JPH07216621A - Tool for mounting on head - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a tool for mounting on a head part capable of maintaining a contact part with the head part clean without requiring much labor. CONSTITUTION:This tool for mounting on a head part is equipped with a belt unit 14 for fixing a head mount display(HMD) having a display device to the head part and a cleaning head cartridge 37 in a rear device 18 of the HMD, capable of moving the belt unit with a pinion 36, rotating the belt unit around the head part for each shift of a wearer of the HMD, bringing the belt unit into contact with the cleaning mechanism 37 and always maintaining the surface on the head side of the belt unit clean.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tool worn on the head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a helmet with a special function, which is mounted on the head for playing various games such as experience games and games applying the principle of virtual reality, or for viewing stereoscopic images. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a tool worn on the head,
Various things are known, such as a protective helmet for construction, a flying helmet for pilots, and various hats for cold weather.
Such a head-worn device is owned by an individual and rarely shared with others.

However, in recent years, in the field of games in which the principle of stereoscopic images and virtual reality, in which the number of enthusiasts has dramatically increased, has come into use, head-mounted equipment shared with others. There is a head mounted display (hereinafter, abbreviated as "HMD") as such a head mounting tool, and when the HMD is mounted on the head, a stereoscopic display on the front is positioned in front of the face (head), The wearer can see the display and recognize the stereoscopic image created by the computer. In addition, a viewer can recognize a stereoscopic image by simultaneously providing an image for the right eye and an image for the left eye of the liquid crystal goggles on the front of the head.

[0004]

A head-mounting tool such as an HMD that is controlled by a computer is of a stationary type because it needs to be connected to the computer, and is expensive. Because of this, it is basically shared with others. Therefore, the portion of the HMD that comes into contact with the head is contaminated with sweat, hair styling agent, or the like, which is a hygienic problem. Therefore, conventionally, such a contact portion has been regularly replaced, or the contact portion has been wiped off each time it is used. However, this requires a lot of trouble.

In order to solve such a problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a head mounting tool capable of maintaining a clean contact portion with the head without spending time and effort. Moreover, it aims at providing the head mounting | wearing tool which enables this by a simple structure. Furthermore, it aims at providing the head mounting | wearing tool which can clean the contact part with a head automatically.

[0006]

In order to achieve such an object, the head mounting tool of the present invention is provided with a support for supporting the main body on the head and a head side of the support. And a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the side.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a drive mechanism for relatively moving the cleaning mechanism and the support, and the cleaning mechanism is brought into continuous contact with the support. The cleaning mechanism includes a member containing an organic solvent and is configured to bring the member into contact with the support.

The support includes a band wound around the front and back head and / or the side head, and the drive mechanism rotates the band around the front and back head and the side head. Further, the support body includes a band member that abuts on the crown, and the drive mechanism rotates the band along the crown.

Further, the head mounting tool of the present invention further includes a detecting means for detecting a mounting state of the main body on the head, and a state in which the main body is not mounted on the head based on a detection signal from the detecting means. And a control means for outputting a drive signal to the drive mechanism.

The head mounting tool of the present invention further includes a detecting means for detecting the mounting state of the main body on the head, and the body is fastened to the head side when the main body is mounted on the head, and It is characterized by comprising a tightening and releasing mechanism for releasing this tightening when the main body is removed from the head and a control means for controlling the mechanism based on a detection signal from the detecting means.

The tightening and releasing mechanism is a ratchet mechanism that engages with the band member to suppress the movement of the band member, and allows the band member to move in a predetermined direction, but in the opposite direction. And a clutch mechanism for restricting the movement of the ratchet mechanism, wherein the control means moves the belt body in the opposite direction by the driving means and tightens the ratchet mechanism to the belt body when tightening the belt body to the head. Engage,
When releasing the tightening, the ratchet mechanism is configured to release the engagement with the band.

[0012]

The support of the present invention supports a main body such as a stereoscopic display on the head while contacting the head. Since the head mounting tool of the present invention includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the head side of the support, the contact portion with the head is replaced,
Or even if you do not take measures such as wiping this part,
The head-worn device can be kept clean.

Further, a drive mechanism for relatively moving the cleaning mechanism and the support is provided, and the cleaning mechanism is brought into continuous contact with the support to clean the entire head side of the support. Can be
Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism includes an organic solvent, and by including a member that comes into contact with the support, the support can be cleaned with a simple configuration, and moreover, only this member can be replaced periodically, The inside of the head wearing device can be kept clean.

If the support is a band wound around the front and back and the side of the head, the main body is supported by the entire circumference of the front and back and the side of the head, and the band is supported by the front and the side of the head and the side. By rotating around the head, the entire surface of the band on the head side can be kept clean. If the support member is a band member that comes into contact with the crown, the main body is supported by the entire circumference of the crown member, and moreover, by rotating the belt member along the crown member, the entire surface of the belt member is covered. Can be kept clean.

Further, according to the head mounting tool of the present invention, by detecting whether or not the main body is mounted on the head, the drive mechanism is operated while the main body is not mounted on the head. As a result, the clean head wearing device can be automatically provided to the next wearer every time the wearer changes.

Further, according to the head mounting tool of the present invention, it is detected whether or not the main body is mounted on the head, and based on this detection signal, when the main body is mounted on the head, the belt Is tightened to the head side, and when the main body is removed from the head, this tightening is released, so it is possible to support the main body to the head and release this support automatically. it can.

[0017]

EXAMPLES Next, examples of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a game HMD (head mounted display) for providing computer graphics forming a virtual reality space will be described as an example of a head-mounted device.

1 to 3 show the whole of the HMD 10. The HMD mainly has an annular shape so that it can be worn around the head of a human body, and a display device 12 having a liquid crystal stereoscopic display is provided in the front. Prepare This display device constitutes the main body of the HMD. Furthermore, this display device 1
A first band 14 for supporting 2 from the front and back and the side of the head and a second band 16 for supporting this from the top of the head are provided.

The HMD will be described in detail later, but a first cleaning mechanism for cleaning the first strip and a drive mechanism for driving the first strip 14 are integrally formed. And the rear device 18 is A second cleaning mechanism (described later) for cleaning the second strip is also provided in the display device 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first strip 14 is formed in a ring shape and has slits 20A, 20B, 2 in the front display device 12 and the rear display device 18, respectively.
It passes through 2A and 22B. As shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 24 is a frame which has a shape that substantially matches the contour of the center of the crown and is interposed between the display device 12 and the rear device 18. The frame supports the display device 12 and the rear device 18 from the top of the head. The second strip 16 is below the frame 24, that is, on the head side, and together with the frame 24, the display device 12 is provided.
And a rear device 18 to form a support for supporting the head on the head.

The second band 16 is originally ring-shaped, but is formed in a substantially semi-circular shape so as to match the shape of the crown. As shown in FIG. 1, the second strip 16 extends from the slit 26 on the upper surface of the display device 18 into the device, and the slit 2 on the upper surface of the rear device 18.
8 to the inside of the device 18, the display device 12
And the rear device 18 are circulated. The first band 14 and the second band 16 preferably have the property of being able to bend so as to match the contour of the head, and are made of, for example, resin or cloth.

The display device 12 is mounted on the head so as to be positioned in front of the face, and its back surface is formed in a substantially arc shape so as to match the contour of a person's forehead. (See Figure 1). A stereoscopic liquid crystal display 30 is present on the inner surface of the display device 18, and a stereoscopic liquid crystal screen of computer graphics controlled by a computer is displayed on the display 30.

FIG. 4 shows line IV-IV (FIG. 2) of the rear device 18.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line (see FIG. 4), which shows a drive mechanism 31A for driving the first cleaning mechanism 31 and the first strip 14.
The structure of and is shown in detail. Reference numeral 32 indicates a housing of this mechanism. The first strip 14 passes through the housing along its longitudinal direction. Teeth 34 are cut on the side opposite to the head of the band, and pinions 36 mesh with the teeth. This pinion is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft of a drive motor (not shown) and rotates in the a direction or the b direction so that the first band 14 can be moved around the front and rear heads and the temporal parts in the A direction or the B direction. Has become.

In the vicinity of the slit 22A side of the housing 32, a cleaning head cartridge 37 which comes into contact with the head side surface 35 of the strip is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, this cartridge 37 is formed of a rectangular box body, and an opening 37A is formed along the longitudinal direction thereof.
The lower end of the opening 37A in the vertical direction is open, and the first strip 14 is fitted in the opening.

As shown in FIG. 9, this cartridge 37
Includes a member 80 in which an organic solvent that functions as a cleaning liquid such as alcohol is stored, and a plurality of elastic means (coil springs) 82 attaches this member from the back surface to the head side of the first strip 14. I am energetic. Examples of the member 80 include absorbent cotton, cloth, sponge, and the like.

Returning to FIG. 4 and explaining again in detail, reference numeral 3
Reference numeral 8 denotes a ratchet mechanism that engages with the teeth 34 of the first strip 14 to allow or prohibit the movement of the strip. Reference numeral 40
Shows a clutch mechanism consisting of a similar ratchet mechanism that allows the first strip 14 to move in only one direction. The clutch mechanism 40 supports the ratchet arm 42 by pivotally supporting the ratchet arm 42 on a rotating shaft 44.
Is configured to be rotatable about a shaft 44. The clutch mechanism 40 includes a stopper 46 so that the ratchet arm 42 cannot rotate counterclockwise from the stopper 46. The tip of the ratchet arm 42 is formed in a hook shape so that it can be engaged in the groove between the teeth of the band member 14.

Further, the ratchet arm 42 of the clutch mechanism 40 is always biased so as to be engaged with the first band 14. Since the ratchet arm 42 can rotate clockwise by resisting this bias, the first strip 14 can be moved in the direction of arrow A, but the stopper 46 restricts the counterclockwise rotation. Therefore, it cannot move in the B direction.

Like the clutch mechanism 40, the ratchet mechanism 38 is constructed so that the ratchet arm 48 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the shaft 50, but the ratchet arm 48 cannot rotate. Are controlled by the solenoid device 52. That is,
When the solenoid device 52 is not energized, the ratchet arm is urged by an elastic means (coil spring or the like) to rotate clockwise, and the tip of the ratchet arm engages with the groove of the belt to lock the belt 14. Then, the movement of the belt is regulated. On the other hand, when energizing the solenoid 52, the ratchet arm 4
8 rotates counterclockwise, and the engagement with the band 14 is released. When the solenoid device 52 is not energized, the ratchet arm 48 is rotatable in the counterclockwise direction against the bias of the elastic means. Therefore, even if the tip of the ratchet arm 48 is engaged with the belt body. It is allowed to move the first strip 14 in the direction of arrow B.

Reference numeral 54 is a sensor circuit for detecting that the HMD is in use, and is composed of, for example, an optical sensor. This optical sensor is composed of a combination of a light projecting section and a light receiving section, and reference numeral 54 indicates a light projecting section or a light receiving section. The sensor circuit of reference numeral 54 is arranged at a position facing the back of the head of the housing 32, and a light receiving portion or a light emitting portion is provided on the side facing the sensor circuit, that is, on the back surface of the display device 12. When the head reaches the line connecting the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit, the optical path is blocked, and the controller (not shown) recognizes that the HMD is in use.

FIG. 5 shows a part of the display device 12, in which a second cleaning mechanism and a second drive mechanism are shown. Reference numeral 56 is a feed roller for contacting the inner surface of the second strip 16 to rotate the strip 16 in the C direction, for example, and reference numerals 58A and 58B sandwich and press the strip between them. And, it is a group of rollers for guiding the movement of the strip. Of this roller group, the roller 58B is a roller that is pressed by the opposing roller 58A by the elastic means (spring) 59 and is driven by the rotation of the belt, and the roller 58A keeps the alcohol and the like around the core member. It is a cleaning roller in which a ring-shaped one of the immersed medium is fitted. The roller 58A is supported by the rotary shaft of a drive motor that is fixed at the position shown and rotates clockwise. The feed roller 56 is fixed to a drive motor (not shown) and rotates clockwise to move the belt 16 in the C direction.

The cleaning mechanism and the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 5 are also provided on the upper portion of the rear device 18. In addition,
In the rear device 18, the roller 58A may be configured by a normal driven roller, and the feed roller 56 may be similarly changed to a driven roller. A predetermined tension is applied to the strip 16 to rotate it while circulating between the display device 12 and the rear device 18. While the roller 58 is rotating, it continuously contacts the head side surface 61 of the strip 16 so that this surface can be continuously cleaned.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the HMD control of this embodiment, in which the controller 62 controls the drive mechanism for the first strip 14 and the second strip 16 via the wiring 21. The signal is being output. That is, the controller 6 to which the detection signal from the sensor circuit 54 is input
2, the control signal to be described later is executed, and the operation signal obtained as a result is sent to the drive motor 64 of the pinion 36, which is the drive mechanism of the first strip 12, the solenoid device 52, and the drive mechanism of the second strip 16. The output is output to drive motors 66 and 68 of a certain feed roller 56 and a drive roller 58A that constitutes a cleaning mechanism. Reference numeral 21 shown in FIG. 2 indicates wiring for connecting these motors with a control signal from the controller and a power supply.

The controller 62 reads an image display start from the main computer (mainly for image processing), that is, a game start signal or end signals thereof, and can alternately update and store the game start state or end state. It has a game state storage area. In addition, this controller may be provided integrally with the HMD or may be configured separately from the HMD. This controller is composed of, for example, a microcomputer.

An operation control program for the motor for driving the pinion 36 is stored in a predetermined area of the memory of the controller. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow chart of this program (FIG. 7). It should be noted that this process is repeatedly executed every predetermined time.

First, this program starts when the game starts. In step 100, the CPU of the controller reads the data in the game state storage area and determines whether the game is over. If it is determined that the game is over, the process moves to the next step, and if it is determined that the game is not over, the process of step 100 is repeated.

In step 102, "H (energized state)" is output to the solenoid device 52, the ratchet arm 48 is rotated counterclockwise, and the state in which the ratchet arm is engaged with the belt 14 is released. (See FIG. 4). As a result, the first strip 14 is relaxed and movable in the A direction, and the HMD can be easily removed from the head.

In step 104, the optical sensor 54
It is determined whether the detection signal from is "L (light-shielded state)" or "H (non-light-shielded state)". When the detection signal is "L", HM
Assuming that D is attached to the head, this process is repeatedly executed until it becomes "H". On the other hand, when the detection signal becomes “H”, it is determined that the HMD is detached from the head, and the process moves to the next step.

In step 106, an operation signal is output to the drive motor of the pinion 36 and the solenoid device 52, and the drive motor of the feed roller 56 and the drive roller 58A constituting the cleaning mechanism to rotate them in a predetermined direction. Thus, the first strip 14 is moved in the A direction, and the second strip 16 is rotated in the C direction. The controller 62 has a predetermined timer circuit, and terminates the output of the operation signal after a predetermined time has passed (that is, after the first strip 14 and the second strip 16 rotate once).

Then, the process proceeds to step 108. In this step as well, similarly to the step 104, the detection signal from the optical sensor is read to determine the usage state of the HMD.
When the detection signal is “L”, it is determined that the HMD is placed on the head and the process moves to the next step. When the detection signal is "H", this processing is repeatedly executed until it becomes "L".

In step 110, the solenoid 52 is
By outputting an operation signal of “L (non-energized state)” to the ratchet arm 48, the ratchet arm 48 is urged toward the band 14 side,
Its tip engages the strip (see FIG. 4). Next, in step 112, an operation signal is output to the pinion drive motor to rotate the pinion 36 in the direction of arrow b. At this time, the ratchet arm 48 allows the band 4 to move in the direction of arrow B, but restricts the movement in the direction of arrow A. Further, the ratchet arm 42 that constitutes the clutch mechanism 40 allows the band to move in the arrow A direction, but restricts the movement in the arrow B direction. As a result, when the pinion arrow is rotated in the b direction, the strip 14 is curved between the pinion 36 and the ratchet arm 42 as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. This curving is maintained as it is even after the rotation of the pinion 36 is completed, which has the same result as the overall length of the band 14 is shortened and the band 14 is pressed toward the head side.

In step 114, the controller 6
2 reads the load current of the pinion drive motor 64, and it is determined whether the load current (i) has reached a predetermined value (T). When the load current value (i) exceeds the predetermined value (T), it is determined that the tightness of the band 14 with respect to the head is appropriate, and the process described above is terminated and the process returns. If (i) is less than or equal to (T), step 114
The process of is repeatedly executed.

Now, when the game ends with the HMD shown in this embodiment being worn, the belt 14 is relaxed, the belt 14 is allowed to move in the direction A, and the two-dot chain line Since the bending shown is eliminated, the HMD can be easily removed from the head (steps 100, 102).
After this removal is completed, an operation signal is output to the drive motor of the pinion 36 and the solenoid device 52, and the drive motor of the feed roller 56 and the drive roller 58A that constitutes the cleaning mechanism to output the belt 14 and the belt. For example, the body 16 is rotated once in the A direction and the C direction, respectively (steps 104 and 106). This time,
Since the first cleaning mechanism 31 is in continuous contact with the strip 14 and the roller 58A constituting the second cleaning mechanism is in continuous contact with the strip 16, the heads of the strip 14 and the strip 16 are in contact with each other. It is possible to continuously remove stains such as sweat and hair styling material attached to the part side to keep the head side surface of the band clean. Therefore, the next wearer is always provided with a clean surface.

When the HMD is mounted on the head again, the ratchet arm 48 engages with the strip 14 and the pinion rotates in the opposite direction to that in step 106, and the strip 14 moves in the direction of arrow B. When moved, the belt is bent as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 4 and the belt 14 is automatically tightened on the head (steps 108 to 112). Then, this tightening is finished with just the right pressure (step 11).
4). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to tighten and release the band on the head, and to control these automatically.

Further, since the cleaning head 37 constituting the first cleaning mechanism has the opening 37A along its longitudinal direction, it can be attached to and detached from the band member, and after being used for a certain period, it is not used. It can be replaced with another head. Further, the cleaning roller 58A constituting the second cleaning mechanism can also be replaced with an unused one by being detachably attached to the rotary shaft of the drive motor.

In the present invention, the same effect can be obtained even if the belts 14 and 16 are fixed and the cleaning mechanism can be moved. In the present invention, the main body refers to a constituent portion for exerting a predetermined function, in this embodiment, a function of displaying a liquid crystal stereoscopic image. Also,
The second cleaning mechanism (roller 58A: see FIG. 5) can be changed to a cleaning mechanism 31 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8. In this case, if the roller 58A is a driven roller similar to the roller 58B. good. Although the preferred embodiment has been described above, it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the invention.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the head has a cleaning mechanism that cleans the head side of the support, keep the head wearing tool clean even if you do not take measures such as replacing the part that contacts the head or wiping this part. You can A drive mechanism for relatively moving the cleaning mechanism and the support is provided, and the cleaning mechanism is brought into continuous contact with the support to clean the entire head side of the support. . Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism includes an organic solvent and is provided with a medium that comes into contact with the support, so that the support can be cleaned with a simple structure, and only this medium can be regularly replaced. The inside of the head wearing device can be kept clean.

Further, according to the present invention, by detecting whether or not the main body is mounted on the head, the drive mechanism is operated without the main body being mounted on the head. A clean head wearing tool can be automatically provided to the next wearer every time the wearer changes.

Further, according to the present invention, it is detected whether or not the main body is mounted on the head, and based on this detection signal, when the main body is mounted on the head, the belt is moved to the head side. Since the tightening is released when the body is removed from the head, the body can be supported on the head and the support can be released automatically.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an HMD (head mount display) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the HMD.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the HMD.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG.

5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VV of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an HMD control system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control system.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first cleaning mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 HMD 12 Display Device 14 First Strip (Support) 16 Second Strip (Support) 31A Drive Mechanism 36 Pinion (Drive Mechanism) 37 Cleaning Head Cartridge (Cleaning Mechanism) 38 Ratchet Mechanism 40 Clutch Mechanism 54 Sensor Circuit (detection means) 56 Feed roller (drive mechanism) 58A Cleaning roller (cleaning mechanism) 62 Controller (control means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A head mounting tool comprising a support for supporting a main body on a head and a cleaning mechanism for contacting the head side of the support to clean the side. 2. The head mounting tool according to claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism for relatively moving the cleaning mechanism and the support, and bringing the cleaning mechanism into continuous contact with the support. 3. The head mounting tool according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning mechanism includes a member containing an organic solvent, and the member is brought into contact with the support. 4. The support body comprises a band body wound around at least one of the front and back head and the side head, and the drive mechanism rotates the band body around the front and back head and the side head. Item 2. The device according to item 2. 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support member includes a band member that abuts against the crown, and the drive mechanism rotates the band member along the crown. 6. A detection means for detecting a mounting state of the main body on the head, and a drive signal to the drive mechanism based on a detection signal from the detecting means when the main body is not mounted on the head. The head mounting tool according to claim 2, further comprising: a control unit that outputs. 7. Detecting means for detecting a mounting state of the main body on the head, and tightening the band on the head side when the main body is mounted on the head and removing the main body from the head. The head mounting tool according to claim 4, further comprising: a tightening and releasing mechanism for releasing the tightening, and a control means for controlling the mechanism based on a detection signal from the detecting means. 8. The head mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the main body includes an image display device located in front of the head. 9. A ratchet mechanism, wherein the tightening and releasing mechanism engages with the strip to suppress movement of the strip, and permits the strip to move in a predetermined direction, and vice versa. A clutch mechanism for restricting movement in a direction, wherein the control means moves the belt body in the opposite direction by the driving means and tightens the ratchet mechanism by the belt mechanism when tightening the belt body to the head. Engage your body,
The head mounting device according to claim 7, wherein when the tightening is released, the ratchet mechanism releases the engagement with the belt.