FR3110714A1 - Visual cache device for learning an instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a visual concealment device (1000) capable of being worn on the face of a wearer for learning an instrument, in particular an instrument comprising a physical interface of the piano keyboard or computer keyboard type, said device (1000) forming a screen (100) below the eyes of said wearer, said screen (100) being configured to fully block a lower angular portion of the visual field of said wearer in which said physical interface is located when the wearer is looking straight ahead to him a content to view, in particular a computer screen or a sheet of music.

Description

Visual cache device for learning an instrument

The present invention relates to the field of optical accessories.

The present invention also relates to the field of accessories for the use and learning of an instrument, in particular an instrument comprising a physical interface, for example a physical interface of the computer or piano keyboard type.

The present invention relates more particularly to a visual masking device capable of being positioned on the face of a wearer standing in front of an instrument comprising a physical interface, such that the vision of the wearer is obstructed in the direction of the physical interface.

By instrument comprising a physical interface within the meaning of the present, is meant throughout the following description any object comprising firstly a physical interface offering a varied and fixed arrangement of keys, buttons, blades or even percussion, the physical interface being located at height of a user's hands in normal use, and optionally a visual interface comprising instructions or feedback relating to said physical interface such as a score or a computer screen, the visual interface being located above the physical interface, preferably at user eye level. The instrument can in particular be a keyboard instrument such as a computer, a piano, a synthesizer, a percussion instrument of the xylophone type, marimba or even any other instrument, for example a guitar.

State of the art

The Claimant observes that the use of an instrument greatly benefits from the ability to produce notes with precision without requiring visual confirmation of the position of the hands. In particular, the positioning of the hands can be supported by the other senses of the user, such as touch or hearing, allowing sight to be retained for other tasks.

Such skill is particularly necessary in the use of musical instruments, where the musician generally must maintain their gaze and concentration on a score. It is also appreciable in the use of keyboards, for example a computer keyboard, making it possible to keep the gaze on the text to be written or on other information necessary for writing the text (for example a particular document on which to write a report or a translation). This skill is naturally acquired through learning.

However, it is difficult for a user learning an instrument not to voluntarily or involuntarily divert his gaze intermittently in the direction of his hands. Such a diversion can result in slowdowns or interruptions when the user then tries to “take back his position” on the text or the score.

To avoid any shift in gaze and accustom the user to using other methods to correct the position of his hands, it is known to employ a variety of devices making it possible to partially or completely obstruct his vision. Altering the user's vision in this way, however, represents an additional disturbance and a handicap when the latter seeks to use it for authorized reasons during learning, such as reading a score. A partial obstruction of vision additionally runs the risk of being unsuited to the morphology or posture of the user.

Patent US5561480A is known, which discloses a pair of glasses comprising a pair of covers respectively covering the lower part of each lens. However, such a solution has a number of drawbacks. In particular, the lower part of the lenses of the pair of glasses being obstructed, the wearer's field of vision is severely reduced. In addition, the wearer remains encouraged to voluntarily or involuntarily look under the spectacle frame, which can constitute an even greater disturbance than a diversion of the gaze without glasses.

The Applicant therefore submits that to date there is no satisfactory alternative solution for learning an instrument while completely and minimally obstructing vision.

The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a device capable of obstructing the vision of a wearer in the direction of a physical interface, while freeing his vision in other directions.

To this end, the object of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a visual cache device for learning an instrument.

Advantageously, the device is configured to be worn on the face of its wearer and to form a screen below the eyes of said wearer, the screen being configured to completely block a lower angular portion of the wearer's visual field in which the physical interface when the wearer looks in front of him at a content to be viewed.

It is understood here that the physical interface can be a computer keyboard, piano, xylophone or any other instrument, a percussion set or even a guitar-type instrument, and that the content to be viewed can be a screen of computer or a musical score.

In other words, the screen is configured to completely block the visual field of the wearer beyond an angle α located under a plane extending from the eyes of the wearer perpendicular to a facial plane of the latter, the physical interface being located in this blocked visual field when the wearer looks in front of him at the content to be viewed. Preferably, this angle α will be between 5° and 45°, preferably between 15° and 30°, preferably between 20° and 25°. These angle values are not limiting. On the contrary, the wearer's field of vision is completely released above the angle α to improve comfort of use.

It is understood here and throughout the following description that the relative positions of the wearer, the physical interface and the visual content correspond to a posture commonly adopted in the use of an instrument, that is to say that the wearer is positioned so that the physical interface is located in front of the wearer at height and within reach of his hands, and that the content to be viewed is located substantially above the physical interface at the height of the plane extending from of the wearer's eyes perpendicular to a facial plane thereof, the content to be viewed and the physical interface are substantially centered horizontally according to the wearer's field of vision.

Thanks to the present invention, the wearer has a visual mask in a plane lower than his eyes, allowing the learning of the instrument by causing minimal visual discomfort.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a fastening system on a spectacle frame capable of being worn on the face, the fastening system being configured to removably assemble the device on the frame by maintaining the screen below the lower edge of the outline of the frame through which the wearer looks when wearing the spectacle frame on the face.

The fastening system corresponds, for example, to a clipping or interlocking system or else to an assembly by tightening the horizontal and/or vertical edges of the spectacle frame.

This design makes it possible to adapt the device to a variety of different pairs of glasses whose frames have substantially equal dimensions and allows, for example, a music teacher to easily have reusable visual masks for each of his students.

In another embodiment, the device comprises a frame capable of being worn on the face like a spectacle frame, the frame comprising at least a lower contour part provided with a lower edge, the frame integrating the screen in- below the bottom edge.

Preferably, the frame is a spectacle frame.

It is understood here that the frame corresponds to a frame comprising two branches designed to rest on the ears of the wearer and a trunk in connection with the two branches, the screen being assembled to the frame under the lower edge of the trunk.

The frame can be worn directly on the wearer's face or even superimposed with a pair of glasses, for example a pair of corrective glasses.

In another mode of implementation, the frame has a rigid structure or a foldable structure, in particular made of plastic or cardboard.

The rigid frame can be made using a material and methods known to those skilled in the art in the field of eyewear manufacturing, for example from acetate. A foldable cardboard frame allows a simplified production of the frame under a predefined pattern to obtain the desired functions of visual blocking while minimizing the resources invested.

In a specific embodiment, the visor has a rear portion configured to extend rearward from the lower edge of the frame contiguous to the wearer's cheek.

We understand here that the rear portion rests directly on the cheeks of the wearer or touches them and ensures continuity of the visual obstruction.

Preferably, the rear portion has a shape that is substantially curved backwards and downwards with respect to the plane of the frame.

By plane of the frame is meant here and throughout the following description a plane substantially parallel to the facial plane of the wearer, which intersects the frame to which the screen is attached via the fixing system or the inclusion of the screen and frame in the device.

This design allows total obstruction of the field of vision under the frame in a way adjusted to the wearer to ensure that the hands of the wearer are correctly hidden or even to avoid the formation of a light band in the lower end of the field of vision, between the rear portion and the wearer's cheeks, which could divert the wearer's gaze.

In a particular embodiment that can be combined with the previous mode, the screen comprises a front portion configured to extend forward relative to the lower edge of the frame.

It is understood here that the front portion makes it possible to block the vision of the wearer from the angle α as defined above and is therefore dimensioned mainly taking into account the desired value of the angle α and the expected positioning of the frame on the wearer's face.

Preferably, the front portion has the shape of a beak provided with an upper face extending towards the front of the frame at the height of the lower edge in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

This shape corresponds for example to an upper face extending from the upper edge of the rear portion, and a lower face extending from the lower edge of the rear portion, in a simple and robust design.

This front portion therefore makes it possible to block the vision of the wearer through the frame in the direction of the physical interface by minimizing the discomfort of the wearer, or even to avoid contact between any lenses included in the frame and a screen, such repeated contact may cause wear or soiling of the lenses.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a pair of glasses comprising a visual masking device according to the first aspect of the present invention for learning an instrument when the pair of glasses is worn in front of the face of a wearer.

In an advantageous embodiment, the pair of spectacles comprises a spectacle frame and a fastening system configured to removably assemble the visual masking device on the spectacle frame.

It is understood here that the pair of glasses is designed to be worn with or without the masking device, allowing the wearer to have a unique pair of glasses, usable on a daily basis and adapted for ergonomic wearing of the masking device.

In another embodiment, the device incorporates the spectacle frame in a permanent connection.

This design corresponding to a complete pair of glasses makes it possible to produce a frame that can be used in the most comfortable way possible for the wearer by avoiding the restrictions of a removable fastening system or even to combine the pair of glasses and the masking device in a single object more robust and more difficult to lose. It is also adapted to an extended period of learning for a particular wearer and can be combined in this embodiment with a tailor-made dimensioning of the cache device.

In an additional embodiment which can be combined with one or the other of the preceding modes, the pair of spectacles comprises two lenses arranged on the spectacle frame, the lenses possibly being one and/or the other of the type corrective lens adapted to the vision of said wearer and/or lens having undergone treatment and/or neutral lens.

The lenses arranged on the frame are of course adapted to the needs of the wearer and may include additional treatments according to their preferences, the expected conditions of use of the glasses or even the constraints of the manufacture of the glasses, for example an anti-reflective treatment or a light filter for computer use.

Thus, by the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a masking device and a pair of glasses including this device, allowing the wearer to learn an instrument and preventing the latter from voluntarily visualizing or unintentionally his hands, in the least restrictive way possible to maintain his comfort.

Brief description of figures

The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below with reference to the appended Figures 1 to 5 illustrating a plurality of embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic side view of a mask device comprising a spectacle frame and a screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a cache device according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the arms of a spectacle frame according to Figure 1.

FIG. 4 represents a schematic side view of a cover device comprising a system for fixing by interlocking on a spectacle frame.

Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a cache device according to Figure 4.

detailed description

The present invention will now be described in the following with reference in conjunction to Figures 1 to 5 appended to the description.

As indicated in the preamble to the description, the user of an instrument is instinctively driven to consciously or unconsciously divert their gaze in the direction of their hands, which disturbs their attention. The use of visual masks makes it possible to learn how to stop such behavior, but a significant obstruction of the user's view generates consequent visual discomfort, while a partial obstruction may not adequately fulfill its role and represent a disturbance. in herself.

One of the objectives of the device developed within the framework of the present invention consists in solving this problem.

According to the example of Figures 1 to 3, such a device 1000 comprises a frame 200 comprising a trunk 21 defining the plane B of the frame 200. This trunk 21 is for example assembled according to a pivot connection to the two branches 22, so that the two arms 22 pass from an extended position in which the arms 22 are arranged along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane B of the frame 200 to a folded position in which the arms are brought closer to the plane B of the frame 200 and/or are arranged along their length in contact with the trunk 21.

According to the example of Figures 1 and 2, the frame 200 is equipped with a screen 100. The frame 200 and the screen 100 are assembled so that the screen 100 is maintained below the lower edge 23 of the frame 200. The lower edge 23 is for example defined by the lower contour of the trunk 21 of the frame 200.

In Figures 1 and 2, frame 200 and screen 100 are permanently assembled. The trunk 21 and the screen 100 are made in a single block, the screen 100 then being able to be considered as an extension of the trunk 21. The trunk 21 and the screen 100 may be designed in the same material, but, as a variant , the material of the screen 100 may be softer than that of the trunk 21. Other variants are possible with a frame 200 and a screen 100 removably assembled using a fastening system, for example a fastening system integrated into the screen 100.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, from this perspective, a screen 100 comprising a cavity 13 complementary to the lower contour 21 of the frame 200 allowing fixing by interlocking of the screen 100 on the frame 200. The fixing system can additionally be a system of clipping of the screen 100 onto the frame 200, or a fastening system by clamping the horizontal and/or vertical edges of the frame 200.

According to the example of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the screen 100 comprises a rear portion 11. This rear portion 11 extends downwards from the plane B of the frame 200 in a shape substantially curved towards the 'back. The rear portion 11 has in this configuration a proximal part 11a, which is for example in direct contact with the lower edge 23 to ensure continuity between the frame 200 and the screen 100, and a distal part 11b which defines the rear end and/or bottom of the screen 100. Shape variants are possible for this rear portion 11, the latter being able for example to extend towards the rear of the plane B along a trajectory less inclined downwards.

In the same example, the screen 100 additionally comprises a front portion 12. The front portion 12 has, according to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, an upper face 12a extending forwards with respect to the frame 200. The upper face 12a for example substantially follows a plane C perpendicular to the plane B of the frame 200, the intersection between the plane C and the plane B being located for example at the level of the lower edge 23, or even below this lower edge 23.

Optionally, the front portion 12 has a lower face 12b extending from the upper face 12a to the distal part 11b of the rear portion 11 in a robust and aesthetic design. The lower face 12b preferably has a slightly curved shape. The front portion 12, consisting of the upper face 12a and the lower face 12b has substantially the shape of a beak or even a triangular shape.

In the example described here, a wearer will put on the device 1000 in order to learn how to use an instrument without looking away. The wearer is, for example, seated in front of a computer or a piano, the associated keyboard being at hand height and the computer screen or the piano score at eye level.

The wearer will for this place the frame 200 on his face so that the plane B of the frame 200 is substantially parallel to the facial plane of the wearer, and that the two openings 24 of the trunk 21 are at the level of the eyes of the wearer. The parallelism between plane B and the facial plane, as well as the height adjustment of the openings 24 is accomplished both by the shape of the trunk 21, the branches 22 and the openings 24 in accordance with the morphology of the wearer.

The adjustment of the frame 200 on the wearer's face makes it possible to center the wearer's field of vision vertically on a plane A perpendicular to the plane B and crossing the openings 24. These openings 24 each comprise, for example, a corrective lens adapted to vision of the wearer, a neutral lens that does not impair vision or even a lens that has undergone a treatment, for example of the anti-reflective type.

The wearer's field of vision is therefore released through the openings 24 above this plane A and below until a limiting angle α is reached from which the screen 100 obstructs the wearer's vision. As illustrated in Figure 1, the angle α is defined by the position of the frame on the face of the wearer, as stated above determined by the elements 21 and 22, as well as by the dimensions of the upper face 12a, which appears first in the wearer's field of vision moving downward relative to plane A.

Obviously, the angle α, and consequently the respective dimensions of the elements 21 and 22 as well as of the upper face 12a, is determined so that the instrument is located below this angle α according to the field of vision of the carrier, and is for example between 5° and 45°, preferably between 15° and 30°, preferably between 20° and 25°. These values of the angle α are not limiting, the angle α can be adapted according to the physical interface and the position of the hands on it.

The front portion 12 and the rear portion 11 being assembled in such a way as to present a continuous visual obstruction, the wearer's field of vision is blocked under the angle α up to the end of the distal part 11b of the rear portion 11.

In this example, a rear portion 11 configured to extend contiguous to the cheek of the wearer is provided. The distal part 11b therefore rests directly in contact with the cheek of the wearer or even touches the latter, and the wearer's field of vision is therefore completely blocked under the angle α without a space between the distal part 11b and the cheeks of the wearer does not allow light to pass through, to ensure the best possible visual comfort. As illustrated in Figure 5, the rear portion 11 can extend more markedly towards the rear of the plane B on its ends to better follow the contour of the wearer's cheeks. The use of a softer material for the screen 100, or even for the rear portion 11 of the screen 100, will bring comfort to the user when said distal part 11b comes slightly into contact with the cheek of the latter. .

Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a visual masking device allowing a wearer to learn the use of an instrument without looking away by releasing as much as possible the field of vision of the wearer above his hands and ensuring maximum visual comfort without disturbance. Such a design makes it possible to use the principle of visual masks by obstructing the gaze in front of the wearer as much as possible, allowing learning without discomfort.

It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case this description is in any way limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, it aims to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the following claims.

It should also be noted that the reference signs placed between parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims (12)

Visual shielding device (1000) for learning an instrument comprising a physical interface, in particular a piano keyboard or a computer keyboard, characterized in that it is configured to be worn on the face of its wearer and to form a screen (100) below the eyes of said wearer, said screen (100) being configured to completely block a lower angular portion of the visual field of said wearer in which said physical interface is located when the wearer is looking at a content in front of him to view, such as a computer screen or a musical score. Device (1000) according to claim 1, which comprises a fastening system on a spectacle frame (200) adapted to be worn on the face, said fastening system being configured to removably assemble said device on said frame (200) maintaining the screen (100) below the lower edge (23) of the outline of said frame (200) through which the wearer looks when he wears the spectacle frame (200) on his face. Device (1000) according to claim 1, which comprises a frame (200) adapted to be worn on the face like a spectacle frame, said frame (200) comprising at least a lower contoured part provided with a lower edge (23 ), said frame (200) integrating said screen (100) below the lower edge (23). A device (1000) according to claim 3, wherein said frame (200) is an eyeglass frame. Device (1000) according to Claim 3, in which the said mount (200) has a rigid structure or a foldable structure, in particular made of plastic or cardboard. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the screen (100) comprises a rear portion (11) configured to extend rearwardly relative to said lower edge (23) of said frame (200) contiguous to said wearer's cheek. Device (1000) according to Claim 6, in which the said rear portion (11) has a shape that is substantially curved backwards and downwards with respect to the plane (B) of the said mount (200). A device (1000) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the screen (100) has a front portion (12) configured to extend forward relative to said lower edge (23) of said frame (200). Device (1000) according to Claim 8, in which the said front portion (12) has the shape of a beak provided with an upper face (12a) extending towards the front of the said mount (200) at the height of the bottom (23) in a plane (C) perpendicular to the plane (B) of said mount (200). Pair of spectacles comprising a spectacle frame (200) and a visual masking device (1000) comprising the features of claim 2 or any one of claims 6 to 9 appended to claim 2. Pair of eyeglasses comprising a visual masking device (1000) comprising the features of claim 4 or any one of claims 6 to 9 appended to claim 4, said device incorporating the eyeglass frame (200). Pair of spectacles according to claim 10 or 11, which comprises two lenses arranged on the spectacle frame (200), the lenses possibly being one and/or the other of the corrective lens type adapted to the vision of the said wearer and/or treated glass and/or neutral glass.