JP7460791B2 - Positioning and stabilization structure and system incorporating same - Patents.com - Google Patents

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of Australian Provisional Application No. 2020900953, filed March 27, 2020, U.S. Application No. 16/865,480, filed May 4, 2020, and U.S. Application No. 16/865,526, filed May 4, 2020, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by any person of this patent document or this patent disclosure by facsimile, for purposes as set forth in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyright rights thereto for all other purposes.

The present technology relates to positioning and stabilizing structures for holding head-mounted display units and related head-mounted display assemblies that include display units and positioning and stabilizing structures. The present technology finds particular application in the use of virtual reality head-mounted displays and is described herein in that context. However, it should be understood that the present technology may have broader application and may also be used in other head-mounted display configurations, including augmented reality displays.

Where any prior art is referred to herein, it is to be understood that such reference is not an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or elsewhere. .

Virtual reality head-mounted displays allow users to experience a fully immersive virtual environment and have a wide range of applications in fields such as communications, training, medical and surgical care, engineering, and video games.

Virtual reality head mounted displays are typically provided as a system or assembly that includes a display unit arranged to be held in an operating position in front of a user's face. The display unit typically includes a housing that houses a display and a user interface structure constructed and arranged for facing relationship with the user's face. The user interface structure may extend near the display and define a viewing opening to the display. The user interface structure may engage the user's face and may include a cushion for user comfort and/or may lightly seal to block ambient light from the display.

To maintain the display unit in the correct operating position, the head-mounted display system further comprises a positioning and stabilizing structure placed on the user's head. Until now, these positioning and stabilizing structures have been formed from straps or extensible rigid structures that are typically applied to the user's head under tension to maintain the display unit in an operational position. It has been. Such systems tend to apply constricting pressure to the user's face, which can cause user discomfort at localized stress points. Also, previous systems can be difficult to adjust to accommodate a wide range of applicable head sizes. Additionally, display units and associated positioning and stabilizing structures are often heavy and difficult to clean, further limiting the comfort and ease of use of the system.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved system that does not suffer from the above drawbacks.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for a head mounted display unit, including a rear support structure arranged to contact a region of a user's head in use, and opposing temporal connectors arranged on either side of the user's head in use and extending along the side regions of the user's head in use to interconnect the rear support structure to the display unit.

In some embodiments, the rear support structure includes a hoop having an occipital portion and a parietal portion. In some embodiments, the hoop or at least one of the occipital and parietal portions may be elastically stretchable along at least a portion of its length. In some embodiments, the hoop is flexible along at least a portion of its length. In some embodiments where the rear support structure is a hoop, the occipital portion may resist upward movement and extend lower on the user's head (as a result of its contact with the occipital region of the head), thereby providing an anchor for the system. In some embodiments, the hoop is oriented in a generally upright plane (one such upright plane being, by way of example, the coronal plane).

In some configurations, the rear support structure is positioned behind the user's superior ear base point.

In some embodiments, the temporal connectors are rigid along at least a portion of their length. In some embodiments, the temporal connectors each include a temporal arm having a forward end connected to the display unit and a rearward end connected to the rear support structure. In some embodiments, the temporal arms are rigid. In some embodiments, the rearward ends of the temporal arms are positioned posterior to the user's superior ear base point.

In some embodiments, at least one of the temporal connectors further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positioning and stabilizing structure to fit various head sizes. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is located at the connection between the rear end of the temporal arm and the rear support structure.

In some forms, the posterior support structure includes a connecting tab that connects to the temporal arm, and an adjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the effective length of the connecting tab. In some forms, the posterior end of the temporal arm incorporates an eyelet configured to receive a connecting tab, and the adjustment mechanism includes a removable fastening arrangement for fastening the connecting tab to the temporal arm. Be prepared. In some forms, the removable fastening arrangement may be configured to secure the free end of the connecting tab back to the proximal portion of the connecting tab. This removable fastening arrangement may take other forms, such as clips or retainers that allow for friction, interference, snap, or other mechanical fastening arrangements.

In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure may further include a forehead support connector extending generally in the sagittal plane and connecting the rear support structure to an upper edge region of the display unit. In some forms, the forehead support connector may include a strap. In some forms, the forehead support connector strap may be elastically stretchable along at least a portion of its length. In some forms, the forehead support connector strap may be flexible along at least a portion of its length.

In some configurations, the forehead support connector may further include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positioning and stabilizing structure to fit various head sizes. In some configurations, the adjustment mechanism may adjust the effective length of the straps of the forehead support connector when the forehead support connector is in that configuration.

In some forms, the forehead support connector further comprises a forehead support rigidizer that provides rigidity to a portion of the forehead support connector that is located along the frontal region of the user's head. The range and positioning of the forehead support rigidizer may aid in proper positioning of the display unit and reduce pressure applied to the user's cheekbones. In some forms, the forehead support rigidizer may be adjustable (angularly or translationally) on other components of the forehead support connector, such as the straps of the forehead support connector, which may allow fine positioning of the head mounted display unit and aid in improved user comfort and fit.

In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure further includes additional rigidizers that may bridge the rear support structure and the temporal connector. In some forms, these additional rigidizers may help inhibit movement of the display unit near the rear support structure to further stabilize and support the system. In some forms, these additional rigidizers may limit hinge movement at the connection of the temporal connector to the rear support structure. In some forms, these additional rigidizers may also extend along the occipital region of the rear support structure to further anchor the display unit in the correct operating position. In some forms, these additional rigidizers may be adjustable (angularly or translationally) on other components of the forehead support connector to further aid in comfort, adjustability, and fit.

In some forms, the positioning and stabilizing structure may enable upward movement, e.g., upward pivoting, of the display unit such that the display unit can be moved to a non-operative position without removing the positioning and stabilizing structure. For example, flip-up type). In some forms, this pivot configuration may provide a release mechanism at the forehead support connector and/or a limited hinge area at the temporal connector.

Any form of positioning and stabilizing structure described above may be incorporated into the hood or other headwear, either integrally or removably connected thereto. The positioning and stabilizing structure may also include other components incorporated therein, such as audio or haptic (tactile) stimulation or feedback.

One aspect of the present technology provides a head-mounted display that includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilizing structure configured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face when in use. Regarding the system. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head and at least one connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and, including. The rear support structure is configured and arranged to engage the user's head in use along the occipital bone (e.g., along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone). It is in the shape of a hoop with the back of the head.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head and at least one connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and, including. The rear support structure is configured and arranged to engage the user's head in use along the occipital bone (e.g., along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone). It is in the shape of a hoop with the back of the head.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head mounted display unit in an operating position on a user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head and opposing temporal connectors configured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head mounted display unit. The opposing temporal connectors are arranged on either side of the user's head and are adapted to extend along the side regions of the user's head. The rear support structure is in the shape of a hoop with an occipital portion configured and arranged to engage the user's head along the occipital bone in use (e.g., along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent the junction where the neck muscles attach to the occipital bone).

One aspect of the present technology provides a head-mounted display that includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilizing structure configured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face when in use. Regarding the system. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head and at least one connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and, including. At least the rear support structure includes a textile material configured to conform to the rear region of a user's head.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head and at least one connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and, including. At least the rear support structure comprises a textile material configured to conform to the rear region of a user's head.

One aspect of the present technology provides a head-mounted display that includes a head-mounted display unit and a positioning and stabilizing structure configured and arranged to hold the head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face when in use. Regarding the system. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact the rear region of the user's head and an opposing structure configured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and a temporal connector, the opposing temporal connectors being disposed on opposite sides of the user's head and adapted to extend along a lateral region of the user's head. At least the rear support structure includes a textile material configured to conform to the rear region of a user's head.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact the rear region of the user's head and an opposing structure configured and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. and a temporal connector, the opposing temporal connectors being disposed on opposite sides of the user's head and adapted to extend along a lateral region of the user's head. At least the rear support structure includes a textile material configured to conform to the rear region of a user's head.

One aspect of the present technology relates to a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head mounted display unit in an operating position on a user's face. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes a rear support structure adapted to contact a region of the user's head and at least one connector or strap constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head mounted display unit.

The positioning and stabilization structure and/or head mounted display unit may be configured to help distribute contact forces from more sensitive areas of the user's face (forehead, upper cheeks under the eyes) to areas better suited to counteract the applied forces. For example, the rear support structure may be sufficiently flexible to uniformly and snugly engage the rear of the user's head, e.g., anchored above the occipital bone but above the neck muscles, and/or have high stiffness in one or more portions to better support the load of the head mounted display unit in a comfortable and sustainable manner. For example, the rear support structure may be made from a breathable and flexible strap material (e.g., woven fabric) to adjust to the shape and/or size of the user's head, and some portions of this strap material may be stiffened and/or have stiff portions added (e.g., sewn, laminated, clipped, inserted into a pocket, overmolded, and/or ultrasonically welded in place) to maintain stability and help counteract some of the forces applied to portions of the patient's face via the head mounted display unit.

In one embodiment, the positioning and stabilizing structure and/or head mounted display unit may be configured to cooperate to reduce forces applied to the patient's forehead and/or cheekbones by effectively transferring those forces to the rear support and/or at least one connector or strap, and/or simply distributing the forces from the head mounted display unit more evenly along the head mounted display unit and/or along the rear support structure and/or at least one connector or strap. This is done in a manner that adds comfort and/or stability, such as to prevent the head mounted unit from sliding down the user's face/forehead.

Another aspect of the present technology relates to a head-mounted display system or assembly that includes any form of positional stabilization structure described above and a display unit connected thereto.

Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology. Additionally, various one of the subaspects and/or aspects may be combined in various ways to constitute additional aspects or subaspects of the present technology.

Other features of the technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and information contained in the claims.

The technology is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference symbols include the following similar elements:

FIG. 1 is a lateral view of the head including several features of the surface anatomy, including the superior and inferior ocular points. The approximate location of the Frankfort horizontal is indicated. The coronal plane is also indicated. The directions of superior and inferior, and anterior and posterior are also indicated. FIG. 2 is a front view of the bones of the skull, including the frontal bone, nasal bone, and zygoma. FIG. 2 is a side view of the skull along with the outline of the head surface and some muscles; Exemplary bones described include the frontal bone, sphenoid bone, nasal bone, zygomatic bone, upper jaw, lower jaw, parietal bone, temporal bone, and occipital portion. 1A and 1B are a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a first embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 1A and 1B are a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a first embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 1A-1D are side, front, and top views of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a first embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a temporal arm of the head mounted display assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a temporal arm of the head mounted display assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. 11A-11C are side, front and top views of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a second embodiment of the present technology; 11A-11C are side, front and top views of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a second embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 7 is a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a second embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 7 is a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a third example of the present technology. FIG. 7 is a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a third example of the present technology. FIG. 7 is a side view, a front view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a third example of the present technology. FIG. 13 is a side view of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. 13A-13C are side, rear, and top views of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a variant of the fourth embodiment of the present technology; FIG. 7 is a side view, a back view, and a top view of a head-mounted display assembly in use according to a modification of the fourth embodiment of the present technology. 13A-13C are side, rear, and top views of a head mounted display assembly in use according to a variant of the fourth embodiment of the present technology;

Before describing the present technology in further detail, it is to be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, which may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments described herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided with reference to various embodiments that may share one or more common characteristics and/or characteristics. It should be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or other embodiments. Additionally, any single feature or combination of features in any of these embodiments may constitute a further embodiment.

2A-2C illustrate a support for a head-mounted display system or assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology. Head-mounted display system 10 includes a head-mounted display unit 12 and a positioning and stabilizing structure 14 (also referred to as a support and stabilizing structure) for maintaining or holding display unit 12 in an operative position above a user's face during use. ) and.

The display unit 12 includes a user interface structure 13 constructed and arranged to be in facing relationship with the user's face. The user interface structure 13 extends near a display housed by the display unit housing 22. The user interface structure 13 may extend near the display and define a viewing opening to the display. The user interface structure 13 may extend around the user's eyes and engage (e.g., lightly seal) with the user's face, for example along the user's nose, cheeks, and/or forehead.

As described below, head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology provide the perception of a complete seal around the user's eyes, i.e., when using a virtual reality head-mounted display. It is constructed and arranged to provide an immersive yet balanced system, ie, not too tight at any one point along the user's head and/or face. That is, head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology are configured and arranged to distribute pressure over a wider area of the user's head to reduce hot spots or localized stress points. , providing a more uniform fit.

The head mounted display system according to the embodiment of the present technology also includes a soft, flexible (e.g., elastic) material (e.g., a breathable material such as a fabric and foam composite) that is constructed and arranged to enhance conformity to the user's head and provide cushioning for comfort. In addition, the head mounted display system according to the embodiment of the present technology includes a simple adjustment mechanism to facilitate adjustment while worn on the user's head and achieve a wide range of fit.

2A-2C, the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 includes a rear support structure 16 (also referred to as a rear support hoop) adapted to contact a region of the user's head (e.g., positionable on the top portion of the user's head) and at least one connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure 16 to the head mounted display unit 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one connector includes opposing temporal connectors 18 disposed on each side of the user's head that interconnect the rear support hoop 16 to respective rear edge regions 20 of the display unit housing 22 of the display unit 12, and a forehead support connector 24 extending across the user's forehead bone that interconnects the rear support hoop 16 to the top edge region 21 of the display unit housing 22. However, it should be understood that more or less connectors may be provided to interconnect the rear support structure 16 to the head mounted display unit 12.

Each of the opposing temporal connectors 18 includes a temporal arm 26 . Each temporal arm 26 has a forward end 28 attached to a respective trailing edge region 20 of the display unit housing 22 and a portion of a removable coupling for connecting the temporal arm 26 to the rear support hoop 16. and a rear end 30 forming the rear end 30 .

Each temporal arm 26 includes a rigidizer 32, a woven component 34, and a tab 36 disposed at the rear end 30 for connection to the rear support hoop 16. In one embodiment, a portion of each of the temporal arms 26, in use, contacts an area of the user's head proximate the supra-aural point, i.e., above the user's ear. In one embodiment, the temporal arms 26, in use, are positioned to extend generally along or parallel to the Frankfort horizontal of the head and above the user's cheekbones.

In one form, the rigidizer 32 may be encapsulated within the textile component 34 of each temporal arm 26. For example, FIG. 2D shows an example of a textile component 34 in the form of a cover configured to encapsulate the rigidizer 32. In this example, the textile component 34 includes a face-contacting side disposed on one side of the rigidizer 32 that can provide a soft face-contacting surface 35 adapted to contact the patient's face in use. In some alternative forms, the rigidizer 32 may be sewn or otherwise attached (e.g., overmolded) to the textile component 34, or the textile component may be made from a material that can be selectively stiffened by heat treatment (e.g., heat treatment). For example, FIG. 2E shows an example of a textile component 34 attached to the face-contacting side of the rigidizer 32 that can provide a soft face-contacting surface 35 adapted to contact the patient's face in use. In one embodiment, the textile component 34 may comprise a textile material or a textile and foam composite (e.g., a breathable material such as a multi-layer structure including an outer textile layer and an inner foam layer) that gently supports the rigidizer 32 to cushion against the user's head for maximum comfort. The rigidizer 32 allows each of the temporal arms 26 to retain their in-use shape and configuration even when the user is not wearing the respective temporal arms 26. Maintaining the temporal arms 26 in an in-use state prior to use has the advantage of preventing or limiting distortion while the user is wearing the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 and allowing the user to quickly wear or don the display system 10.

In one embodiment, rigidizer 32 can be made from a rigid material such as Hytrel (a thermoplastic polyester elastomer). As such, rigidizer 32 (or temporal connector 18 or temporal arm 26) is rigid along at least a portion of its length. The stiffness, or inextensibility, of the rigidizer 32 of each temporal arm 26 limits the amount of extension or deformation of the temporal arm 26 during use. This configuration has the advantage that the temporal arm 26 allows for more effective, ie direct, translation of tension forces. In one example, rigidizer 32 may be more rigid than rear support hoop 16 and/or connecting strap 42 (eg, formed from an elastic and/or fibrous material). As a result, the temporal arms 26 of each opposing temporal connector 18 are stiffer than other portions of the positioning and stabilizing structure 14, such as being stiffer than the rear support hoop 16 and/or the connecting straps 42. Good too. The temporal arm 26 (or temporal connector 18) is more rigid along at least a portion of its length than other portions of the positioning and stabilizing structure 14, e.g., more rigid than the posterior support hoop 16 and/or the connecting strap 42. It may have high rigidity. For example, in contrast to the rigidizer 32 (or the temporal connector 18 or the temporal arm 26), the rear support hoop 16 and/or the connecting strap 42 may be stretchable to a desired length, i.e., the length may be elastically extensible along at least a portion of.

In one embodiment, the rigidizer 32 may be structurally rigid or rigid to withstand bending deformation vertically up and down along the user's face, but not toward the user's face or toward the user's face. may allow for bending deformations apart from (e.g., adjusting to different facial widths). In one embodiment, rigidizer 32 may be structurally rigid or rigid to resist deformation during torsion. In one example, rigidizer 32 may be structurally rigid or rigid to maintain a preformed shape.

In one embodiment, the rigidizer 32 forms a lever arm or means for pivoting about the rear support hoop 16. The rear support hoop 16 has the advantage of providing an anchor point for the positioning and stabilizing structure 14. Rigidizer 32 may articulate near the anchor point of rear support hoop 16 such that forehead support connector 24 can raise and lower the position of display unit 12 relative to the user's nose. This configuration has the advantage of minimizing the amount of clamping pressure to stabilize the display unit 12 on the user's head.

In one example, the thickness and/or width of the temporal arm 26 may vary along at least a portion of its length, e.g., the temporal arm 26 may vary in thickness and/or width to facilitate connection and distribute loads. may include wider and narrower portions along its length.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear support structure or hoop 16 is in the form of a hoop having a ring-like shape (similar to the ring-like shape of the rear support hoop 316 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6B) and is configured to have a three-dimensional contour curve that fits or conforms to the shape of the rear of the user's head, such as the crown of the user's head. The rear support hoop 16 includes a crown portion or crown strap portion 38 adapted to be adjacent to the parietal bone of the user's head in use, and an occipital portion or occipital strap portion 40 adapted to be adjacent to the occipital bone of the user's head in use. In one embodiment, the occipital portion 40 is preferably positioned along a portion of the occipital bone in use, for example, adjacent or near the junction where the neck muscles attach, and the crown portion 38 is preferably positioned posterior to the frontal plane in use. In one embodiment, the occipital portion 40 is adapted to be positioned along a portion of the occipital bone just above the junction where the neck muscles attach to the occipital bone. This junction may also be referred to as the external occipital protuberance (EOP). However, the exact location of the occipital portion 40 on the user's head may vary depending on the size and shape of the user's head being used, for example, the occipital portion 40 may be adjacent to, directly above, or directly below the portion of the occipital bone where the neck muscles attach. In one embodiment, the occipital portion 40 may be placed below or below the occipital bone near the junction where the neck muscles attach. This hoop-like arrangement (e.g., circular or oval or partially circular/oval or C-shaped) of the rear support hoop 16 anchors the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 around the rear or rear prominence of the user's head, thereby providing an effective support structure for holding weight (i.e., the display unit) at the front of the user's head. The rear support hoop 16 may be formed from an elastic material, the elasticity of which may be used to stretch the hoop and hold the rear support hoop 16 firmly in place.

The rear support hoop 16 further includes opposing connecting straps or tabs 42. The straps 42 are adjustable and operate to change the distance between the rear support hoop 16 and the display unit housing 22 of the display unit 12. Each of the straps 42 is threaded through an eyelet 44 of the tab 36 of the respective temporal arm 26 in use. The length of each strap 42 through the tab 36 of the respective temporal connector 18 can be adjusted by pulling the strap 42 slightly through the respective eyelet 44. After passing through the eyelet 44 of the tab 36, the strap 42 can be secured to itself, for example, using a hook-and-loop fastening means that allows for fine or micro-adjustment of the strap for comfort and fit (e.g., tightness). Thus, the distance between the rear support hoop 16 and the display unit housing 22 can be adjusted to fit various head sizes. Such an adjustable strap arrangement also allows for adjustments while the system is on the user's head, for example, the user can pull the strap 42 backwards to tighten it.

In one embodiment, the thickness and/or width of the rear support hoop 16 and/or straps 42 may vary along at least a portion of their length. For example, the rear support hoop 16 may include wider and thinner portions along its length, such as a wider portion adjacent the straps 42, to facilitate connection to the temporal arms 26 and distribute the load. Also, the straps 42 may be thinner along their free ends to facilitate threading through the eyelets 44 of the respective temporal arms 26.

In one embodiment, the rear support hoop 16 is generally vertically oriented, i.e., disposed in a vertical plane generally parallel to the coronal plane. This positioning of the rear support hoop 16 properly orients the rear support hoop 16 at the top of the user's head to support the lateral, i.e., horizontal, tension applied by the connection straps 42 and to support the weight of the display unit 12 in front of the user's head when in use.

The rear support hoop 16 and connecting straps 42 may be formed from elastic and/or textile materials to help conform to the shape of the user's head. Rear support hoop 16 and connecting strap 42 provide elongation forces, for example. Such resilient material behind the user's head also allows the display unit 12 to be moved away from the user's eyes to talk to someone while the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 remains on the user's head. etc., it may be easier to lift the display unit 12 away from the user's face during use. For example, the support hoop 16 may be a neoprene material or other textile foam composite (e.g., a breathable material such as a multilayer structure including an outer textile layer and an inner foam layer), or a spacer fabric. The fabric can provide a soft support structure to stabilize the display unit 12 on the user's head, and the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 can be positioned relative to the user's head for maximum comfort. It has the advantage of being a buffer.

Forehead support connector 24 of positioning and stabilization structure 14 includes a forehead support strap 48 positioned to extend generally along or parallel to the sagittal plane of the user's head. Forehead support strap 48 is adapted to connect between upper edge region 21 of display unit housing 22 and crown portion 38 of rear support hoop 16. In one example, the strap 48 can be non-adjustably connected to the crown portion 38, such as by welding, and the strap 48 can be adjustably connected to the display unit housing 22 by an adjustment mechanism 50.

The forehead support strap 48 is adjustable to allow for dimensional control of the forehead support connector 24. As best shown in FIG. 2C, an end or tab 54 of the forehead support strap 48 is threaded through a forehead support hole 52 in the upper edge region 21 of the display unit 12 during use. After passing through the hole 52 in the display unit 12, the forehead support strap 48 may be secured to itself using, for example, a hook and loop fastening means that allows for fine or micro adjustment of the strap for comfort and fit (e.g., tightness). In one embodiment, the forehead support strap 48 may comprise a material similar to the rear support hoop 16 and/or the connecting strap 42, such as a woven foam composite (e.g., a breathable material such as a multi-layer structure including an outer woven fabric layer and an inner foam layer).

Forehead support connector 24 supports the weight of display unit 12 . The length of the forehead support strap 48 between the upper edge region 21 of the display unit 12 and the crown portion 38 of the rear support hoop 16 may be adjusted by pulling the strap 48 somewhat through the hole 52. Therefore, the forehead support strap 48 can be adjusted to raise or lower the position of the display unit 12 relative to the user's nose, such as adjusting the display unit 12 to tilt or lift it relative to the user's face. This adjustment can move display unit housing 22 away from the user's nose, relieving pressure felt on the face, nose, and/or cheeks. Forehead support connector 24 secures display unit 12 in place from sliding downwardly or laterally on the user's head.

In one embodiment, the thickness and/or width of the forehead support strap 48 may vary along at least a portion of its length, e.g., the forehead support strap 48 may include wider and thinner portions along its length to facilitate connection and distribute loads.

In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 50 is positioned so that it does not contact the frontal bone region of the user during use.

In an alternative embodiment, the positioning and stabilizing structure 14 does not include the forehead support connector 24/forehead support strap 48. See, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C.

3A-3C show a support for a head mounted display system or assembly 110 according to a second embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 3A-3C, like reference numbers refer to like parts as in FIG. 2A-2C, such as the display unit 112, the user interface structure 113, the positioning and stabilizing structure 114, the rear support hoop 116, the temporal connector 118, the rear edge region 120, the display unit housing 122, the forehead support connector 124, the temporal arm 126, the crown portion 138, the occipital portion 140, the connection strap 142, the forehead support strap 148, the adjustment mechanism 150, the forehead support hole 152, the end portion 154, etc., and the addition of 100 allows for distinction between the embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3C, the forehead support connector 124 may further include a forehead support rigidizer 156. The forehead support rigidizer 156 can further stabilize and support the display unit 112 on the user's nose and cheeks, i.e., relieve pressure on the user's nose and cheeks. The forehead support rigidizer 156 can be connected to the upper edge region 121 to form at least a portion of the forehead support hole 152 for receiving the end or tab portion 154 of the forehead support strap 148 for sizing adjustment of the positioning and stabilizing structure 114. As shown, the forehead support strap 148 is positioned below the forehead support rigidizer 156 for comfort and load distribution.

In some configurations, the adjustment mechanism 150 may further include an angle adjustment mechanism (not shown) for easily lifting the visor from the in-use position to the stowed or non-use position.

In one embodiment, the system redistributes one or more components from the display unit to the positioning and stabilizing structure, such as redistributing weight from the display unit to the positioning and stabilizing structure. may be configured and arranged. For example, the forehead support rigidizer 156 and/or the forehead support strap 148 may be used to at least partially support one or more non-located essential electrical components, such as a battery or hard drive storage device, and can be shifted from the front of the user's head to a position closer to the center, ie, the weight of the display unit can be offset. In the alternative, one or more components from the display unit may be at least partially supported by rear support hoop 116 and/or temporal connector 118 to redistribute weight.

4A-4C illustrate a support for a head-mounted display system or assembly 210 according to a third embodiment of the present technology. 4A-4C, like reference numbers indicate similar parts as in FIGS. 2A-2C, including display unit 212, user interface structure 213, positioning and stabilization structure 214, rear support hoop 216, temporal connector. 218, a trailing edge region 220, a display unit housing 222, a temporal arm 226, a parietal portion 238, an occipital portion 240, a connecting strap 242, and the like. In a third embodiment, the support for head mounted display assembly 210 does not include a forehead support. That is, display unit 212 is supported by positioning and stabilizing structure 214 without a forehead support connector or forehead support strap.

5 shows a support for a head mounted display system or assembly 310 according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 5, like reference numbers refer to like parts as in FIGS. 2A-2C, with the addition of 300 allowing distinction between the embodiments, such as the display unit 312, the user interface structure 313, the positioning and stabilizing structure 314, the rear support hoop 316, the temporal connector 318, the display unit housing 322, the forehead support connector 324, the temporal arm 326, the rigidizer 332, the crown portion 338, the occipital portion 340, the forehead support strap 348, etc. In the fourth embodiment, the support for the head mounted display system 310 includes opposing temporal connectors 318, each of which has a temporal arm 326 with an extending rigidizer 358. Each extending rigidizer 358 may extend from the respective temporal arm 326 to the rear support hoop 316 to provide additional support for the display unit 312 in use. Each of the elongated rigidizers 358 may extend along a portion of the rear support hoop 316 and may extend into one or both of the crown portion 338 and the occipital portion 340. For example, each of the elongated rigidizers 358 may have a Y-shape as shown in FIG. 5, which extends into both the crown portion 338 and the occipital portion 340. Alternatively, each of the elongated rigidizers 358 may extend only into one of the crown portion 338 and the occipital portion 340, for example, only along the occipital portion 340, as shown in FIG. 6A below. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the crown and occipital portions of the elongated arms of the rigidizers 358 are provided along the crown portion 338 and the occipital portion 340 of the rear support hoop 316, which are positioned proximal to the parietal and occipital bones of the user's head, to support the respective portions of the rear support hoop 316.

The extension rigidizer 358 increases the length of the temporal connector 318 to increase the lever arm moment created near the rear support hoop 316. Compared to the first and second embodiments, in use, the larger lever arm extends the moment of inertia further behind the user's head. Thus, reducing the tension applied to the forehead support connector 324 to support the display unit 312 may provide increased comfort to the user.

In addition, the extended arm of the rigidizer 358 receives the weight of the display unit 312 and the fastening force applied by the tension induced in the positioning and stabilizing structure 314 to more evenly apply pressure on the user's head. can be dispersed.

The extended arm of the rigidizer 358 helps prevent the rear support hoop 316 of the positioning and stabilization structure 314 from moving vertically upward on the user's head when applying tension to the forehead support connector 324. The elongated arm of the rigidizer 358 extends along the corresponding occipital bone of the user's head (e.g., along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone), along the occipital portion of the posterior support hoop 316. 340 can be fixed more effectively.

6A-6C show a variation of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, each of the temporal arms 326 includes a biased extension rigidizer 360. Each biased extension rigidizer 360 can extend from the respective temporal arm 326 to the occipital portion 340 of the rear support hoop 316, i.e., in a generally J-shaped configuration, in use, to enhance support of the display unit 312.

The energized extension rigidizer 360 is inserted along a portion of the occipital bone to securely anchor the positioning and stabilizing structure 314, for example, along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone. The display unit 312 extends along the user's nose and cheeks to support the display unit 312 above the user's nose and cheeks.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, occipital and temporal adjustment mechanisms 362, 364 may be provided on the temporal arm 326 and biased extension rigidizer 360. The intermediate adjustment mechanism 362 can be mounted near the intermediate region of the occipital region between the opposing arms of the biased extension rigidizer 360. In one example, the intermediate adjustment mechanism 362 may be in the form of a strap that is threaded through opposing holes 363 in the rear ends 368 of each of the opposing arms of the biased extension rigidizer 360 (see FIG. 6B). The distance between opposing arms of rigidizer 360 can be controlled by somewhat pulling strap 362 through hole 363.

Temporal adjustment mechanism 364 may be positioned on temporal arm 326 along the temporal region of the user's head. Temporal adjustment mechanism 364 is adjustable and operable to vary the distance between biased extension rigidizer 360 and display unit housing 322.

The head-mounted display system described above represents an alternative example of the present technology configured and arranged to enhance comfort, range of fit, ease of use, system architecture, usability in a medical environment, and manufacturability.

A head mounted display system according to an embodiment of the present technology enhances comfort by minimizing facial markings and pain from prolonged use. For example, comfort can be achieved by providing global load distribution where load is optimized over all contact surfaces by avoiding or minimizing load on areas prone to discomfort and redistributing the load to areas that are comfortable to remove, e.g., avoiding or minimizing load on the bridge and sides of the nose and applying or redistributing the load to the top and/or back of the head. Comfort can also be achieved by providing localized load distribution where load is evenly distributed by design and material selection in areas of the face where contact is unavoidable, e.g., contact points around the eyes may have a conforming material that distributes load evenly and avoids pain points/facial markings. In addition, comfort can also be achieved by minimizing weight, since less weight of the overall system requires less tension to position and maintain the system in the correct configuration. In this regard, the head mounted display system according to an embodiment of the present technology provides components that are optimized to minimize component size and number to achieve fit range, comfort, and minimal design (e.g., low profile) to achieve correct configuration, e.g., function and use of robust and lightweight materials.

A head mounted display system according to an embodiment of the present technology enhances the fit range or overall fit without sacrificing comfort, ease of use, and cost. The fit range can be achieved by providing adjustability, for example, through geometry and material selection and adjustment mechanisms. The components of the positioning and stabilizing structure can be designed and materials selected to provide a desired force vs. displacement, e.g., a strap can stretch to a desired length under a given force. The adjustment mechanisms provide simplicity, such as manually adjusting and setting the size of the positioning and stabilizing structure and associated straps, and minimizing the size of the components while maximizing ease of use, such as one-handed adjustment of the straps and alternative use of magnetic clips for connection. The adjustment mechanisms also provide minimal size and weight with optimal materials and minimal components, reducing the bulk of the adjustment mechanisms. Additionally, an increased fit range can be achieved through anthropometric measurements that can be designed to fit the optimal anthropometric range of the desired market.

Head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology enhance usability with a hassle-free and simple setup solution and a low dexterity threshold solution. For example, hassle-free set-up can be achieved with self-adjusting solutions that include stretchable materials, or simple mechanical actuation that can provide a precise fit with only a few minor adjustments. The system also provides ease of use (i.e., set and forget), for example, mechanisms for guiding adjustments (e.g., magnets) and locking mechanisms (e.g., clips) for setting adjustments. may include adjustment and locking solutions for (no manipulation required)). Additionally, the system provides ease of use, allowing for adjustments when worn by users who are clumsy and/or have minimal vision.

Head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology incorporate an enhanced system architecture that optimizes component positioning to maximize comfort, range of fit, and usability while minimizing cost. provide. For example, the system may provide excellent weight distribution with electrical and/or mechanical components located in ideal locations from a comfort standpoint. The system may also provide modularity to allow component selection or upgrades based on user preferences, such as the ability to select electrical components, face contact cushions, straps, and/or earphones based on preference.

Head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology enhance usability in medical environments. For example, the system may be biocompatible with and/or with selected materials that are cleanable for reuse in a medical environment and/or pass biocompatibility requirements. May be washable.

Head-mounted display systems according to embodiments of the present technology increase manufacturability by providing a low-cost, mass-manufacturable solution while maintaining high quality and functionality.

In the claims that follow and in the above description of embodiments of the present technology, unless the context otherwise requires by reason of the express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., for the purpose of specifying the presence of stated features, but without excluding the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the present technology.

Although the technology herein has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some cases, terms and symbols may indicate specific details that are not necessary for the practice of the technology. For example, the terms "first" and "second" (etc.) are used, but unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order, but are used to distinguish between separate elements or embodiments. Furthermore, although the process steps in the method may be described or illustrated in an order, such order is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such order may be changed and/or aspects thereof may be performed simultaneously or even synchronously.

Thus, it should be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

Head-mounted display system 10
Display unit 12
User Interface Structure 13
Positioning and stabilizing structures 14
Rear support hoop 16
Temporal connector 18
Trailing edge region 20
Upper edge region 21
Display unit housing 22
Forehead support connector 24
Temporal Arm 26
Front end 28
Rear end 30
Rigidizer 32
Woven Fabric Component 34
Face contact surface 35
Tab 36
Top of the head 38
Occipital region 40
Connection strap 42
Eyelet 44

Adjustment mechanism 50
Forehead support hole 52
Tab portion 54
Head-mounted display system 110
Display unit 112
User Interface Structure 113
Positioning and stabilizing structures 114
Rear support hoop 116
Temporal Connector 118
Trailing Edge Region 120
Upper edge region 121
Display unit housing 122
Forehead support connector 124
Temporal Arm 126
Top of the head 138
Occipital region 140
Connection strap 142
Forehead support strap 148
Adjustment mechanism 150
Forehead support hole 152
Tab portion 154
Forehead support rigidizer 156
Head Mounted Display System 210
Display unit 212
User Interface Structure 213
Positioning and stabilizing structures 214
Rear support hoop 216
Temporal Connector 218
Trailing Edge Region 220
Display unit housing 222
Temporal Arm 226
Top of the head 238
Occipital region 240
Connection strap 242
Head-mounted display system 310
Display unit 312
User Interface Structure 313
Positioning and stabilizing structures 314
Rear support hoop 316
Temporal Connector 318
Temporal Connector 318
Display unit housing 322
Forehead support connector 324
Temporal Arm 326
Rigidizer 332
Top of the head 338
Occipital region 340
Forehead support strap 348
Extension Rigidizer 358
Biased Extension Rigidizer 360
Intermediate adjustment mechanism 362
Hole 363
Temporal adjustment mechanism 364
Rear end 368

Claims (34)

A head mounted display system,
head-mounted display unit,
a positioning and stabilizing structure configured and arranged to maintain the head-mounted display unit in an operative position above the user's face in use;
The positioning and stabilizing structure comprises:
a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head;
a front end connected to the head-mounted display unit; and a rear end opposite the front end, and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head-mounted display unit. at least one connector, wherein the rear support structure is removably connected to the rear end of the at least one connector;
the at least one connector is rigid along at least a portion of the length of the at least one connector;
the at least one connector is configured to extend along or parallel to the Frankfort horizontal of the user during use;
the rear support structure has a three-dimensional shape that is a hoop shape before contacting the user's head;
The hoop includes an occipital portion configured and arranged to engage the user's head along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone in use; and a parietal bone of the user. a head-mounted display system having a hoop shape, the head-mounted display system having a top portion configured and arranged to be proximate to the head-mounted display system; 2. The head-mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the hoop includes a parietal portion adapted to engage the user's head proximate a parietal bone in use. The head mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the hoop is elastically stretchable along at least a portion of the length of the hoop. The head mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the hoop is flexible along at least a portion of the length of the hoop. The at least one connector comprises an opposed temporal connector constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head mounted display unit, the opposed temporal connector being arranged on opposite sides of the user's head. The head-mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the head-mounted display system is arranged and adapted to extend along a temporal region of the user's head. 6. The head-mounted display system of claim 5, wherein each of the opposing temporal connectors includes a temporal arm, and each of the temporal arms is rigid along an entire length of the temporal arm. 7. The head mounted display system of claim 6, wherein the rigid material forming each temporal arm is encapsulated within a fibrous material. 6. The posterior end of the temporal arm of each of the opposing temporal connectors is configured to be positioned at or behind a supra-auricular point of the user. Head-mounted display system. 9. The head mounted display system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the opposing temporal connectors further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positioning and stabilizing structure to fit heads of various sizes. 10. The head-mounted display system of claim 9, wherein the adjustment mechanism is located at a connection between the rear end of the temporal arm and the rear support structure. The head mounted display system of claim 10, wherein the rear support structure includes a connection tab that connects to the temporal arm, and the adjustment mechanism allows adjustment of the effective length of the connection tab. the rear end of the temporal arm includes an eyelet positioned to receive the connecting tab, and the adjustment mechanism includes a removable fastening arrangement for fastening the connecting tab to the temporal arm. The head mounted display system according to claim 11. The head mounted display system of claim 12, wherein the removable fastening arrangement is arranged to secure a free end of the connection tab to a proximal portion of the connection tab. The head mounted display system of claim 5, wherein the at least one connector further comprises a forehead support connector extending generally in a sagittal plane direction and connecting the rear support structure to an upper edge region of the head mounted display unit. The head mounted display system of claim 14, wherein the forehead support connector comprises a strap. 16. The head mounted display system of claim 15, wherein the strap of the forehead support connector is elastically extensible along at least a portion of the length of the strap. The head mounted display system of claim 15, wherein the strap of the forehead support connector is flexible along at least a portion of the length of the strap. The head mounted display system of claim 15, wherein the forehead support connector further comprises an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positioning and stabilizing structure to fit different sized heads. 19. The head mounted display system of claim 18, wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the effective length of the strap of the forehead support connector. The head mounted display system of claim 19, wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed on an outer surface of the forehead support connector and configured to extend generally along a sagittal plane of the user. 15. The head mounted display system of claim 14, wherein the forehead support connector further comprises a forehead support rigidizer that stiffens a portion of the forehead support connector. The head mounted display system of claim 21, wherein the forehead support rigidizer stiffens a portion of the forehead support connector located in a forehead portion of the user's head. The head mounted display system of claim 14, wherein the forehead support connector is directly connected to the top portion of the head. The head mounted display system of claim 5, further comprising one or more additional rigidizers for bridging the rear support structure and the opposing temporal connectors. further comprising an elongated rigidizer connected to a rear end of each temporal arm;
Each elongate rigidizer extends at least partially along the crown portion;
The extension rigidizers are connected to each other using adjustable connection straps.
The head mounted display system according to claim 5 . The head-mounted display unit includes a display that is visible to the user when the head-mounted display unit is in the operating position, and a user interface structure constructed and arranged in a facing relationship with the user's face. 2. The head-mounted display system of claim 1, comprising a housing housing a user interface structure extending proximate the display and defining a viewing aperture to the display. The head mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the occipital portion is configured and arranged to engage along the portion of the occipital bone immediately above the joint in use. further comprising an elongated rigidizer connected to a rear end of the at least one connector;
2. The head-mounted display system of claim 1, wherein the elongated rigidizer extends at least partially along the parietal portion and/or the occipital portion of the rear support structure. a positioning and stabilizing structure for holding a head-mounted display unit in an operative position above a user's face, the positioning and stabilizing structure comprising:
a rear support structure adapted to contact a rear region of the user's head;
a front end configured to connect to the head mounted display unit; and a rear end opposite the front end, and interconnecting the rear support structure to the head mounted display unit. at least one connector arranged such that the rear support structure is removably connected to the rear end of the at least one connector;
the at least one connector is rigid along at least a portion of the length of the at least one connector;
the at least one connector is configured to extend along or parallel to the Frankfort horizontal of the user during use;
the rear support structure has a three-dimensional shape that is a hoop shape before contacting the user's head;
The hoop includes an occipital portion configured and arranged to engage the user's head along a portion of the occipital bone adjacent to the junction where the cervical muscles attach to the occipital bone in use; and a parietal bone of the user. a positioning and stabilizing structure in the shape of a hoop, the structure comprising: a crown portion configured and disposed proximate to the crown portion; The positioning and stabilizing structure of claim 29, wherein the hoop is elastically stretchable along at least a portion of the length of the hoop. The positioning and stabilizing structure of claim 29, wherein the at least one connector comprises opposing temporal connectors constructed and arranged to interconnect the rear support structure to the head mounted display unit, the opposing temporal connectors being positioned on either side of the user's head and extending along a temporal region of the user's head. 32. The positioning and stabilizing structure of claim 31, wherein each of the opposing temporal connectors is rigid along at least a portion of its length. 32. The positioning of claim 31, wherein the at least one connector further comprises a forehead support connector extending in a generally sagittal direction to connect the rear support structure to a top edge region of the head mounted display unit. and stabilizing structures. 30. The positioning and stabilising structure of claim 29, wherein the occipital portion is constructed and arranged to engage along the portion of the occipital bone just above the joint, in use.

Images