FR3064373A1 - DEVICE FOR DIFFUSION OF IMMERSIVE CONTENT - Google Patents

Abstract

- The invention relates to a device (1) for broadcasting an immersive multimedia content, said device comprising a container (2) forming a luggage transportable by hand, and a permanently integrated computer central unit (7). auditing device, said device also comprising a virtual reality headset operatively connected to said central unit (7) for broadcasting immersive multimedia content from said central unit (7), the container defining a housing (12) within which said headset ( 11) of virtual reality is removably stored, said device (1) also comprising a control terminal (19) operably connected to said central unit (7) to allow a user to control the broadcast of said immersive multimedia content. - Virtual reality devices.

Description

Holder (s): WALCH ERIC, MICHEL, JEAN, ROUSSET GUILLAUME, ALEXANDRE, GEORGES, MASSE JULIEN, BENJAMIN.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): CABINET DIDIER MARTIN.

(□ 4 / DEVICE FOR BROADCASTING IMMERSITIVE CONTENT.

FR 3 064 373 - A1 \ 57) - The invention relates to a device (1) for broadcasting immersive multimedia content, said device comprising a container (2) forming a bag which can be carried by hand, as well as a central unit computer (7) permanently integrated into said container, said device also comprising a virtual reality headset operatively connected to said central unit (7) for broadcasting immersive multimedia content originating from said central unit (7), the container defining a housing (12) in which said virtual reality headset (11) is removably stored, said device (1) also comprising a control terminal (19) operatively connected to said central unit (7) to allow a user to control the dissemination of said immersive multimedia content.

- Virtual reality devices.

DEVICE FOR BROADCASTING SUBMERSIBLE CONTENT

The present invention relates to the general technical field of virtual reality, and more specifically to the material making it possible to immerse a user in a virtual universe.

The present invention relates more particularly to a device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content.

Virtual reality is a technology now widely used in various fields, such as that of video games or modeling. This technology requires generally large and complex equipment to implement (computer, screen, keyboard, camera, various software, headphones, cables and settings of all kinds) to obtain a satisfactory immersive result. This de facto reserves this technology for an informed public, at least familiar with the digital world and often with specific computer skills.

In order to remedy these disadvantages and democratize this technology to open it to a lay public in terms of computer techniques, it has been proposed different boxes intended to accommodate within them a computer, to thus form in association with the latter a helmet " particularly simple, light, easily transportable and inexpensive virtual reality hybrid.

However, this solution often suffers from a lack of autonomy and a low level of computer power which harms the immersive experience, sometimes favoring unpleasant effects such as heat emission and motion sickness (nausea, migraines and other). This de facto [prohibits the use of this solution for the most vulnerable audiences (the elderly and / or suffering from infirmity or illness), even though virtual reality is of major interest for such audiences, whether in terms of therapeutic or rehabilitative, or simply for recreational purposes (allowing a realistic travel experience for people who cannot travel for example).

Current virtual reality solutions are also not suitable for many other situations, and for example for commercial presentation situations, at a trade show, where the commercial staff responsible for using and making use of the equipment virtual reality to customers and prospects, for example for virtual demonstration purposes, does not necessarily have the computer skills required to implement a virtual reality system, not to mention the constraints in terms of transport, wiring and others.

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content that is particularly simple, easy to install and use, and easily transportable.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content which is particularly easy to handle.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content of particularly simple, robust and inexpensive construction.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content capable of providing, in an extremely simple and rapid manner, a particularly realistic virtual immersion.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a device for broadcasting immersive multimedia content, said device comprising a container forming a bag which can be carried by hand, as well as a central computer unit integrated into remains in said container, said device also comprising a virtual reality headset operatively connected to said central unit for broadcasting immersive multimedia content originating from said central unit, the container defining a housing in which said virtual reality headset is removably stored, said device also comprising a control terminal operatively connected to said central unit to allow a user to control the broadcasting of said immersive multimedia content.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of purely illustrative and nonlimiting examples, in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates, in a front elevation view, a diffusion device according to a first embodiment of the invention, said device comprising in this case a container forming a case shown in its closed configuration.

- Figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic view in plunging perspective, the case 10 of Figure 1 in the open configuration.

- Figure 3 illustrates the use of a diffusion device in accordance with Figures 1 and 2.

• Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic sectional view, the receptacle of the diffusion device of Figures 1 to 3, the central unit being shown symbolically.

- Figure 5 illustrates an example of a control interface implemented by the control terminal of the device of Figures 1 to 3 but also by that of Figures 6 to 9 below.

- Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, in perspective views, a diffusion device according to a second embodiment of the invention, which also comprises a container in the form of a case shown here in closed configuration.

- Figure 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, the device of Figures 6 and 7 with the case in open configuration and the camera in the deployed operational position (the virtual reality headset is not shown).

- Figure 9 is a view identical to that of Figure 8 with the difference that the camera is in the retracted position.

The invention relates to a device 1 for broadcasting immersive multimedia content, that is to say virtual reality content, which can for example be in the form of a film in real or synthetic images. , a game involving immersion in a virtual world, or any other content including animated and / or still images as well as preferably sounds. The device 1 is therefore designed to immerse, realistically and in real time, a user in an artificial, virtual world, which has no concrete existence but only a digital existence.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a container 2, which in this case includes an envelope delimiting an interior reception volume capable of receiving various components described in more detail below. As illustrated in the figures, the container 2 forms a bag which is transportable by hand, that is to say a bag which can be carried directly by a user, for example by hand or on the back. The baggage can be rigid and / or flexible, that is to say that its envelope, which delimits its volume of reception, presents either a rigid character, or a flexible character, or both if it combines rigid elements and elements flexible (in fabric for example). Preferably, the envelope of the container 2 forms a rigid shell in order to protect the components disposed within the container 2, and which will be described in the following.

Advantageously, the container 2 is provided with a manual gripping member 3 of the handle type, designed to allow a user to grasp and transport said device 1, that is to say the container 2 and all of the components that the latter contains. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the manual gripping member 3 is formed by a single handle 3A, but it is however entirely possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, for the member for manual gripping 3 alternately comprises several handles and / or means other than handles, such as for example straps, suspenders or straps (in particular in the case where the container 2 forms a flexible bag, of the handbag type, shoulder bag, or backpack). The handle 3A can be swivel (Figures 1 to 4) or retractable (Figures 6 to 9). In the preferred example illustrated in the figures, the container 2 forms a briefcase, and preferably a rigid briefcase. The invention is however not limited to the use of a container 2 in the form of a briefcase, and the latter may for example be, as mentioned above, in the form for example of a transport bag, 'a bag, a suitcase ... without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, and as illustrated in the figures, the container 2 comprises a receptacle 4 which itself comprises a bottom 4A, which in this case is in the form of a substantially rigid rectangular or square plate. Advantageously, the receptacle 4 also comprises, as illustrated in the figures, a side wall 4B which rises from said bottom 4A, and in this case more precisely from the periphery of the latter, between a lower edge 40B secured to the periphery of the bottom 4A and an upper edge 4C. Advantageously, the side wall 4B of the receptacle 4 has an inner face disposed opposite the interior of the receptacle 4 and an opposite outer face 400. The container 2 also advantageously comprises a cover 5 designed to close the receptacle 4, with a view to forming with said receptacle 4 a closed enclosure. The cover 5 is advantageously rigid and is preferably articulated to the receptacle 4 as illustrated in the figures, so as to be able to move between a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 1) an open position (illustrated in FIG. 2) in which i! frees access to the interior of container 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 5 is articulated to the receptacle 4 by means of a hinge 6 disposed at and along a portion of the upper edge 4C. The invention is however absolutely not limited to such an embodiment, and it is for example entirely possible that the cover 5 is rather mounted not pivotally relative to the receptacle 4, but sliding or according to any other mode bonding, whether mechanical, magnetic or other. Preferably, in the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 5 has an internal face 5A intended to be located opposite the interior of the receptacle 4 when the cover 5 closes said receptacle 4 and an opposite external face 5B.

According to the invention, the device 1 also comprises a central computer unit 7 integrated into said container 2. The central unit 7 comprises all of the essential components of a computer (processor, random access memory, motherboard, power supply, hard disk, fans ...), except command / control peripherals such as keyboard, screen, mouse ... which device 1 is advantageously lacking.

The central computer unit 7 is permanently integrated into the container 2, that is to say that it is incorporated inside the container 2 permanently and definitively (apart from dismantling operations within the framework of a repair or maintenance for example).

Preferably, the central computer unit 7 is disposed inside the receptacle 4, and is surrounded by walls which hide it from the eyes of the user, as will be described in more detail below.

The device 1 advantageously comprises connection ports 8, 9, 10 functionally connected to the central unit 7 (for example by means of electrical wiring) and arranged, advantageously in a fixed and permanent manner, on the external face 400 to be accessible from outside the container 2. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the connection ports 8, 9, 10 comprise for example a USB port 8, for example for connecting the central unit 7 to an external device (disk hard drive, USB key ...), an Ethernet port 9 (for example to connect the central unit 7 to the internet network), and a power supply port 10, to electrically supply the central unit 7 from the public electrical distribution. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and the device 1 may include any other port, socket or connector required, the latter preferably being directly accessible from the outside of the container 2 by being arranged on the external face of the envelope. of the latter, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the figures.

The device 1 according to the invention also comprises a virtual reality headset 11 operatively connected to the central unit 7 for broadcasting immersive multimedia content originating from said central unit 7. Said functional link between the virtual reality headset 11 and the unit central unit 7 is for example a wired connection, temporary (in which case the headset 11 can be connected and disconnected at will from the central unit 7 by means of suitable connectors) or permanent (in which case the headset 11 is electrically connected permanently, without possibility of disconnection, to the central unit 7). The functional headset 11 / central unit 7 link can alternatively be a wireless link, the communication between the headset 11 and the central unit 7 taking place, for example, by radio waves, according to any suitable protocol (Bluetooth®, Wifi Or other). Said functional link thus enables the helmet 11 to receive data corresponding to the multimedia content to be broadcast, originating from and under the control of the central unit 7. The helmet 11 thus forms a peripheral of the central unit 7, and in this case a visual immersion, and preferably audiovisual, peripheral.

The virtual reality headset 11 can be of any known type, and be formed for example by a headset sold by the company Oculus VR (headset of the registered trademark "Oculus Rift") or the companies HTC, Samsung, Sony ... The headset 11 is thus in the form of an optical mask intended to surround the head of the user so as to press against the face of the latter, in line with his eyes, a screen system (preferably stereoscopic) intended to broadcast multimedia content. Such a display headset, making it possible to display immersive content from the central processing unit 7, is well known as such and will therefore not be described further here. The helmet 11 can be equipped with any useful sensor (gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer ...) to optimize the immersive experience.

According to the invention, the container 2 defines a housing 12 within which the virtual reality headset 11 is removably stored. In other words, the container 12 defines a cavity of dimensions and shapes adapted to those of the helmet 11, the latter being freely disposed within said housing 12 so as to be able to be extracted therefrom, or to be inserted therein at will by the user. The housing 12 therefore acts as a storage area for the helmet 11 when the latter is not used.

In the case illustrated in the figures, where the virtual reality headset 11 is functionally connected to the central unit 7 by means of a cable 11A for electrical connection, the housing 12 is intended to also accommodate said cable 11A for connection, so that it is not necessary to disconnect the headset 11 from the central unit 7 to store it in the housing 12. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the housing 12 is provided, on one of its walls, a connection port 12A to which one end of the connection cable 11A is connected, the other end being in turn connected to the headset 11, the length of the cable 11A being sufficient to allow a user 13 to use the headset 11 directly, without connection, wiring, connection or other operations.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the receptacle 4 is divided into at least a first compartment 14 forming a closed housing within which said central unit 7 is housed, and a second compartment 15, in this case adjacent to the first compartment 14 , forming the housing 12 for storing the virtual reality headset 11.

Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the first and second compartments 14, 15 (respectively forming the closed housing accommodating the central unit 7 and the housing 12 for storing the helmet 11) are arranged in the internal volume of the receptacle 4, side side by side, said first and second compartments 14, 15 being in this case separated by a partition 16 of separation. The closed housing formed by the first compartment 14 thus makes it possible to encapsulate within it the central unit 7, in order to isolate the components from the outside.

Advantageously, the container 2 also includes an insert permanently integrated into said receptacle 4 to delimit said first and second compartments 14, 15. Said insert in this case comprises an upper wall including:

- A first portion 17, substantially planar, extending substantially parallel to the bottom 4A of the receptacle 4 and at a distance from the latter, to contribute to forming said closed housing

- And a second adjacent portion 18 defining an opening (obtained for example by cutting the upper wall) or a cavity helping to form said housing 12 for storing the virtual reality headset 11.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the closed box corresponding to the first compartment 14 housing the central unit 7 is advantageously delimited by a portion of the bottom 4A, by the first portion 17 of the upper wall, by a portion of the side wall 4B and by the partition 16, which is common to the closed housing and to the housing 12.

Preferably, the first portion 17 comprises a perforated zone 17A intended to ensure the ventilation and ventilation of the central unit 7, and advantageously forming for this purpose a ventilation grid of said central unit 7. In this preferred case, the ventilation unit of the central unit 7 is of course arranged facing the openwork area 17A.

The invention is of course absolutely not limited to the configuration specifically described above, and it is for example perfectly conceivable to have the closed housing accommodating the central unit 7 and the housing 12 in a different manner. Similarly, the perforated area 17A can be provided not in the upper wall but rather in the side wall 4B, without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to the invention, the device 1 also includes a control terminal 19, functionally connected to the central unit 7 to allow a user (who is not necessarily the same as the user 13 using the helmet 11) to control the distribution of said immersive multimedia content. Preferably, the device 1 does not include any other control device, the monitoring and control of the device 1 advantageously being able to take place only through said control terminal 19. The control terminal 19 is advantageously functionally connected to the central unit 7 by means of a wireless link, for example a radio wave link based on any suitable protocol (Bluetooth®, Wifi or other). Alternatively, the connection can of course be final without departing from the scope of the invention. The central unit 7 is thus designed and preprogrammed to be controlled directly by the control terminal 19, by means of which a user 13 will be able to choose immersive multimedia content within a catalog, then start broadcasting the chosen content in the helmet 11.

The control terminal 19 thus advantageously makes it possible to directly start and control not only the central unit 7, but also the virtual reality headset 11, either directly or through the central unit 7. Advantageously, the control terminal 19 is provided with a touch screen, and is for example in the form of a touch pad or a smartphone. The use of a control terminal 19 in the form of a mobile terminal with a touch screen proves to be particularly practical and ergonomic, thus facilitating the start-up and control operations of the device 1. Advantageously, the device 1 comprises an interface command graph executed by the control terminal 19, and allowing the user, by simple click or manual activation (in the preferential case of a touch screen) to control the operation of the device 1, and more precisely of the helmet 11. The graphical command interface in question can for example be in the form of a catalog of immersive multimedia files, each represented by an icon (cf. FIG. 5) and for example classified by themes. The interface also includes, for example at the bottom of the screen, control buttons allowing for example to turn on / off the device 1, to adjust the sound volume of the immersive multimedia content chosen, or to start or stop playing said immersive multimedia content. The user 13 can thus first choose a theme (for example "animals", "music", "relaxation", "sport" and "travel"), then, within the chosen theme, select specific multimedia content (for example an immersive film to visit the city of Valparaiso, or an immersive film to visit the Grand Canyon or Mont-Blanc. The simple selection, by touching the screen of the control terminal 19, of immersive multimedia content advantageously makes it possible to launch the diffusion of the latter in the helmet 11, without it being necessary for the user 13 to carry out any prior or additional manipulations or operations by means of another control device.

In this preferred embodiment, the invention is thus based on the implementation of a graphical control interface which alone and exclusively controls the central unit 7 and the associated helmet 11, thus avoiding the 'end user to deal with lower-level software or hardware components, requiring even minimal computer skills.

The invention thus enables any unsuspecting person, and in particular any person who is not familiar with the digital world and computer tools and / or whose physical or cognitive faculties are diminished by age, illness or any other factor, to be able to easily and directly access high quality immersive multimedia content.

Preferably, the device 1 is equipped with a support making it possible to removably attach the control terminal 19 to the cover 5, and more precisely to the internal face 5A of said cover 5, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The support in question can for example be in the form of a bar forming a base 21 associated with elastic straps 22, 23 intended to capture the control terminal 19.

In order to further improve the quality of the immersive experience, the device 1 advantageously comprises a position sensor 20 which is fixed to the container 2, either removably or preferably permanently to further facilitate the use of the device. 1. Preferably, the sensor 20 is thus permanently attached to the envelope of the container 2, with preferably a faculty of movement relative to said envelope to properly orient its detection field. The sensor 20 is intended to detect and follow the instantaneous position of the helmet 11, in order to acquire, in real time and continuously, data representative of said instantaneous position. To this end, the sensor 20 advantageously comprises a camera 20A, for example with CCD or CMOS sensors, intended for filming the helmet, in order to determine its instantaneous position in space.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, the sensor 20 is fixed to the internal face 5A of the cover 5. In this way, when the cover 5 is open, and is in its configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the camera 20A is naturally in a suitable position allowing it, if necessary by adjusting its orientation, to film the user 13 wearing the helmet 11.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 9, the sensor 20 is mounted movable relative to the receptacle between a retracted position (FIG. 9) in which it is stored in a housing 200 of the receptacle 4, and a deployed operational position, in which i ! protrudes from said housing 200, to film (when it is equipped or formed with a camera 20A) the helmet 11. In this latter embodiment, the sensor 20 is more precisely connected to the receptacle 4 by means of a structure telescopic 300, allowing a vertical translational movement of the sensor 20 between its retracted and deployed positions. The housing 200 for storing the sensor 20 is advantageously formed by or in the insert, and more precisely in the second portion 18. The sensor 20 is also designed to pivot around the vertical direction, so that it can be oriented by optimal way to acquire the instantaneous position information of the helmet 11 worn by the user 13. The sensor 20 can be static, and be deployed and oriented manually, or on the contrary be dynamic, in order to automatically follow the movement of the helmet 11, by adjustment of its position and its orientation by means, for example, of motor (s) or actuator (s) acting on the telescopic structure 300.

Advantageously, the sensor 20 is functionally connected to the central unit 7 in order to supply the latter with information relating to the instantaneous position of the virtual reality headset 11, and therefore indirectly to the instantaneous position of the user 13 who is wearing said headset 11 .

The functional link between the sensor 20 (formed for example by a camera 20A) and the central unit 7 can be a wireless link (for example a link by radio waves, by means of any suitable protocol of the Wifi or Bluetooth® type) or a filtering connection, in which case the cable 24 for electrical connection (embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4) connecting the sensor 20 to the central unit 7 is integrated in the container 2, and passes for example through a double bottom of the cover 5 to join, via a particular arrangement of the hinge 6, the central unit 7 within its closed housing. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 9, the connection cable can be inserted within the telescopic structure 300.

The instantaneous position information of the helmet 11 which allows the sensor 20 to be acquired continuously and permanently (here formed by the digital camera 20A) is communicated to the central unit 7, which itself uses this information to adapt in permanently operating the headset 11 in order to take into account the spatial position and possible movements of the user 13 during the broadcasting of the selected multimedia content, which improves the immersive experience. Again, in order to facilitate the use of the device 1, the central unit 7 is preprogrammed to automatically take into account the position information of the helmet 11 acquired by means of the sensor 20, in order to adapt the operation of the helmet 11. The operation sensor 20 for spatializing the helmet 11 is therefore completely transparent to the end user 13, who is content, in order to use the device 1, to connect it to the mains by means of an entirely conventional electric cable 25, via the port 10 which can be for example a coaxial jack type “jack”, then to start the device 1 by means of the graphical command interface displayed by the screen of the terminal] 19. The user then chooses multimedia content , combs the helmet 11 and is then immediately immersed in the virtual world which he will have previously selected by means of the interactive graphic interface executed by the control terminal 19.

The invention ultimately makes it possible to promote access to a quality virtual reality immersion, thanks to an extremely compact, portable and simplified device 1, all the components of which are pre-wired and pre-programmed to operate immediately, without it no need to resort to computer manipulations of any kind.

Claims (10)

1 - Device (1) for broadcasting immersive multimedia content, said device comprising a container (2) forming a bag which can be carried by hand, as well as a central computer unit (7) permanently integrated into said container, said device also comprising a virtual reality headset operatively connected to said central unit (7) for broadcasting immersive multimedia content originating from said central unit (7), the container defining a housing (12) in which said reality headset (11) virtual is stored removably, said device (1) also comprising a control terminal (19) operatively connected to said central unit (7) to allow a user to control the distribution of said immersive multimedia content. 2 - Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that said container (2) is provided with a manual gripping member (3), of the handle type, designed to allow a user to grasp and transport said device (1 ). 3 - Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said container (2) forms a case. 4- Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said container (2) comprises a receptacle (4) which itself comprises a bottom (4A) and a side wall (4B) rising from said bottom (4A), said container also comprising a cover (5) designed to close said receptacle (4), said cover (5) being articulated to said receptacle (4), 5 - Device (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that said receptacle (4) is divided into at least a first compartment (14) forming a closed housing within which is housed said central unit (7), and a second compartment (15) adjacent forming said housing (12) for storing the virtual reality headset (11). 6- Device (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that said container (2) also comprises an insert permanently integrated in said receptacle (4) to delimit said first and second compartments (14, 15), said insert comprising an upper wall including a first substantially flat portion (17) extending substantially parallel to and at a distance from said bottom (4A) to contribute to forming said housing and a second portion (18) delimiting an opening or a cavity contributing to forming said housing ( 12) storage of 5 virtual reality headset (11). 7- Device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that said first portion (17) comprises an open area (17A) forming a ventilation grid of the central unit (7). 8 - Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7 characterized in that 10 said side wall (4B) has an inner face disposed opposite the interior of the receptacle (4) and an outer face (400) opposite, and in that it comprises connection ports (8, 9, 10) functionally connected to said central unit (7) and arranged on said outer face (400) to be accessible from outside the container (2). 15 9- Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a position sensor (20) fixed to said container (2), said sensor (20) being functionally connected to the central unit (7 ) to provide the latter with information relating to the instantaneous position of the virtual reality headset (11). 10 - Device (1) according to claims 4 and 9 characterized in that said sensor (20) 20 is mounted movable relative to the receptacle (4) between a retracted position in which it is stored in a housing (200) of the receptacle (4) and a deployed operational position in which it projects out of said housing (200). < © QOmmm r13 J - Voyages ^ -j In this momenh