FIELD
The present invention relates to headsets, and more particularly to virtual reality headsets.
BACKGROUND
Headset based displays are becoming more common. However, many of headsets are heavy or uncomfortable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an improved adjustable headset.
FIG. 2 is a view of one embodiment of the headset in a social mode.
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the headset showing eye relief adjustment.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the optics module.
FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the optical assembly from the bottom.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of the diopter adjustment mechanism.
FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of the IPD adjustment mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of the gearing for a combined diopter and IPD adjustment system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
An improved adjustable headset is described. The headset is designed for use with video, augmented reality, virtual reality, or other types of near eye displays. In one embodiment, the headset is adjustable in multiple ways, including Head Circumference, Eye Relief, IPD, Diopter and Vertical Position.
The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements, showing by way of illustration specific embodiments of practicing the invention. Description of these embodiments is in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. One skilled in the art understands that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical, functional and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is perspective view of one embodiment of a headset. In one embodiment, the headset 100 includes a halo 110 or strap encircling the user's head, and an optics module 120, or glasses, extending forward. In one embodiment, the glasses 120 can be positioned in front of the user's eyes as shown in FIG. 1, or can be lifted up, to be in “social mode.”
In one embodiment, head size adjustment enables the strap to fit the user's head properly. In one embodiment, the strap may be adjusted using an adjustment wheel 130. In one embodiment, the halo can be expanded or contracted by up to 150 mm of circumference, enabling the same headset to be worn by people of various head sizes.
The adjustment wheel 130 may be positioned on the back of the halo 110 (and thus the back of the user's head). Once the halo 110 is positioned on the head, the adjustment wheel 130 enables tightening or loosening of the halo 110 to arrive at a comfortable fit on the user's head, In one embodiment, by using a form-fitted halo 110, the movement of the glasses 120 can be accomplished without disrupting other settings. This enables the user to tip up the glasses, in a social mode, as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, a friction hinge is used for this adjustment. In another embodiment, a hinge having two set-points, an “in-use” and a “social” position is used, so that the glasses are stable in two positions. In one embodiment, the glasses are positioned horizontally, and then rotate about a hinge to the social mode.
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the headset showing eye relief adjustment. In one embodiment, the eye relief adjustment is achieved by sliding the glasses forward and back with respect to a point on the halo. In one embodiment, the range of motion is 25 mm. In one embodiment, the sliding is accomplished using fixed friction linear bearings. This allows the user to wear the headset with or without glasses and to adjust for optimal image quality. In one embodiment, the forward positioning of the glasses remains unadjusted when the user tips up the glasses to a social mode. In this way, the user may tip up the glasses to interact with others, and then tip down the glasses and get re-immersed in the VR/AR display without requiring re-adjustment of any other settings.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the optics module, which includes a display element, optics, and an eye box which encloses those elements (“optics module”). The eye box, in one embodiment, is a plastic and flexible fabric element which rests on the user's nose, positioning the optics module. In one embodiment, the flexible fabric is Lycra. In one embodiment, the nose portion is shaped, and the Lycra surrounds the eye box.
FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the optical assembly from the bottom. In one embodiment, the optical elements in the glasses may be adjusted for diopters and for inter-pupillary distance (IPD). In one embodiment, diopter adjustment is achieved by rotating a diopter dial 520 below the corresponding Left or Right Optical Subassembly 510. The diopter dial provides magnification and enables the use of the system without glasses.
In one embodiment, IPD adjustment is achieved by sliding the IPD slider 530 below the corresponding Left or Right Optical Subassembly 510.
In one embodiment, the diopter and IPD adjustment may be implemented in a dual adjustment mechanism with the primary axes of actuation being perpendicular to each other to avoid user confusion.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of one embodiment of the diopter adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, the diopter wheel rotates within the optics module. In one embodiment, the rotation is perpendicular to the optical element. The diopter adjustment moves the eye piece closer to or further from the user. In one embodiment, gearing within the eye piece enables this movement.
FIG. 7 is a diagram of one embodiment of the IPD adjustment mechanism. The IPD adjustment 710 is a slider which slides parallel to the optical element. In one embodiment, the slider moves the eye pieces closer or further apart. In one embodiment, each eye piece has its own adjustor. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the movement of the IPD adjustment slider also moves the diopter wheel position. However, the movement of the IPD adjustment slider does not alter the settings of the diopter wheel, only its position with respect to the optical element.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of one embodiment of the gearing for a combined diopter and IPD adjustment system. A wheel mechanism and slider mechanism are combined in to a single control that provides benefit to the user by concentrating two related adjustments into a single point of interaction. The adjustment wheel (shown in red) rotates a gear (green) connected to a cam wheel. The cam wheel moves a pin (gray) to change the diopter or focus setting. The slider (dear) moves the optical assembly side to side to change the inter pupillary distance setting.
This combination of adjustment mechanisms provides an improved headset with a simple but complete set of adjustment mechanisms.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Patent Application
20180196268
