Head-mounted display and entertainment equipment with such a head-mounted display

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a head-mounted display (HMD) with the features of claim 1, which has improved properties for indoor and outdoor use and improved resistance to exposure to natural sunlight. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an amusement ride, in particular an outdoor ride, a roller coaster, or a carousel, comprising at least one such head-mounted display with the features of claim 6.

[0002] Head-mounted displays, hereinafter referred to as HMDs, are known in various forms from the prior art and serve to display artificially generated images within the user's field of vision. For this purpose, HMDs can be positioned or attached to a person's head and in front of their eyes, with the image covering as large an area of ​​the person's field of vision as possible. This type of display device is primarily used in VR headsets to create a virtual reality. In this case, the virtual reality display can also be adjusted in real time, synchronized with the user's head movements, depending on the position and / or orientation of the VR headset. The visual reality can also be captured by a camera and enhanced in the HMD display by incorporating augmented reality effects.

[0003] HMDs typically consist of a housing with an interior. Inside this interior is either a two-part display unit or two separate display units, the resulting image of which is perceived by the user through an optical lens for each eye. Each display unit typically includes a backlight, a first polarizer, an LCD unit, and a second polarizer. The LCD unit comprises two electrodes located on opposite sides, which can manipulate the liquid crystal between them, thus rotating the polarization of the light emitted through the liquid crystal.

[0004] Depending on the polarization of the light exiting the LCD unit, light rays from the backlight can pass through the second polarizing filter and thus be perceived by the person's eyes.

[0005] The use of such head-mounted displays (HMDs) has proven successful in the current state of the art. A multitude of applications have been developed specifically for HMDs, enhancing the experience of amusement rides, particularly outdoor attractions like roller coasters, carousels, and similar rides. These attractions are often located outdoors, exposing the HMDs to a wide range of environmental conditions. In addition to a broad operating temperature range, the HMDs must be dustproof and moistureproof to enable a VR experience in an amusement ride under all weather conditions.

[0006] A disadvantage that has emerged is that HMDs known from the prior art, especially when used outdoors, but also when placed indoors behind a window and thus exposed to sunlight, exhibit damage in the form of permanent bright spots on the display unit. It has been found that when HMDs are placed in an area exposed to sunlight, the light penetrates the optical lenses into the interior of the HMD housing and destroys the display unit. The sunlight is focused by the optical lens and strikes the display unit at its focal point, which is then destroyed by the heat.

[0007] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0008] The invention is based on the objectives of providing an improved head-mounted display (HMD) that advantageously eliminates the disadvantages of HMDs known from the prior art and is suitable for outdoor use, particularly for amusement rides, roller coasters, and carousels, but also for home use indoors. The HMD according to the invention is intended to be insensitive to direct sunlight. Sunlight typically enters the HMD whenever a person, for example, a passenger on an amusement ride, puts the HMD on or takes it off before or after the ride, but also when the HMD is placed in front of a window or in a room with high light intensity during indoor use.

[0009] These problems are solved according to the invention by an HMD with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, these problems are solved according to the invention by an entertainment device with the features of claim 6.

[0010] The dependent claims contain further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0011] The HMD according to the invention comprises a housing with an interior space, at least one optical lens with a focal plane located at the focal point and arranged inside the housing, at least one first polarizing filter with a first polarization direction and a second polarizing filter with a second polarization direction, and at least one LCD unit, wherein the at least one LCD unit is arranged in the region of the focal plane between the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter, and wherein the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter are spaced apart from the focal plane or the LCD unit and are thermally decoupled.

[0012] The HMD according to the invention is based on the surprising finding that the incoming light rays are focused by the optical lens and do not destroy the LCD unit, but only the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter are damaged by heat. Accordingly, the HMD according to the invention is based on the measure of arranging the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter at a distance from the focal plane located at the focal point. This reduces the thermal stress resulting from the incoming light rays to such an extent that the HMD can be exposed to sunlight without damage or obstruction.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that a separation gap is arranged between the LCD unit and the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter. The separation gap serves to thermally and / or mechanically decouple the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter. This ensures, on the one hand, a sufficient distance between the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter and the focal plane of the optical lens, and on the other hand, reduces heat transfer between the LCD unit and the respective polarizing filter. The separation gap is particularly preferably filled with a gaseous medium, and preferably the entire interior of the housing is filled with the gaseous medium. The medium is further preferably a non-reactive gas; more preferably a purified gas, a technical gas, or a gas mixture.

[0014] According to the invention, the at least one second polarizing filter is arranged on the side of the at least one optical lens facing the at least one LCD unit. For this purpose, the second polarizing filter can be applied or arranged directly on the optical lens or, alternatively, arranged within the optical lens. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the polarizing filter is arranged equidistant from the optical lens between the at least one optical lens and the LCD unit to avoid light refraction. The light rays passing through the optical lens thus strike or pass through the polarizing filter perpendicularly.

[0015] Furthermore, the invention provides that the first polarization direction of the first polarizing filter and the second polarization direction of the second polarizing filter are different. It is particularly preferred if the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter are linear polarizing filters and the first polarization direction is oriented perpendicular to the second polarization direction.

[0016] Particularly for use in outdoor amusement devices, it has proven advantageous for the interior of the housing to be sealed by at least one optical lens. According to the invention, the HMD should be adequately protected against both splashing water (e.g., rain) and dust, and should be disinfectable or cleanable for reuse in the amusement device using a simple cleaning process. This allows for hygienically safe reuse in an amusement device and prevents foreign objects from entering the interior of the housing and negatively affecting the generated image.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the enclosure for outdoor use meets at least the IP4x standard, and preferably a higher protection standard than IP4X against foreign objects. It is particularly preferred if the protection standard meets at least IP6kX. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the HMD for outdoor use meets at least the IPX4 water protection rating, and preferably at least IPX4k and even more preferably IPX6.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an amusement device, in particular an outdoor ride, a roller coaster or a carousel, but also an amusement device for home use in indoor and outdoor spaces, comprising at least one HMD, wherein the HMD is preferably used as VR glasses and has a housing with an interior space, at least one optical lens with a focal plane located at the focal point, which is arranged within the interior space of the housing. Furthermore, the HMD comprises at least one first polarizing filter with a first polarization direction and a second polarizing filter with a second polarization direction, and at least one LCD unit, wherein the at least one LCD unit is arranged in the region of the focal plane between the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter, and wherein the first polarizing filter and / or the second polarizing filter are spaced apart and thermally decoupled from the focal plane.The amusement facility with the HMD according to the invention can be operated particularly economically, since the expected service life of an HMD according to the invention is significantly increased and, through the appropriate design of the HMD, it can be cleaned or disinfected economically and hygienically after use in the amusement facility in order to be reused in the amusement facility in a timely manner.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the HMD is connected to the entertainment system via a wired and / or wireless interface, the entertainment system comprising a central or a plurality of decentralized data processing systems that generate(s) a virtual reality displayed in the respective HMD. It is particularly advantageous if the entertainment system according to the invention includes means by which HMDs can be cleaned or disinfected after use by a passenger.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment according to the invention is explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic, partially cutaway representation of a Head Mounted Display (HMD) designed for the stereographic display of a virtual reality.

[0021] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a Head Mounted Display 1, hereinafter referred to as HMD 1, which is designed to be placed on the (not shown) head of a person. The HMD 1 can, for example, be VR glasses and replace the optical reality in the person's current field of vision with a preferably stereoscopic representation of a further preferably artificially generated representation, a so-called virtual reality.

[0022] For this purpose, the HMD 1 comprises a housing 10, which can be attached to the head or body of the person, for example by means of (not shown) fastening means, and is positioned in front of the person's eyes in such a way that their field of vision is completely covered by the housing 10.

[0023] The housing 10 is preferably pot-shaped and comprises two optical lenses 15, 17, each assigned to one eye of the person. The housing 10 encloses an interior space 11 which is sealed by the two optical lenses 15, 17 against foreign bodies, in particular dust, as well as water, in particular splashing water or rain.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the two optical lenses 15, 17 are converging lenses, each having a focal point 16, 18 lying on a focal plane 5, which are arranged on the side of the interior 11 of the housing 10 facing the interior 11.

[0025] Within the interior 11 of the housing 10, protected from the environment, at least one first polarizing filter 21 with a first polarization direction, an LCD unit 25, a second polarizing filter 22 with a second polarization direction, and a backlight 29 are provided, wherein the light rays L emitted by the backlight 29 first reach the first polarizing filter 21, pass through the LCD unit 25 and the second polarizing filter 22 before they can reach the optical lens 15, 17. The first polarizing filter 21 and the second polarizing filter 22 are linear polarizing filters, and the first and second polarization directions are rotated relative to each other, with the first polarization direction preferably being rotated by 90° relative to the second polarization direction.

[0026] While the backlight 29 emits non-polarized light, the light emitted by the backlight 29 first passes through the first polarizing filter 21, which linearly polarizes the light in one polarization direction. This is followed by the LCD unit 25, which consists of a first electrode 26 and a second electrode 27. A liquid crystal 28 is arranged between the first electrode 26 and the second electrode 27. Depending on the current applied to the first and second electrodes 26, 27, the liquid crystal rotates the polarization plane of the light. Thus, depending on the current applied to the electrodes 26, 27, the polarization of the light can be influenced, and it can be adjusted whether or not light passes through the second polarizing filter 22.

[0027] In order for the image produced for the person to be perceived with sufficient sharpness, the LCD unit 25 must be arranged in the area of ​​the focal point 16, 18 of the respective optical lens 15, 17.

[0028] In the Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first polarizing filter 21 is arranged directly adjacent to the LCD unit 25 on the side facing the backlight 29. The second polarizing filter 22, on the other hand, is arranged at a distance from the LCD unit 25 and the focal plane 5. A trend gap 20 is formed between the LCD unit 25 and the second polarizing filter 22, through which the second polarizing filter 22 is thermally and mechanically decoupled from the LCD unit 25. This thermal decoupling prevents heat transfer between the LCD unit 25 and the second polarizing filter 22 due to high thermal resistance.

[0029] The trend gap 20 between the second polarizing filter 22 and the LCD unit 25 can be filled by a medium (not shown), which is particularly preferably a gaseous medium. More preferably, the medium is a non-reactive gas or a gas mixture with low thermal conductivity.

[0030] The distance A between the focal plane 5 or the LCD unit 25 and the second polarizing filter 22 is preferably at least 1 / 25 of the focal length F, i.e., the distance between the focal plane and the respective optical lens 15, 17, whereby the distance A between the focal plane 5 and the second polarizing filter 22 can be arbitrarily larger. Therefore, A should be ≥ 1 / 25*F.

[0031] For example, the second polarizing filter 22 can also be arranged directly on the side of the optical lens 15, 17 facing the LCD unit 25. It is particularly preferred if the second polarizing filter 22 is designed such that the light rays L passing through the optical lens 15, 17 always pass perpendicularly through the second polarizing filter 22, thereby reducing light refraction. This is achieved in particular if the second polarizing filter 22 has a curvature corresponding to that of the optical lens 15, 17.

[0032] The HMD 1 can include suitable sensors for detecting the movements of the person or the movements of the person's head. Furthermore, the HMD 1 can have a wireless and / or wired interface for connecting it to a data processing system of the amusement facility 2 that generates a virtual reality. According to the present invention, the data processing system can particularly preferably generate an amusement facility-specific virtual reality, which is then displayed on the corresponding HMD. Reference symbol list

[0033] 1HMD 2 Entertainment device 5 Focal plane 10 Housing 11 Interior 15 Lens 16 Focal point 17 Lens 18 Focal point 20 Trend gap 21 First polarizing filter 22 Second polarizing filter 25 LCD unit 26 First electrode 27 Second electrode 28 Liquid crystal 29 Backlight A Distance F Focal length of 15, 17 L Light beam

Claims

1. HMD (1) comprising: - a housing (10), having an inner chamber (11), - at least one optical lens (15, 17), having a focal plane (5) which is in a focal point (16, 18) in the inner chamber (11) of the housing (10), - at least one polarization filter (21), having a first polarization direction, and a second polarization filter (22), having a second polarization direction, and - at least one LCD unit (25), - wherein the at least one LCD unit (25) is arranged in the region of the focal plane (5) between the first polarization filter (21) and the second polarization filter (22), and - wherein the first polarization filter (21) and the second polarization filter (22) are arranged at a distance to the focal plane (5), - wherein the at least one second polarization filter (22) is arranged directly on the side of the at least one optical lens (15, 17) which faces the at least one LCD unit (25), or inside of the optical lens (15, 17), or equidistantly to the optical lens between the at least one optical lens (15, 17) and the LCD unit (25), in order to prevent light refraction, and - wherein the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are unequal, preferably rotated through 90°.

2. HMD (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a break field (20) is arranged between the LCD unit (25) and the first polarization filter (21) and / or the second polarization filter (22).

3. HMD (1) in accordance with either of the preceding claims, characterized in that a background light (29) is arranged on the side of the LCD unit (25) which faces away from the optical lens (15, 17).

4. HMD (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner chamber (11) of the housing (10) is closed off by means of the at least one optical lens (15, 17).

5. HMD (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the HMD (1) comprises a protection class against foreign particles of at least IP4X and / or a protection class against water of at least IPX4.

6. Amusement facility (2), in particular an open air amusement ride, a roller coaster or a carousel having at least one HMD (1) in accordance with any of the preceding claims.

7. Amusement facility (2) in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the HMD (1) is connected to the amusement facility (2) by means of a wired interface, or in that the HMD (1) is connected to the amusement facility (2) by means of a wireless interface.