in a single layer, preferably directly upon the TFT backplane.

As mentioned above, a variety of display screens can be considered for display applications. For a reflective display based on modulating the reflected ambient light, bistable display media such as electrophoretic, cholesteric LC mode, and MEMS type displays could be used. Bistable reflective displays have the excellent low-power potential. However, for night time viewability, front lighting is required which increases the display power consumption. Other general shortcomings of this type of display media are slower display response time, and poor colour capability compared to transmissive LCD displays and OLED displays.

AM OLED (Active matrix organic light emitting diode display) technology is preferred to provide a rugged, full colour, lightweight, low power and low-cost flexible displays. AM OLED technology based on rigid glass and flexible substrates is advancing rapidly. An AM OLED display based on a flexible plastic substrate is preferred.

Since the preferred plastic substrates are generally not impermeable enough to protect the OLEDs, a barrier layer will normally be added to the substrate, at least at an upper side. Further, whether using a plastic substrate or a stainless-steel substrate, the top side of the OLED will preferably be protected with an impermeable encapsulation layer. The OLED may be encapsulated on all sides using one or more encapsulation layers. The display may be completely encapsulated using one or more encapsulation layers.

For protection of an OLED display, any barrier layer should have a permeability less than le' gm/m2/day for moisture and le-5 mL/m2/day for oxygen.

A preferred AM OLED display is built from a number of layers. In an embodiment, the preferred AM OLED display includes a primer layer. The primer layer is preferably formed directly on top of the TFT backplane.

An anode layer is preferably provided. The anode layer is preferably formed on the primer layer by deposition.

An emissive layer is preferably provided. The emissive layer is preferably formed on the anode layer by evaporation. The emissive layer is preferably one or more light-emitting layers of an organic semiconductor material. Emission of light from the emissive layer is typically via the TFT (LTPS) layer.

A cathode layer is preferably provided. The cathode layer s preferably formed on the emissive layer by deposition.

Other layers may be provided to improve the functionality of the OLED layer. For example, the anode may be provided with an ultrathin layer of another organic semiconductor as a spacer layer between the anode layer and the light-emitting organic semiconductor layer which may improve electrical conductivity.

As mentioned above, at least one encapsulation or barrier layer may be provided. An encapsulation or barrier layer preferably comprises a multi-layer stack of inorganic barrier films and organic compliant films. In this scheme, the inorganic films serve as a barrier film for oxygen and moisture, organic layers serve the planarization/smoothing function, and multiple layers provide redundancy against pin hole defects in the barrier films.

The encapsulation layer is preferably transparent in the visible region and is compatible with top emission OLED displays.

A material such as PU/PVC-TPE/EPDM or similar material may be used to encapsulate the display. Typically, the material will be provided in an increased pressure situation and inject into the mould cavity where the display is located. The encapsulating material may be RIM moulded to encapsulate the display. Use of an appropriate material and process to encapsulate the display will generally mean that the encapsulating material cannot be removed from the display once the display is encapsulated.

Encapsulation of a 3-dimensional display will preferably form an encapsulated display. The encapsulation of a 3-dimensional display may be achieved using at least one glass layer. The at least one glass layer may be a tempered glass layer. The encapsulation layer may preferably extend entirely about the layered display and the fully encapsulated display may then be mounted to the body of the display device.

The encapsulated di splay is typically waterproof/weatherproof The encapsulated display is typically preferably sealed, including against heat and cold.

The encapsulation layer is preferably provided about all sides of the display screen before the display screen is mounted to/inserted into the body.

Preferably, the layers used in the display device are thin layers. In the OLED field, the term 'thin layer' is used to refer to layers that can be nanometre-thin layers.

In an embodiment, the TFT layer is laid down, followed by an AM OLED layer and an encapsulation layer follows the AM OLED layer. Each of these layers can comprise multiple internal layers.

Any type of power supply for the display system can be provided. Typically, the power supply will include one or more batteries. The or each battery will preferably hold a temporary charge in order to power the display device for a period of time. In an embodiment, the or each battery will be rechargeable. Preferably, a recharging mechanism will be used which does not require a connection and recharging using a wireless contact system, such as induction charging for example is preferred. The display device may be placed at least partially within a charging case for recharging.

In an embodiment, the display device may include a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may be provided on or associated with the control board layer. Preferably, the at least one communication module is offset from other components in the control board layer, particularly the on-board power supply, in order to minimise the thickness of the display device.

The at least one communication module will preferably send and/or receive information/instructions/requests in relation to the media to be displayed on the display device. The at least one communication module will typically be associated with the control board such that any information/instructions received can be acted on by the control board in order to adjust the display. Whilst any communication methodology can be followed, it is preferred that a system such as low energy Bluetooth® is used.

Information relating to the display and/or the media to be displayed will typically be stored on the control board. Information relating to the display and/or the media to be displayed may be transmitted to the control board in order to update the display. The control board may be provided with memory in order to store instructions or information relating to the display and the media to be displayed thereon.

The display will typically be operable in a display mode in which the display is operational and/or media is displayed thereon. The display will also preferably have an off mode where the display is inactive. When the display is inactive, a base colour may be provided such as grey or black for example.

The at least one first part of an attachment system and at least one second part of an attachment system preferably form an attachment system. As mentioned above, the attachment system will preferably be engageable through the clothing article. Any type of attachment system could be used for example one or more clips, buckles, studs or in a more preferred form, a magnetic attachment system each including at least one first part and at least one second part.

A magnetic attachment system is preferred as it will be less likely to damage or distort the clothing article. The magnetic attachment system may use at least one first magnet provided on the display device and at least one second magnet provided as the at least one second part of an attachment system. Alternatively, the magnetic attachment system may use at least one first magnet provided on the display device and at least one ferrous component provided as the at least one second part of an attachment system. Of course, the reverse configuration can be used with at least one ferrous component provided on the display device and at least one magnet provided as the at least one second part of the attachment system.

The provision of a magnetic attachment system is also beneficial in that the components of the magnetic attachment system can be provided on a flexible base in order to allow a flexible display device to move and be contoured with the clothing article as worn.

The at least one second part of the attachment system may preferably be located on an inner side of the clothing article and the display device provided on an outer side of the clothing article with a portion of the clothing article sandwiched therebetween.

The at least one second part of an attachment system may be provided on or relative to a backing component, particularly where multiple second parts are provided. The backing component may preferably be flexible. The backing component may include a flexible body with at least two second parts located thereon. The backing component may include plastic body including one or more embedded materials such as a metallic or ferrous material in order to provide a magnetic engagement as a part of a magnetic attachment system.

The backing component may be provided with a cover layer to both protect the second parts and also to add comfort, particularly as the backing component is preferably to be worn against the skin of the wearer of the clothing article.

Instructions for operation of the display device may be transmitted to the display device from a remote source. In an embodiment, a software application may be provided to operate on a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet for example, and through which a user can select media to be displayed on one or more display devices and then forward instructions to the display device(s) in order to cause the media to be displayed thereon.

Typically, the software application will require pairing or similar at first use in order to form a communication pathway between the software application and one or more display devices. Once the pairing has occurred at first use, the communication pathway will typically be revived when the display devices are to be used. This can occur through a sync functionality.

The software application may be provided to control all aspects of the operation of the display devices including powering on and off as well as any adjustment to the media displayed on any one or more of the display devices. The software application may generate and display one or more electronic interfaces on a display of a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet, allowing the user to control the display device. Normally, there will be an actuation button or similar in order to initiate any changes to the display, which will cause transmission of the instructions from the software application to the control board of the display device.

The instructions may be sent directly to the display devices from the personal computing device. The instructions may be sent to the display devices via a computer network.

The software application operating on the personal computing device or a remote server operating a server computer program may allow a user to set up a user profile and save preferences according to their use. A user may be able to purchase media to be displayed on the display device. A user will typically be able to purchase media through the software application operating on the personal computing device, obtain the media and send the media to one or more of their display devices in order to cause the appearance of the display devices to be adjusted accordingly and/or add to the library of media on the server.

The instructions may be stored on the control board or in the software application or on the server or any one or more of these in case the display device has a problem and require resetting or retransmission or reimplementation of the instructions to cause the display of the media thereon.

In the system embodiment, instructions may be issued from the personal computing device directly to the display device or alternatively, instructions may be issued from the remote server operating the server computer program to the personal computing device and then in turn to the display device. In an embodiment, the remote server operating the server computer program could issue instructions directly to the display device.

In embodiments including the remote server operating a server computer program, the remote server is preferably associated with a real time event data feed.

The server computer program may monitor the real time event data feed such that once an event occurs, the server computer program can immediately select media to be displayed on the display device and push the media and/or instructions to display the media to the personal computing device which in turn pushes the media and/or instructions to display the media to the display device.

Preferably, the media will include one or more animations or video media but may be or include audio media. Preferably, the media will relate to the event, or more preferably, to a principal or person involved in the event.

In an embodiment, updating the display of the display device will preferably temporarily fix the display on the display device until updated further. In other words, the display of the display device, once instructions have been issued will typically display the media instructed for a set period of time, until the display device is then instructed to change the media displayed to different media.

The display device may preferably operate in a passive or static mode, displaying a fixed image or media and then, when an event occurs, the display device may move to displaying media which is expressive or moving or video media in relation to the event which has occurred.

Preferably, the expressive/moving/ video media may be displayed for a period of time. Once the period of time has passed, the display device may preferably switch back to display of the passive or static media.

As an example, in which the wearable display is used in a sporting context, the passive or static mode may include a club logo being displayed. When a goal is scored in a match in which the wearer is interested, the display may then be switched to an animation of the player who scored the goal in celebration for a set period of time, for example 30 seconds up to 3 minutes. Once the time has passed, the display is then switched back to the passive or static mode including the club logo, until the next event occurs.

The switching from passive or static mode to the event specific display and then back to the passive or static mode may occur according to real-time information gathered from the data feed. For example, if the scoring decision is reviewed, the event specific display may be displayed for a longer period of time while the decision is under review. Alternatively, if a goal is scored and not reviewed, the display may be switched back to the passive or static mode when play is restarted.

The switching may therefore be dependent upon real-time information feed of events as they occur. The event specific media which is displayed in the event specific display may be of any type but will preferably relate to the event which has occurred and/or a person involved in the event.

As mentioned above, a library of media may be maintained for a variety of different events with a variety of different persons involved and the server computer program may make a selection of appropriate media according to information received from the real time data feed and then push the selected media to the personal computing device and/or display device, for display.

The wearable display arrangement may utilise a geolocation function to ascertain the location of the wearable display arrangement in order to access and event data feed. For example, the display device may include a location receiver, for example a GPS receiver in order to determine its location, or a linked personal computing device may have a location receiver, for example a GPS receiver in order to determine its location.

Once the location of the wearable display arrangement has been established, a controlling software application, such as that operating on a linked personal computing device, may then suggest one or more events which are occurring or are about to occur in the locale, and prompt a user to select an event which they are attending or interested in, so as to access the real-time data feed for the selected event.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a display device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the wearable display arrangement including the display device illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of a shirt with a display device as illustrated in Figure 1, attached thereto.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a first implementation of a system including the display device as illustrated in Figure L Figure 5 is a schematic view of a second, more preferred implementation of a system including the display device as illustrated in Figure 1.

A wearable display arrangement 10 according to a preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2 in particular. The wearable display arrangement 10 comprises a display device 11 including a body 12, and a display screen 13 mounted relative to the body 12. A first part of a removable attachment system in the form of a pair of a planar attachment plate 15 is shown in Figure 1. A second part of a removable attachment system is provided in the form of a backing component 16 which is releasably engageable relative to the attachment plate 15 to releasably secure the display device relative to a clothing article 14.

As shown in Figure 2, the display device 11 can be worn on or relative to a clothing article. The display device 11 is attachable to and detachable from the clothing article 14.

In the illustrated form, the two-part attachment system sandwiches a portion of the clothing article 14 between the first part 15 of the removable attachment system and the second part 16 of the removable attachment system.

The display device 11 shown is circular or oval as these shapes provide excellent strength and also a lack of corner apices which could cause discomfort or injury to the wearer or others.

In one preferred embodiment, the display device 11 may be between 5cm and 30cm in external cross-dimension. The display device 11 is preferably thin, preferably no more than 1cm in thickness.

The display device 11 may be flexible.

The display device 11 illustrated includes a body 12 with a single display screen mounted relative to the body 12. In this form, it is the body 12 which is used to mount the display device 11 relative to the clothing article 14.

In this form, the body is provided with the planar attachment plate 15 as the first part of an attachment system.

The body 12 of this embodiment is a flexible body.

The body 12 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the display screen 13 and the display screen 13 and the body of the illustrated embodiment are both circular.

The body 12 includes a substantially planar portion 18 with an upstanding peripheral lip or wall 17 to define an internal cavity/volume (not shown) into which the display screen 13 is received. The body 12 will preferably be unitary body.

The body 12 may be manufactured of any material. A plastic material is particularly preferred. A plastic body may include one or more embedded materials such as a metallic or ferrous material in order to provide a magnetic engagement as a part of a magnetic attachment system.

In the illustrated form, the attachment plate 15 is provided on a lower surface of the body. The attachment plate 15 may be a metallic or ferrous layer to form part of a magnetic attachment system or the attachment plate 15 itself could include ferrous or magnetic particles to form part of a magnetic attachment system with backing component 16.

Locating the display screen 13 within the internal cavity or volume of the body 12 as shown in Figure 1, may assist with protecting the thinner side edges of the display screen 13. The display screen 13 is sized to fit closely within the cavity or volume of the body 12 and is fixed relative to the body 12.

A preferred display screen 13 is a flexible AM OLED (Active matrix organic light emitting diode display) display screen.

A controller may be provided on each display device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller is provided on a flexible circuit board 19 and includes a chipset 16 MHz 32 bit, with SWD interface. The chip will preferably include Bluetooth 5.1 communication capabilities. In an embodiment, a chipset measuring 2.0 x 1.7 mm is used, with on board memory, radio transceiver and integrated power management.

As shown in Figure 2, the display device 11 can be constructed using a number of layers. The layers are built up one on top of one another. As shown, each of the layers extend over the entirety of the area of the display device 11 and are shaped according to the shape of the body 12. Once the layers are put together, an encapsulation layer 20 is provided entirely about the layered display and then the encapsulated display is located in the cavity on the body 12 and fixed in place.

In the illustrated embodiment, a flexible control board layer is provided in order to control the display. The control board layer may be integrated into or connected to the rear of a display layer. Other layers are located or formed on top of the control board layer.

In the illustrated embodiment, a low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) layer is provided. An LTPS layer preferably functions as a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer. Typically, a layer of this type is provided on or in or built upon, a substrate. Typically, the substrate is flexible. The TFT layer may also be referred to as a TFT backplane.

One or more display layers are preferably provided above the TFT backplane.

Any type of display media may be used in or as the display layer. Typically, the display is provided in a single layer, preferably directly upon the TFT backplane.

The preferred AM OLED display is built from a number of layers. In an embodiment, the preferred AM OLED display includes a primer layer. The primer layer is preferably formed directly on top of the TFT backplane. An anode layer is preferably provided. The anode layer is preferably formed on the primer layer by deposition.An emissive layer is preferably provided. The emissive laver is preferably formed on the anode layer by evaporation. The emissive layer is preferably one or more light-emitting layers of an organic semiconductor material. Emission of light from the emissive layer is typically via the TFT (LIPS) layer.A cathode layer is preferably provided. The cathode layer is preferably formed on the emissive layer by deposition.

Other layers may be provided to improve the functionality of the OLED layer(s). For example, the anode may be provided with an ultrathin layer of another organic semiconductor as a spacer layer between the anode layer and the light-emitting organic semiconductor layer which may improve electrical conductivity.

As mentioned above, at least one encapsulation layer 20 is then provided completely about the layered display. An encapsulation or barrier layer preferably comprises a multi-layer stack of inorganic barrier films and organic compliant films. In this scheme, the inorganic films serve as a barrier film for oxygen and moisture, organic layers serve the pl an ari zati on/sm oothing function, and multiple 1ayers provide redundancy against pin hole defects in the barrier films.

Encapsulation of a 3-dimensional display will preferably form an encapsulated display. The encapsulation of a 3-dimensional display may be achieved using at least one glass layer. The at least one glass layer may be a tempered glass layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the encapsulation layer 20 extends entirely about the layered display and the fully encapsulated display may then be mounted to the body 12 of the display device 11 The encapsulated display is typically waterproof/weatherproof. The encapsulated display is typ catty preferably sealed, including against heat and cold.

Any type of power supply for the display device 11 can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment" the power supply includes one or more batteries 21. The or each battery 21 will preferably hold a temporary charge in order to power the display device 11 for a period of time. In an embodiment, the or each battery 21 is rechargeable and recharging using a wireless contact system, such as induction charging for example is preferred.

In an embodiment, the display device may include a wireless communication module (not shown) on the FCB layer. Preferably, the at least one communication module is offset from other components in the control board layer, particularly the on-board power supply, in order to minimise the thickness of the display device 11.

The at least one communication module will preferably send and/or receive information/instructions/requests in relation to the media to be displayed on the display device. The at least one communication module will typically be associated with the control board such that any information/instructions received can be acted on by the control board in order to adjust the display. Whilst any communication methodology can be followed, it is preferred that a system such as low energy Bluetooth' is used.

The display device 11 will typically be operable in a display mode in which the display is operational and/or media is displayed thereon. The display device will also preferably have an off mode where the display screen is inactive.

The at least one first part of an attachment system and at least one second part of an attachment system preferably form an attachment system. As mentioned above, the attachment system will preferably be engageable through the clothing article.

A magnetic attachment system is preferred as it will be less likely to damage or distort the clothing article. The magnetic attachment system may use at least one ferrous component provided on the display device 11, in the embodiment illustrated, associated with the attachment plate 15 and at least one magnet provided as the at least one second part of the attachment system in the backing component 16.

In use, the backing component 16 located on an inner side of the clothing article 14 and the display device 11 is provided on an outer side of the clothing article 14 with a portion of the clothing article sandwiched therebetween and the arrangement maintained in place by the magnetic force.

The backing component 16 is preferably flexible. The backing component 16 may include flexible plastic body including one or more embedded materials such as a metallic or ferrous material in order to provide a magnetic engagement as a part of a magnetic attachment system.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the wearable display system may comprise a wearable display arrangement 10 configured to be removably mounted relative to a clothing article 14 and a computer software program operating on a personal computing device such as a smartphone 22, to allow a user to issue instructions to the at least one controller via the wireless communication module to change the media displayed on the display device 11.

Instructions for operation of the display device 11 may be transmitted to the display device 11 from a remote source. In an embodiment, a software application may be provided to operate on the smart phone 22, through which a user can select media to be displayed on the display device 11 and then forward instructions to the display device 11 in order to cause the media to be displayed thereon.

The software application may be provided to control all aspects of the operation of the display devices including powering on and off as well as any adjustment to the media displayed on any one or more of the display devices. The software application may generate and display one or more electronic interfaces on a display of a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet, allowing the user to control the display device or configure the media to be displayed thereon. Normally, there will be an actuation button or similar in order to initiate any changes to the display, which will cause transmission of the instructions from the software application to the display device.

The instructions may be sent directly to the display devices from the personal computing device. The instructions may be sent to the display devices via a computer network or directly via a link.

In embodiments including the smart phone 22, the smart phone 22 may have access to a real time event data feed. The computer program operating on the smart phone 22 may monitor the real time event data feed such that once an event occurs, the computer program operating on the smart phone 22 can immediately select media to be displayed on the wearable display and push the media and/or instructions to display the media to the display device 11 of the wearable display arrangement.

In the more preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the wearable display system may further include a server 23 operating a server computer software program in communication with the computer software program operating on the smartphone 22, the server computer software program maintaining a library of media, at least one media item to be pushed to the computer software program operating on the smartphone 22in real time upon the occurrence of an event, the at least one media item relating to the event, wherein the server computer software program is notified of the event occurring and the sewer computer software program selecting the at least one media item and pushing the at least one media item to the computer software program operating on the smartphone 22 in real time for display on the display device 11.

The software application operating on the smartphone 22 or a remote server 23 operating a server computer program may allow a user to set up a user profile and save preferences according to their use. A user may be able to purchase media to be displayed on the display device 11. A user will typically be able to purchase media through the software application operating on the smartphone 22, obtain the media and send the media to their display device 11 in order to cause the appearance of the display device 11 to be adjusted accordingly and/or add to the library of media on the sewer 23.

The instructions may be stored on the control board or in the software application or on the server 23 or any one or more of these, in case the display device 11 has a problem and require resetting or retransmission or reimplementation of the instructions to cause the display of the media thereon.

In embodiments including the remote server 23 operating a server computer program, the remote sewer 23 is preferably associated with a real time event data feed. The server computer program may monitor the real time event data feed such that once an event occurs, the server computer program can immediately select media to be displayed on the wearable display and push the media and/or instructions to display the media to the smartphone 22 across a wireless network 24 which in turn, pushes the media and/or instructions to display the media to the display device 11.

In an embodiment, updating the display of the display device 11 will preferably temporarily fix the display on the display device 11 until updated further. In other words, the display of the display device 11, once instructions have been issued, will typically display the media instructed for a set period of time, until the display device 11 is then instructed to change the media displayed to different media.

The display device 11 may preferably operate in a passive or static mode, displaying a fixed image or media and then, when an event occurs, the display device 11 may move to displaying media which is expressive or moving or video media in relation to the event which has occurred.

Preferably, the expressive/moving/ video media may be displayed for a period of time. Once the period of time has passed, the display device 11 may preferably switch back to display of the passive or static media.

As an example, in which the wearable display arrangement is used in a sporting context, the passive or static mode may include a club logo being displayed. When a goal is scored in a match in which the wearer is interested, the display may then be switched to an animation of the player who scored the goal in celebration for a set period of time, for example 30 seconds up to 3 minutes. Once the time has passed, the display is then switched back to the passive or static mode including the club logo, until the next event occurs.

The switching may therefore be dependent upon a real-time information feed of events as they occur. The event specific media which is displayed in the event specific display may be of any type but will preferably relate to the event which has occurred and/or a person involved in the event.

As mentioned above, a library of media may be maintained for a variety of different events with a variety of different persons involved and the server computer program may make a selection of appropriate media according to information received from the real time data feed and then push the selected media to the smartphone 22 and/or display device 11, for display.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSA wearable display arrangement comprising: a. a display device including a body, a display screen mounted relative to the body and at least one first part of a removable attachment system, and 2. 3. 5. 6.b. at least one second part of a removable attachment system, releasably engageable relative to the at least one first part of a removable attachment system to releasably secure the display device relative to a clothing article.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one first part of the removable attachment system and the at least one second part of the removable attachment system sandwiches a portion of the clothing article therebetween.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the display device is flexible.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is a flexible body.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes a substantially planar portion and at least one upstanding peripheral lip or wall to define an internal cavity into which the display screen is received.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes one or more embedded magnetic or ferrous material in order to provide a magnetic engagement as a part of a magnetic attachment system.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the display screen is a flexible display screen.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the display device further comprises a controller. 10. H. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the display device further comprises at least one encapsulation or barrier layer provided about all sides of the display screen.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the display device further comprises an onboard, wireless rechargeable power supply.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the display device further comprises a wireless communication module.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one first part of an attachment system and at least one second part of an attachment system form a magnetic attachment system.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one second part of the attachment system is provided on or relative to a backing component.
A wearable display arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the backing component is flexible.
A wearable display system comprising a wearable display arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims configured to be removably mounted relative to a clothing article, at least one controller associated with the display device to control media displayed on the display device, a wireless communication module associated with the at least one controller and a computer software program operating on a personal computing device to allow a user to issue instructions to the at least one controller via the wireless communication module to change the m edi a displayed on the display device.
A wearable display system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the personal computing device has access to a real time event data feed, monitors the real time event data feed such that once an event occurs, the computer program operating on the personal computing device selects media to be displayed on the display device and push the media and/or instructions to display the media to the display device.
17. A wearable display system as claimed in claim 15 further including a server operating a server computer software program in communication with the computer software program operating on a personal computing device, the sewer computer software program maintaining a library of media, at least one media item to be pushed to the computer software program operating on a personal computing device in real time upon the occurrence of an event, the at least one media item relating to the event, wherein the server computer software program is notified of the event occurring and the sewer computer software program selecting the at least one media item and pushing the at least one media I 0 item to the computer software program operating on a personal computing device in real time for display on the display device.
18. A wearable display system as claimed in claim 17 wherein the remote server is associated with a real time event data feed and monitors the real time event data feed to ascertain when the event occurs.
19. A wearable display system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the media displayed is event specific media comprising one or more still image, one or more animations, video media and/or audio media.
20. A wearable display system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the media relates to the event which has occurred and/or to a principal or person involved in the event.
21 A wearable display system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20 wherein the display device operates in a passive or static mode, displaying a fixed image and when an event occurs, the display device displays the at least one media item.
22. A wearable display system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the at least one media item is displayed for a period of time and once the period of time has passed, the display device switches back to display of the fixed image.
23. A wearable display system as claimed in claim 21 when dependent on either claim 15 or claim 18 wherein the at least one media item is displayed and the display device switches back to display of the fixed image based on real-time information gathered from the data feed.
24. A wearable display system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23 wherein a library of media is maintained for a variety of different events, with a variety of different persons involved and the computer software program operating on a personal computing device and/or the sewer computer program selects appropriate media and then pushes the selected media to the display device, for display.
25. A wearable display device or wearable display system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 15 to 23 wherein the display device or a linked personal computing device includes a location receiver, to determine its location, such that once the location has been established, a controlling software application suggests one or more events which are occurring or are about to occur at the location, and prompts a user to select an event which they are attending or interested in, so as to access to access a real time event data feed for the selected event.