Patent Application
20190014840
The present invention relates to a novel application of perspiration absorption from the face of a user wearing a virtual reality Head Mounted Display (HMD). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of perspiration absorbing materials ergonomically fitted to the user's face to provide a sanitary shield between the user's face and the HMD. Due to the invention's ergonomic design, perspiration is prevented from entering the user's eyes preventing eye irritation while wearing a virtual reality HMD during vigorous active use.
As personal computer graphical processing power increases while component costs decrease, virtual reality gaming systems are becoming more affordable to the average personal electronics consumer. Large corporations are investing heavily in developing and actively selling virtual reality systems aimed at the computer gaming industry. The ability to play virtual reality games between geographically separated users over the Internet already exists. In addition to gaming, emerging virtual reality applications include virtual tourism, virtual house hunting, remote sensing, and others yet to be conceived. The virtual reality market is poised to experience growth analogous to that of the mobile digital game market which is just under $100B worldwide in 2016.
Current virtual reality systems require the user to wear a pair of stereo image projectors on their head to enable high definition visualization of the virtual environment in full three dimensions (3D). It is this high definition 3D visualization experience that gives the user a feeling of immersion in the virtual world. The Head Mounted Display (HMD) that provides the 3D visualization must seal out external light sources to create the high definition immersive experience.
The light seal of the virtual reality HMD has the side effect of also creating a vapor and thermal seal within the space between the HMD and the face of the user causing the user's face to perspire. The perspiration can become profuse if the user is engaged in a vigorous interactive game or application. Perspiration from the user's face can enter the user's eyes causing irritation and halting usage. The perspiration can also build up on the inside surface of the HMD as well as saturate interface material, typically a flexible soft porous foam, that fits between the HMD and the user's face.
If multiple users desire to share a single HMD in a group setting, there are sanitary issues involved. Cleaning the HMD takes time and slows usage. Most HMD manufactures provide a HMD-to-user interface made of a soft porous foam. The foam interface between the HMD and the user's face becomes saturated with perspiration, is difficult to clean and dry, and deteriorates with repeated use. Rubberized or silicon interfaces are available but they are expensive and also take time to clean. While the foam interfaces absorb perspiration, the rubberized and silicon interfaces are not absorbent and permit sweat to build up and enter the user's eyes causing irritation and halting usage.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a perspiration absorbing face pad made of perspiration absorbing material is worn on the face of the user providing a sanitary shield between the user's face and the virtual reality HMD as well as preventing perspiration from entering the user's eyes.
In one embodiment, the perspiration absorbing face pad can be made of washable material enabling multiple uses. In another embodiment, the face pad can be made of disposable materials enabling cost effective single use applications. Other embodiments include, but are not limited to, none, single, or multiple straps that hold the face pad in place on the user's head. The perspiration absorbing face pad can also be used with an optional HMD interface made of foam, silicon, or any other soft flexible material.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a perspiration absorbing face pad made of perspiration absorbing material is worn on the face of the user providing a sanitary shield between the user's face and the interface of the virtual reality HMD. Due to its ergonomic design, the perspiration absorbing face pad also prevents perspiration from entering the user's eyes. Since the face pad is designed to conform to a general user's face, it is not specific to any make or model of HMD and thus can be used with an HMD from any manufacturer.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/363,113 filed 15 Jul. 2016 (“Parent Provisional”), and hereby claims benefit of the filing dates thereof pursuant to 37 CFR § 1.78(a)(4). The subject matter of the Parent Provisional, in its entirety, is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
