Patent Application
20190204606
One or more embodiments of the invention are related to the field of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality systems, wherein any reference herein to virtual reality includes augmented reality and mixed reality uses. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, one or more embodiments of the invention enable a virtual reality headset that enables a user to comfortably rest his or her head backwards on a rear head support, such as for example a chair or a pillow and for example rotate the user's head while engaging the rear head support.
Virtual reality headsets known in the art are typically large and bulky. Because of their size and weight, they are often uncomfortable for a user to wear for an extended period of time. The large form factor for these headsets also generally restricts the user to using the headset with the head leaning forward. In particular, headsets usually wrap around a user's head and consist of rigid materials. These existing headset designs make it impossible or uncomfortable for a user to lean the head backward into a rear head support, such as chair, pillow, or bed. This limitation means that users cannot use existing headsets while lying down in a bed, for example, or while leaning back into an airplane seat or a car set with a head support.
For at least the limitations described above there is a need for a virtual reality headset that enables use with a rear head support.
One or more embodiments described in the specification are related to a virtual reality headset that enables use with a rear head support. Embodiments of the system may have a physical configuration that combines relatively small front goggles with a comfortable, compliant rear headband, thereby enabling a user to use the system while leaning backwards or lying down. Embodiments may include headsets that support virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, or any combinations thereof
One or more embodiments of the invention may include a goggle assembly configured to conform to the user's front face, a headband configured to conform to the back of the user's head, and left and right connectors coupling the goggles to the headband. The goggle assembly may have a housing that extends no further back than the front of the user's ears. Within the housing may be one or more displays, and left and right lenses in front of the user's eyes.
The headband may be configured for a snug but comfortable fit that also allows the user to rest the head on a rear head support. For example, one or more embodiments may have a relatively thick center portion of the headband at the back of the user's head, which may function as a pillow. All or part of the headband may be made of a compliant material, such as a foam, sponge, or gel. The compliant material may be relatively soft, having for example an Indentation Load Deflection rating of 10 pounds or less.
The connectors that couple the headband to the goggles may be connected to expansion springs that allow the headset to accommodate different head sizes. Expansion springs may be integrated into either or both of the goggles and the headband.
One or more embodiments may incorporate one or more speakers, such as left and right speakers for stereo audio. In one or more embodiments, the speakers may not cover or contact the ears, but may instead be integrated into the goggles or the headband. This configuration may increase the user's comfort and range of motion, and may allow the user to rest the side of the head against a support. Sound paths may be integrated into either or both of the goggles and the headband to direct sound from the speakers towards the user's ears. In one or more embodiments, the sound paths may also function as acoustic cavity resonators to amplify or modify certain audio frequencies. One or more embodiments may support haptic feedback by incorporating one or more vibration actuators into the goggles, the headband, or both.
In one or more embodiments, the goggles may have an intraocular distance adjustment mechanism that may be used to adjust the distance between the left lens and the right lens in the goggles. The intraocular distance adjustment mechanism may be manual or it may be partially or fully automatic. For example, in one or more embodiments, the intraocular distance adjustment mechanism may use previously stored information for the desired intraocular distance for a specific user, and it may actuate relative motion between the lenses to set the inter-lens distance to this desired value for the user. The adjustment mechanism may for example include a motor coupled to a worm drive that is coupled to the left and right lenses. One or more embodiments may also provide support for measuring the intraocular distance for a user and storing this data in a database, so that the intraocular distance for this user can be automatically set in the future when this user uses the headset.
One or more embodiments may include a power supply assembly that is physically separated from the goggles and the headband. Use of a separate power supply assembly may for example reduce the weight and size of the components mounted on the user's head, further increasing comfort and mobility for the user. The power supply assembly may for example contain batteries or another source of power; it may be connected to the headband or the goggles via a power cable. The power supply assembly may be configured to be attached to any part of the user's body. For example, in one or more embodiments the power supply assembly may be integrated into a collar that may be worn around the user's neck.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
A virtual reality headset that enables use with a rear head support will now be described. In the following exemplary description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.
In one or more embodiments, headband 102 may be formed from one or more soft, compliant materials to maximize user comfort. The headband may function as a pillow, allowing the user to rest the head backwards against a support surface such as a chair or a bed. For example, the headband may have a foam, sponge, or gel interior, and a cloth or leather exterior surface. In one or more embodiments, the interior of the headband may contain air pockets or be inflatable. In one or more embodiments, the headband may be sufficiently soft and compliant to have an Indentation Load Rating of between 0-1 pounds, 1-5 pounds, 5-10 pounds or less; this rating may apply for the entire headband or for a portion such as the back segment 102c. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the headband may be greater in the back segment 102c than in the side segments 102a and 102b. For user comfort and to support resting the head against supports, the headset may be configured so that any large, rigid components are not located in the headband. In one or more embodiments, the headband may contain some electronics, but these components may be relatively small and may be surrounded for example by foam so that user comfort is not compromised. The shape and materials of headband 102 may be selected to provide an optimal balance between a secure fit and user comfort.
In one or more embodiments, front goggles 101 may be shaped to conform closely to the user's face. The materials of the inner surface of the goggles may be compliant to maximize comfort and fit. For example, the inner surface of the goggles that contacts the user's face may be made of cloth, foam, or a soft plastic or rubber. The shape of the goggles may be configured to fit closely and snugly to the user's face so that the goggles do not slip when the user turns the head or rests the head against a support. In one or more embodiments, the distance that goggles 101 extend outward beyond the side of the head are minimal and the thickness of side segments 102a and 102b are such that the user may effectively rotate the user's head a full 180 degrees from side to side while supported from the rear, wherein where rotated the side segments are in contact with the rear support. This is unknown in the art as virtual reality goggles are made for vertical use and protrude from the side portion of the head such that rotation through 180 degrees is not possible.
The embodiment of
In the embodiment shown in
The interocular distance adjustment mechanism illustrated in
In one or more embodiments, the motor 512 and the mechanism for moving the lenses may be controlled so that the inter-lens distance is adjusted automatically to the correct distance when a user starts using the headset. For example, a database 520 may contain the correct interocular distance (IOD) for a collection of users. This database may be stored on the headset itself (for example in memory accessible to the headset electronics), or may be stored remotely from headset. The database may be any information in any format stored on any medium or media that associates a user identifier with an intraocular distance. When a user begins using the headset, a user recognition procedure 530 may be performed to identify the user. One or more embodiments may use any procedure to identify a user, including for example, without limitation, touch ID (for example using a fingerprint reader), face ID (for example using a camera with face recognition capabilities), key login using a token or password (or both), and retina scanning integrated into the headset goggles. User recognition may be performed locally on the headset, or remotely from the headset. For example, the virtual reality headset may have an integrated fingerprint reader, facial recognition camera, or retina scanner. If user recognition is performed remotely from the headset, data may be transferred to the headset for example over a network connection to generate the necessary motor controls to adjust the IOD.
Once user recognition 530 is performed, the IOD associated with the user is obtained from database 520, and is transmitted to motor controller 513 that actuates motor 512 to move the lenses to this IOD. The motor controller 513 may be for example embedded in hardware and software on the headset. Alternatively, portions of motor control logic may be executed remotely from the headset, and low-level motor controls (such as voltages or RPMs) may be transmitted to the headset for execution by motor 512. One or more embodiments may perform any or all of the functions shown in
In one or more embodiments, the system may also provide support for constructing the database 520. For example, an IOD calibration procedure 540 may be used for a new user to determine that user's IOD for database 520. IOD calibration may for example be performed using remote control adjustment 541, wherein a calibration image is displayed on the headset and the user remotely controls the IOD adjustment mechanism to adjust the lens distance to the optimal setting. For example, the user may use a computer, tablet, phone, or similar device to modify the IOD and to indicate when the distance is optimal. Another IOD calibration procedure that may be supported in one or more embodiments is measurement of the IOD 542, using for example, a retina scan integrated into the headset. For example, the IOD may be measured with a laser or with any other measurement sensor or sensors. Manual adjustment such as procedure 541 and automated measurement such as procedure 542 may be combined in one or more embodiments; for example, the system may make an initial measurement of the IOD, and the user may thereafter make fine adjustments using remote input.
In one or more embodiments, one or both of the goggles and the headset may include components for generating sound or vibration.
One or more embodiments of the invention may also incorporate haptic devices such as vibration actuators into the headset. These actuators may be incorporated into either or both of the goggles and the headband.
In one or more embodiments, the coupling between the front goggles and the headband may be configured to support a secure fit for different head sizes.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, power supplies such as batteries or power adapters may be located off the headset itself in order to reduce the size and weight of the headset. For example, a power supply assembly may be integrated into a component that attaches to a part of the user's body other than the head, and a power supply cable may provide power from the power supply assembly to the headset.
In one or more embodiments, components other than or in addition to batteries or other power supply elements may be located off the headset, potentially further reducing the headset's weight and size. For example, collar 801 or a similar assembly located off the headset may contain items such as speakers, vibration actuators, processors, other sensors such as inertial sensors or cameras, communications interfaces, microphones, or smell generation systems. In one or more embodiments both the headset and the off-head assembly may include selected components; for example, speakers or vibration actuators may be located both in the headset and on collar 801.
While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
