GB2583777A

GB2583777A - A virtual reality headset mount

Info

Publication number: GB2583777A
Application number: GB1906660.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Babaian Aram; Parrinello Delia; Strimfors Victor
Original assignee: Astonishing Ltd
Current assignee: Astonishing Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2020-11-11
Also published as: WO2020229431A1; GB201906660D0

Abstract

The virtual reality headset mount has a head strap 103 securable to the head of a user; and a moveable coupling 107 configured to couple a screen assembly 105 to the head strap. This permits the screen assembly and the head strap o be moved relative to each other between a first position, in which the screen assembly is engaged against the head of the user, and a second position, in which the screen assembly is remote from the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user. The coupling can be slidable or rotatable and there may be a sensor configured to provide a signal for activating or deactivating the screen assembly dependent on the position of the moveable coupling.

Description

A Virtual Reality Headset Mount The present disclosure relates to a virtual reality headset, and in particular, but not exclusively, relates to a virtual reality headset for use as a therapy device.

Background

Virtual reality (VR) headsets immerse the viewer in digital environments to entertain, educate or inspire. But increasingly they are also used in health and care fields, to distract from pain, treat mental conditions, enable rehabilitation and train staff.

To control costs, health and care facilities often use consumer headsets. These headsets have had dramatic improvements in computing and optic capabilities in recent years, but there has been very little innovation in the way they are attached to a person's head. Typically, headsets use nylon or plastic straps, e.g. affixed with Velcro (RTM), that are designed to be fitted a single time on the head of a healthy person, worn for an entire session over the eyes and ideally never adjusted again.

This can cause challenges for use in care environments, where users often have reduced mobility, fittings must be done quickly but gently on multiple heads with a single headset, headsets might be taken off and put back on again in the same session and the devices must be easily and hygienically cleaned after use.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a virtual reality headset mount comprising: a head strap securable to the head of a user; and a moveable coupling configured to couple a screen assembly to the head strap and to permit the screen assembly and the head strap to be moved relative to each other between a first position, for example in which the screen assembly is engaged against the head of the user and is within the line of sight of the user, and a second position, for example in which the screen assembly is remote from the head of the user and is out of the line of sight of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user, i.e. without adjusting the position or fit of the head strap on the user. In this manner, the head strap remains fixed in position on the user's head irrespective of the position of the screen assembly, which allows for the screen assembly to be repeatedly moved between an in-use position, where the screen assembly is fitted against the face of the user, and a resting position, where the screen assembly is out of the field of vision of the user, without removing the VR headset from the user's head.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term "virtual reality headset" is understood to mean a head-mounted device that enables a user to view a virtual environment, e.g. a computer generated environment, by virtue of securing a screen assembly in front of the user's eyes. Further, the term "virtual reality headset mount" is understood to mean a wearable device that is attachable to a user's head and that is configured to enable a screen assembly to be positioned and secured in front of a user's eyes. Therefore, it is understood that the term "virtual reality headset' or "VR headset' is used to describe a device that comprises a virtual reality headset mount and a screen assembly for viewing the virtual environment.

The moveable coupling may be configured to permit the screen assembly and the head strap to be moved relative to each other without adjusting the fit of the head strap on the user. The VR headset mount may be configured to secure, i.e. support the weight of, the screen assembly relative to the user's head when the moveable coupling is in the first position and the second position, and optionally when the moveable coupling is in any intermediate position that is between the first position and the second position.

The VR headset mount may be configured to be mounted and secured to the user's head with or without the screen assembly coupled to the VR headset mount.

The moveable coupling may comprise a slideable coupling configured to allow the screen assembly to be translated relative to the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user. The moveable coupling may comprise a rotatable coupling configured to allow the screen assembly to be rotated relative to the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user. The slideable coupling and the rotatable coupling may be provided as two separate, i.e. discrete and separated, moveable features of the moveable coupling. The slideable coupling and the rotatable coupling may be provided as part of a single combined moveable feature of the moveable coupling.

The first position may be a position in which the screen assembly is viewable by the user. The second position may be a position in which the screen assembly is not viewable by the user.

The virtual reality headset mount may comprise a sensor configured to provide a signal for activating or deactivating the screen assembly dependent on the position of the moveable coupling. For example, the VR headset mount may comprise an electronic switch that causes the operational state of the screen assembly to be adjusted depending on the position of the moveable coupling.

The moveable coupling may be indexable between a plurality of discrete positions. For example, the moveable coupling may be moveable between a variety of marked settings that correspond to respective predetermined settings of the moveable coupling. In this manner, the moveable coupling may be fitted to a user's head, and the setting of the moveable coupling noted or recorded, such that the moveable coupling can be restored to a prior setting without testing/readjusting the fit of the head strap each time the VR headset mount is worn. Such a feature is desirable where the VR headset mount is shared between a plurality of users.

The moveable coupling may comprise a releasable connector, such as a clip or strap, configured to releasably secure the screen assembly to the moveable coupling. For example, the moveable coupling may be configured to selectively receive a plurality of different types of screen assemblies by virtue of the configuration of the releasable connector. In this manner, the VR headset mount according to the present disclosure allows the VR headset mount to be used as a third party, e.g. non-original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM), device.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the disclosure may also be used with

any other aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

Drawings For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to illustrate how it may be put into effect, examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a VR headset comprising a VR headset mount and a screen assembly; Figure 2 shows the VR headset mount in a first position; Figure 3 shows the VR headset mount in an intermediate position; and Figure 4 shows the VR headset mount in a second position.

Detailed Description

Standard VR headsets usually comprise a screen assembly and an elasticated head band that allows the screen assembly to be fitted to a user's head. The elasticated head band is normally attached to the screen assembly such that the head band urges the screen assembly against the user's face when the head band is fitted around the user's head. In this way, the standard VR headset relies on the elasticated head band and screen assembly cooperating, e.g. by virtue of the screen assembly reacting against the tension in the elasticated head band, to secure the screen assembly in place over the user's eyes. One drawback to such a configuration is that the user must remove, loosen and/or substantially reposition the head band in order to move the screen assembly away from the user's field of vision. In this manner, the standard VR headset is regarded as a single piece of equipment that is either worn by the user when in use, and then removed when it is no longer in use. However, it is desirable to provide a VR headset in which the screen assembly can be moved into and/or out of the field of vison of the user independently from the manner in which the VR headset is secured to the head of the user.

Figures 1 to 2c show an arrangement of a VR headset 101 configured to be worn on the head of a user and enable the user to view a virtual environment. In the context of the present disclosure, the term VR headset is used to describe a wearable device configured to position and secure a display within the user's field of vision. Whilst the following disclosure refers to a virtual reality headset, the present disclosure, and the benefits derived therefrom, may apply equally to an augmented reality (AR) headset. As such, wherever used throughout the description, the term VR headset should be interpreted to mean VR and/or AR headset.

The VR headset 101 is assembled from a VR headset mount 102 and a screen assembly 105 configured to display an image of the virtual environment to the user. The VR headset mount comprises a head strap 103 that is securable to the user's head and a pair of moveable couplings 107, which allow the screen assembly 105 to be moved relative to the head strap 103, and thus the user's head, whist the head strap 103 is secured to the user's head. In other words, the user is not required to remove or adjust the head strap 103 in order to reposition the screen assembly 105 relative to their head. Such a feature is beneficial in circumstances where the user is required to frequently move the screen assembly 105 into and out of their field of view, such as where the VR headset 101 is being used as a tool to aid an industrial designer, or a tool for use by an operator on an assembly line. In other circumstances where the VR headset 101 is used as a therapeutic device, such a feature is beneficial as it enables the user, and/or a caregiver, to move and reposition the screen assembly 105 relative to user's head without having to adjust or remove the head strap 103 during a therapeutic session.

In the arrangement shown in the figures, the head strap 103 comprises a flexible band 109, e.g. a band fabricated from a polymeric material, that is configured to wrap around the user's head in order to secure the head strap 103 to the user's head. The head strap 103 is adjustable in size, e.g. in circumference, to allow the head strap 103 to be sized according to the size and/or shape of the user's head. In the arrangement shown in the figures, the head strap 103 comprises an adjustment feature 111, e.g. a geared mechanism, that allows the head strap 103 to be tightened and loosened by virtue of an adjuster 113, e.g. a dial. Additionally or alternatively, the head strap 103 may comprise any appropriate feature that allows the head strap 103 to be adjusted in size, such as an elasticated portion and/or an adjustable fabric strap.

The adjuster 113 may be positioned on any appropriate portion of the head strap 103 to allow the head strap 103 to be adjusted in size by the user and/or another person, such as a caregiver. For example, in the arrangement shown in the figures, the adjuster 113 is located at the rear 115 of the head strap 103 such that the user can adjust the head strap 103 by reaching behind their head. However, in one arrangement (not shown), the adjustment feature 111 may be located towards the front 117 of the head strap 103, which provides improved access to the adjustment feature 111 where another person, e.g. a caregiver, wishes to adjust the head strap 103 whilst the head strap 103 is secured on the user's head. This may be of particular advantage where the VR headset 101 is being used by a person with reduced mobility and/or coordination. (In the context of the present disclosure, any reference to a "rear" or a "rearward position" is made with regard to reference numeral 115, and any reference to a "front" or a "foreward position" is made with regard to reference numeral 117.) In one arrangement (not shown), the head strap 103 may comprise a connecting portion configured to connect at least two different circumferential portions of the head strap 103. For example, the head strap 103 may comprise a connecting portion that extends between the rear 111 of the head strap 103 and the front 113 of the head strap 103. The connecting portion may comprise a further adjustment feature 111 configured to adjust the length of the connecting portion. In this manner, the head strap 103 may be adjusted in size in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of adjustment provided by the adjustment feature 111 shown in the figures, which provides improved fitment for the user. Additionally or alternatively, the connecting portion may extend between a portion of the head strap 103 and a portion of the screen assembly 105, such that mass of the screen assembly 105 may be borne on the head strap 103 by the connecting portion in combination with the moveable couplings 107.

In another arrangement (not shown) the head strap 103 may be formed from a plurality of jointed portions that allow the head strap 103 to be folded into a stowed operational state. For example, the head strap 103 may comprise a front portion, configured to extend at least partially around the front of the user's head, and a rear portion, configured to extend at least partially around the rear of the user's head. The head strap 103 may comprise a rotational coupling that allows the front portion and the rear portion to be moved, e.g. folded, relative to each other. For example, the head strap 103 may be configured such that the rotational coupling permits that head strap 103 to be folded from a 0-shape to a C-shape by virtue of folding the front portion and the rear portion towards each other. Such a feature is beneficial as it allows the head strap 103 to be folded into a smaller overall size, which is helpful when storing or transporting the VR headset 101. In one arrangement, the above described function of the rotational coupling may be provided by the moveable coupling 107.

Figures 2A to 2C show an arrangement in which the screen assembly 105 is coupled to the head strap 103 by virtue of a pair of moveable couplings 107. However, in another arrangement (not shown), the screen assembly 105 is coupled to the head strap 103 by virtue of any appropriate number of moveable couplings 107. For example, the VR headset 101 may comprise a single moveable coupling 107, e.g. provided on the above-mentioned connecting portion of head strap 103, that is configured to connect the screen assembly 105 to the head strap 103 and that allows for the screen assembly 105 to articulate and/or slide relative to the head strap 103.

Referring back to the arrangement shown in the figures, each of the moveable couplings 107 comprises a first support arm 120, a pin 119 and a second support arm 121. The first support arm 120 is configured to be attached, e.g. slideably and/or rotationally attached, to the head strap 103. In the arrangement shown in the figures, the first support arm 120 is configured to clip over the head strap 103 by virtue of a pair of inwardly extending flanges 124. However, the first support arm 120 may be configured to attach to the head strap 103 in any appropriate manner that allows the first support arm 120 to be secured, e.g. removably secured, to the head strap 103. In one arrangement, the first support arm 120 may be integrally formed with the head strap 103.

As shown in figures 2A to 2C, the first support arm 120 comprises an opening 122 configured to receive the pin 119 such that the pin 119 is able to rotate about axis AA when the pin 119 is received in the opening 122 of the first support arm 120.

The second support arm 121 is configured to couple the screen assembly 105 to the pin 119 of the moveable coupling 107, and thus the first support arm 120. For example, in the arrangement shown in the figures, the second support arm 121 comprises an elongate slot 123 provided towards a first end 125 of the second support arm 121, the slot being configured to receive the pin 119 such that the pin 119 is able to slide and rotate within the slot 123 in order to moveably couple the screen assembly 105 to the head strap 103. The second support arm 121 further comprise connecting means 126 provided towards a second end of the second support arm 121, the connecting means 126 being configured to engage the screen assembly in order to couple the screen assembly 105 to the moveable coupling 107 and thus the head strap 103. The connecting means may be configured to releasably secure the screen assembly 105 to the moveable coupling 107. The moveable coupling 107 may also be configured to permit relative movement, e.g. around axis cc, between the second support arm 121 and the screen assembly 105, e.g. by virtue of a pin and slot arrangement similar to that described herein.

In this manner, the moveable coupling 107 provides a rotational coupling and a translational coupling that allows for the screen assembly 105 to pivot, e.g. around axis AA, and slide, e.g. along axis BB, relative to the head strap 103, and thus the user's head when the VR headset 101 is in use.

In order for the movement of the pin 119 within the slot 123 to be accurately controlled, the moveable coupling 107 comprises a geared arrangement between the pin 119 and the slot 123. For example, the pin 119 may be provided with radially extending teeth arranged around the circumference of the pin 119, and the slot 123 may be provided with inwardly extending teeth arranged at least partially around the perimeter of the slot 123, e.g. on one side of the slot, as shown in figure 1. The teeth of the pin 119 may be configured to engage, e.g. directly engage, with the teeth of the slot 123 such that rotation of the pin 119 within the opening 122 of the first support arm 120 results in translation of the second support arm 121 relative to the first support arm 120. In this manner, the distance by which the second end 127 of the second support arm 121, and thus the screen assembly 105 when attached to the second support arm 121, projects away from the head strap 103 may be adjusted by virtue of rotation of the pin 119. In order to allow for the user, and/or a caregiver, to more easily adjust the position of the second support arm 121, the pin 119 is provided with an adjustment dial 129 rigidly fixed or integral to the pin 119. Additionally or alternatively, the position of the screen assembly 105, when attached to the second support arm 121, may be adjusted by virtue of the user, and/or caregiver, pulling or pushing the screen assembly 105 towards or away from the user's head.

In one or more other arrangements (not shown), the pin 119 may be substantially housed within the body of the first support arm 120, e.g. not extending outboard from the second support arm 121, the fit of the pin 119 within the opening 122 and the slot 123 being an interference fit such that the position of the moveable coupling 107 can be readily adjusted by the application of force by the user, and retained in position by the level of friction force provided by the interference fit.

Figures 2A to 2C show various operational positions of the VR headset 101. In figure 2A, the moveable coupling 107 is in a first position in which the screen assembly 105 is engaged against the user's face (not shown). The first position is thus referred to as active, or in-use, position in which the screen assembly 105 is viewable by the user with a shroud 139 of the screen assembly 105 engaged against the user's face to block the transmission of light into the screen assembly 105 whilst the VR headset 101 is in use. When the moveable coupling 107 is in the first position, the first end 125 of the second support arm 121 extends within a channel 141 formed in between a radially outer surface 131 of the head strap 103, a radially inner surface 133 of the first support arm 120, the underside 137 of a top flange 124a and the topside 138 of a bottom flange 124b, such that the movement of the first end 125 of the second support arm 121 is restricted, e.g. rotationally restricted, in particular by the flanges 124 of the first support arm 120. In this manner, the moment of force acting on the second support arm 121 about axis AA under the mass of the screen assembly 105 is reacted by the engagement, e.g. the rotational engagement, of a top surface 135 of the second support arm 121 and the underside 137 of the top flange 124a. Such a setup is beneficial, as at least a proportion of the mass of the screen assembly 105 is carried by the head strap 103, instead of the screen assembly 105 being supported by the nose of the user, which make the VR headset 101 more comfortable to wear for long periods.

Figure 2B shows the moveable coupling 107 in an intermediate position in which the screen assembly 105 has been translated away from the user's face (not shown), for example as a result of rotating the adjustment dial 129 such that the pin 119 has moved towards the rearward extent of the travel in the slot 123. When the moveable coupling 107 is in the intermediate position, the head strap 103 remains secured to the user's head. It is important to understand that such a movement or action would not be possible with the above-described standard VR headset, since the release of the screen assembly from the user's face is enabled by the loosening or removal of the head strap from the user's head. The VR headset 101 according to the present disclosure is thus of particular benefit in situations where it is desired to move the screen assembly 105 away from the user's face without making any adjustment to the head strap 103. For example, where the VR headset 101 is used as a therapeutic device, it is desirable for a caregiver to first fit the VR headset 101 to the user by virtue of attaching the head strap 103 whilst keeping the user's field of vision unobstructed.

When the moveable coupling 107 is in the intermediate position shown in figure 2B, the first end 125 of the second support arm 121 has been moved out of the channel 141 such that first end 125 is offset from a front edge 143 of the top flange 124a by a distance d. As a result, the first end 125 of the second support arm 121 is free from the restricted movement provided by the first position, and the second support arm 121 is free to rotate about axis AA.

Figure 2C shows the moveable coupling 107 in a second position in which the screen assembly 105 has been moved to a position where it is above the user's head, and out of the field of vision of the user. Importantly, the present disclosure allows for the screen assembly 105 to be moved to the second position from the first position via the intermediate position, without any adjustment to the head strap 103.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the disclosure has been described by way of example with reference to one or more arrangements, it is not limited to the disclosed arrangements and that alternative arrangements could be constructed without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.A virtual reality headset mount comprising: a head strap securable to the head of a user; and a moveable coupling configured to couple a screen assembly to the head strap and to permit the screen assembly and the head strap to be moved relative to each other between a first position, in which the screen assembly is engaged against the head of the user, and a second position, in which the screen assembly is remote from the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user.
A virtual reality headset mount according to claim 1, wherein the moveable coupling is configured to permit the screen assembly and the head strap to be moved relative to each other without adjusting the head strap.
A virtual reality headset mount according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moveable coupling comprises a slideable coupling configured to allow the screen assembly to be translated relative to the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user.
A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable coupling comprises a rotatable coupling configured to allow the screen assembly to be rotated relative to the head of the user, whilst the head strap is secured to the head of the user.
A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first position is a position in which the screen assembly is viewable by the user.
A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second position is a position in which the screen assembly is not viewable by the user.
A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the virtual reality headset mount comprises a sensor configured to provide a signal for activating or deactivating the screen assembly dependent on the position of the moveable coupling.
8. A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable coupling is indexable between a plurality of discrete positions.
9. A virtual reality headset mount according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable coupling comprises a releasable connector configured to releasably secure the screen assembly to the moveable coupling.