Interface for coupling a cbrn mask to a VR headset

Abstract

An interface (1) for coupling a mask for protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks and hazards, referred to as a CBRN mask (5), to a virtual reality headset, referred to as a VR headset (6), of a training system for CBRN risks and hazards using a virtual reality scenario has a first upper portion (11) forming a circumferential lip, the shape of which is designed to surround a visor (51) of the CBRN mask (5), a second lower portion (12), positioned below the first portion (11) forming a locking ring (3), the shape and size of which are designed so as to surround and interlock with a filter connector (52, 52A, 52B) of the CBRN mask (5) and a third middle portion (13, 13A, 13B), extending more or less vertically, having at least one joint (14A, 14B) forming a connection that couples the first upper portion (11) to the second lower portion (12).

Description

A COUPLING INTERFACE BETWEEN AN NRBC MASK AND A VR HEADSET.

[0001] The invention relates to a coupling interface between a protective mask against NRBC (i.e. Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical) risks and threats, hereinafter referred to as a NRBC mask, and a virtual reality headset, hereinafter referred to as a VR headset (i.e. from the English acronym VR for "Virtual Reality"). Such an assembly comprising a NRBC mask, a VR headset and a coupling interface forms an augmented virtual reality NRBC-AR mask which finds an application in a training system for NRBC risks and threats to create a training tool for nuclear, radiological, biological, chemical NRBC risks using augmented virtual reality (i.e. also known by the English acronym AR for "Augmented Reality") in combination with a virtual reality scenario.An NRBC risk or threat is a risk or threat that is either nuclear, radiological, biological, and / or chemical and that represents a high level of danger to human life, potentially affecting the lives of civilian populations or security and defense actors such as civil security, firefighters, gendarmes, police officers or the military. Training or instruction allows security and defense actors to understand NRBC risks and threats in the context of training before being confronted with them in real conditions. The invention applies in particular in the context of professional training and the training of said security and defense actors.

[0002] As an example for firefighter training, existing educational and training tools consist of either a fire box, a fire house or a maneuvering tower or disused buildings in which all the phenomena that firefighters may face during a fire are reproduced. Thus, firefighters can repeat technical actions in order to train and improve their operational efficiency in conditions close to reality. Various disadvantages result from such an approach to training and training, including: difficulties in finding disused buildings, expensive platform, environmental impact (i.e. by the generation of solid, liquid, gaseous effluents and waste), complex technical implementation, safety of responders.Similar issues exist for training and coaching for other security and defense actors in their specific contexts. In conclusion, current training is complicated because it is dangerous in some cases, the types of risky interventions cannot be controlled and are therefore less practiced in training and also costly in terms of equipment specially designed for learning.

[0003] A CBRN risk and threat training system can make use of a CBRN mask equipped with a VR headset. There are CBRN-AR augmented virtual reality masks in which the VR headset is independent and simply attached to the CBRN mask as described in WO2022 / 194696 A1, which can either lead to intrusive modifications, which can cause losses of operational efficiency of the CBRN mask, or result in an imperfect superposition of the VR headset in front of the field of vision of the CBRN mask, all of which results in a less realistic experience (e.g., stray lights), potentially dangerous (e.g., degradation of the protection of the CBRN mask). There are also CBRN-AR augmented virtual reality masks in which the VR headset is integrated into the CBRN mask, which requires expensive specific development.

[0004] There is therefore a need for a solution that allows the integration of a VR headset on an NRBC mask that is easier to implement, for example by reducing or even avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to propose a coupling interface between a protective mask against CBRN risks and threats and a VR virtual reality headset which overcomes one or more of the drawbacks or limitations of CBRN masks equipped with existing VR headsets.

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a coupling interface between a mask for protection against Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical NRBC risks and threats and a VR virtual reality headset of a NRBC risks and threats training system using a virtual reality scenario, the coupling interface being constituted as an element independent of said mask and said headset, characterized in that the coupling interface comprises: - a first upper part of said interface, forming a circumferential lip, the shape of which is adapted to surround a visor of the NRBC mask; - a second lower part of said interface, positioned below the first part, forming a locking ring, the shape and size of which are arranged so as to surround to lock onto a filter connector of the NRBC mask;and- a third middle part of said interface, extending substantially vertically, comprising at least one junction forming a connection coupling the first upper part of said interface to the second lower part of said interface.;

[0007] The locking ring may be centrally positioned along an axis of vertical symmetry relative to the CBRN mask, the locking ring being positioned and sized to surround and lock onto the filter connector of the CBRN mask being in the central position.

[0008] The third middle part of said interface may comprise two junctions defining a central recess for the passage of a sound patch of the NRBC mask.

[0009] The second lower part of said interface may be double, forming two locking rings, the locking rings being in lateral positions on either side of a vertical axis of symmetry, each locking ring being positioned and sized so as to surround to lock onto at least one filter connector of the NRBC mask located in the lateral position.

[0010] The third middle part of said interface may be double, on the one hand and on the other hand the vertical axis of symmetry, each of the two middle parts of said interface being produced in the form of two junctions defining a central recess or in a single piece.

[0011] An upper area of ​​the first upper part of said interface located above the visor of the NRBC mask may comprise at least one attachment hinge for coupling to different types of VR headset.

[0012] The first upper part of said interface may comprise a safety lock to stiffen the attachment of the coupling interface to a goggle attachment device of the NRBC mask.

[0013] According to another aspect, there is provided an augmented virtual reality NRBC-AR mask of a training system for Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical NRBC risks and threats using a virtual reality scenario to create a training tool for NRBC risks and threats comprising:- an NRBC mask;- a VR virtual reality headset; and- a coupling interface, produced in the form of an element independent of said mask and said headset, according to the invention arranged to couple said VR virtual reality headset to said NRBC mask.

[0014] The invention is particularly applicable for reproducing or simulating an environment presenting an NRBC risk or threat in order to improve the skills of said security and defense actors without them suffering the consequences of their failures. The coupling interface according to the invention also has the following advantages: - the coupling interface allows the integration of the VR headset on different types of NRBC masks without causing any intrusive modification, which could cause losses of operational efficiency of said masks (for example the effectiveness of protection of the wearer of the NRBC mask against harmful gases);- the coupling interface is modifiable and adaptable to all types of NRBC mask, facilitating the superposition of the VR headset in front of the field of vision of the wearer of the NRBC mask and thus allowing the most realistic user experience, particularly effective for organizing professional training and the training of security and defense actors in a virtual world most representative of reality; - the coupling interface allows the use of NRBC masks of operational entities in order to maintain the same constraints during training as during interventions in real situations; - the coupling interface makes it possible to use different types of VR headsets, which makes it possible to adapt to existing educational training and training tools, in particular to virtual reality devices already in place in the units of security and defense actors and available in their specific contexts;and- the coupling interface allows the VR headset to be easily put on and taken off from the NRBC mask.The NRBC risk and threat training system in which the assembly comprising the NRBC mask, the VR headset and the coupling interface thus makes it possible to achieve the following objectives:- The training sessions that can be generated with such a system correspond to standardized exercises, making it possible to qualify / certify the actors according to the NRBC standards in force;- The system is an educational tool facilitating the implementation of training to better prepare security and defense actors to face the reality of the risk(s) and threat(s) they will be confronted with;- The system does not require the establishment of complex training infrastructures;- The system can be used to train and train a security and defense actor or a group of security and defense actors;and- The system is structurally light, compact and easy to install, making it particularly suitable for traveling / mobile training.;

[0015] Other advantages will emerge from the following description of the invention.

[0016] The present invention is illustrated by examples and not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which similar references indicate similar elements: Figures, and are schematic views, respectively from the front, in perspective from the side and from the side, illustrating a coupling interface according to a first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment; Figures, and are schematic views, respectively from the front, in perspective from the side and from the side of an NRBC mask provided with a coupling interface according to the first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment; Figures, and are schematic front views of an NRBC mask provided with a central filter cartridge, a VR headset, respectively in the raised position and in the lowered position, and a coupling interface according to the first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment;Figures and are schematic side perspective views of the NRBC mask provided with a central filter cartridge, a VR headset, respectively in the raised position and in the lowered position, and a coupling interface according to the first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment; Figures and are schematic side views of the NRBC mask provided with a central filter cartridge, a VR headset, respectively in the raised position and in the lowered position, and a coupling interface according to the first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment; Figures and are schematic front, side perspective and side views respectively illustrating a coupling interface according to a second embodiment corresponding to a double lateral attachment;Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views, respectively from the side and from the front, of the NRBC mask equipped with a side filter cartridge, a VR headset (in the raised position on the and in the lowered position on the), and a coupling interface according to the second embodiment corresponding to a double side attachment.; Detailed description

[0017] The invention will be understood from the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] An NRBC-AR augmented virtual reality mask 100 of a NRBC risk and threat training system according to the invention comprises an NRBC mask 5 coupled to a VR virtual reality headset 6 thus making it possible to implement NRBC-AR augmented virtual reality (see). Augmented virtual reality (otherwise known as immersive multimedia or computer-simulated reality) is a computer technology that reproduces an environment, real or imaginary, and simulates the presence and physical environment of a user to allow interaction of the person, here the security and defense actor during a training or training session (i.e. using a virtual reality scenario). Virtual reality artificially creates a sensory experience, which may include sight, touch, hearing, smell and heat perception.The purpose of virtual reality is to allow a person (or several people) to engage in sensory-motor and cognitive activity in an artificial, digitally created world, which may be "imaginary, symbolic or a simulation of certain aspects of the real world" to provide immersion.

[0019] The CBRN mask 5 is for example a respirator mask or a gas mask or an anti-gas mask to protect the wearer against inhalation of harmful agents. The respirator mask comprises a facepiece 50, a visor 51 coupled to the facepiece 50 (fixedly or removably), and at least one filter connector 52, 52A, 52B for mounting a filter cartridge 7 on the respirator mask. Generally, the filter connector 52, 52A, 52B may allow the filter cartridge 7 to be mounted in different positions, allowing a plurality of different types of filters to be accommodated, or the mounting of an external respirator. The unused filter connectors 52, 52A, 52B may be provided with a blanking plug or an air exhaust valve. Filter connectors 52, 52A, 52B can also be used to couple a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) type device (not shown).The mask may also be equipped with an air outlet and a sound-absorbing pad 9 for transmitting sound on the front face, possibly also in the high position of the mask. This air outlet and sound-absorbing pad 9 make it possible to direct an air flow towards the outside to reduce the accumulation of humid heat and prevent fogging on the visor 51 (and potentially towards the virtual reality headset VR 6), and also transmit the user's voice towards the outside. Strap anchors 8 are provided on a periphery of the facepiece 50 to receive and hold connection and adjustment straps 53 (visible on the set). At least one strap anchor 8 may include a holding stop to prevent a hood of an NRBC suit worn by the user of the NRBC mask 5 from being placed in front of the visor 51 and obstructing the field of vision.The mask can also be equipped with various accessories (not visible) such as speakers, a microphone, a radio communication module, a biometric sensor, an actuator, a controlled opening valve, a hydration device, etc. Generally, the NRBC 5 mask is made of a mixture of chlorobutyl and silicone, allowing the mask to be flexible, comfortable to wear over time and easily adjustable to a large number of users' face shapes. This mixture reproduces the usual protection and sealing characteristics. Alternatively, it can be made of a rigid shell.

[0020] The virtual reality headset VR 6 comprises a housing 60 comprising a panoramic type virtual reality screen 61 having a large field of vision, a binocular optic comprising lenses 62A, 62B allowing optical correction to eliminate any risk of distorted vision, a processing module comprising at least one graphics microprocessor 63 for controlling the virtual reality screen 61 (and other elements not shown here, such as for example a memory, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position sensor, an audio module, a communication interface, etc.) and cameras 64 (see in particular et).

[0021] Figures 1 illustrate a coupling interface 1 for coupling the VR headset 6 to the NRBC mask 5 according to a first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment. In particular, Figures 1 and 2 schematically show, respectively from the front, in perspective from the side and from the side, the coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment. Figures 1 schematically show the integration of the VR headset 6 to the NRBC mask 5 via the coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment. The coupling interface is constituted as an independent / separate / distinct element both from the mask and also from the headset, in the sense that said interface is not an integral part of either the mask or the headset in order to allow a simple and easy-to-implement adaptation of the VR headset 6 on the NRBC mask 5.

[0022] The coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment comprises three parts. A first, upper part 11 forms a circumferential lip, the shape of which is adapted to surround the visor 51 of the NRBC mask 5 (see). A second, lower part 12 (i.e. positioned below the first part 11), forms a locking ring 3, in a central position, the shape and dimension of which are adapted so as to surround to lock onto a filter connector 52 in a central position. The filter connector 52 may comprise the connection port for a filter cartridge or an external respirator of the NRBC mask 5. The connection port may be of the tapped / threaded hole type.In this embodiment, the filter connector 52 used in relation to the coupling interface 1 is the one opposite, i.e. centered in the lower position of the NRBC mask 5, although said mask also comprises other filter connectors 52 on either side of the one opposite, i.e. to the left and right in the lower position of said mask. Thus, the coupling interface 1 allows, via the locking ring 3, to be firmly secured to different types of NRBC mask 5. A third, middle part 13 extending substantially vertically, comprises two junctions 14A, 14B defining a central recess 16 for the passage of the sound patch 9 and forms a connection coupling the first part 11 to the second part 12.

[0023] Figures , and show, respectively from the front, in side perspective and from the side, the NRBC mask 5 provided with a coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment corresponding to a central attachment, without filter cartridge 7. Figures , and (front views), and (side perspective views) and and (side views) show the NRBC mask 5 provided with a filter cartridge 7 in the central position, the VR headset 6, respectively in the raised position and in the lowered position, and the coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment corresponding to the central attachment. In general, with the invention, wearing the filter cartridge 7 is always possible regardless of the versions of the NRBC mask 5, the coupling interface 1 in no way hindering its connection to the filter connector 52. This makes it possible to offer excellent immersion for the user.However, alternatively, it is also possible to conduct training sessions without connecting a filter cartridge 7 to the filter connector 52, the filter cartridge 7 itself not participating in the attachment of the coupling interface 1 to the NRBC mask 5.

[0024] The coupling interface 1 according to the invention is made of a rigid material and can be combined with a more flexible material. The coupling interface 1 can be made of a mixture of chlorobutyl and silicone, with different density levels allowing the coupling interface 1 to be flexible, and easily adjustable on a large number of NRBC masks 5. Parts can be made of rigid material to integrate the attachment elements of the VR headset 6 and / or for the third part 13 coupling the first part 11 to the second part 12 forming the locking ring 3 for the filter cartridges 7. For example, the locking ring 3 can be made of a flexible material whose elasticity allows it to adapt to filter connectors 52 of various dimensions.A strength and stiffness calculation allows the coupling interface 1 to be designed to hold a VR headset 6 on an existing NRBC mask 5, i.e. without making any modifications to either the NRBC mask 5 or the VR headset 6. The coupling interface 1 may, for example, comprise a hooking hinge 2 in an upper area of ​​the first part 11 located above the visor 51 of the NRBC mask 5. The hooking hinge 2, for example a quick-hook hinge, allows coupling to different types of VR headset 6, which facilitates the integration of the VR headset 6 to the NRBC mask 5. Such a hooking hinge 2 allows locking and depth adjustment.Once the VR headset 6 is positioned in front of the field of vision of the user of the NRBC mask 5, during training and practice sessions, if a situation requires stopping the exercise, the attachment hinge 2 after unlocking allows the VR headset 6 to be tilted from the lowered position to the raised position in order to regain the real field of vision without having to completely undress, both the NRBC mask 5 and the complete NRBC outfit if the user is wearing one. As an alternative to the attachment hinge 2 (not shown), the VR headset 6 can also be coupled to the NRBC mask 5 by an elastic band surrounding the back of the head of the wearer of said mask.

[0025] It should be noted that the coupling interface 1 may also be made of resin (for example of the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene type known under the name ABS, or polyamide plastic, etc.) or any other design method offering the same qualities of resistance, rigidity, and flexibility defined during the calculations of forces exerted by the weight of the VR headset 6 on the coupling interface 1, as well as the head movements of a user of the NRBC-AR 100 augmented virtual reality mask according to the invention during training.

[0026] It follows from these characteristics that the coupling interface 1 according to the invention is modifiable, adjustable and adaptable to a wide variety of NRBC mask 5 and VR headset 6. The integration of the VR headset 6 with the NRBC mask 5 is carried out optimally, the coupling interface 1 completely matching different types of NRBC mask 5 whatever their respective specificities (e.g. strap anchors 8, glasses attachment device, phonic pad 9, etc.)

[0027] Thanks to this equipment, training in real conditions can be replaced by training in virtual mode, while maintaining the operational constraints of the participants and their equipment.

[0028] Figures 1 illustrate a coupling interface 1 for coupling a VR headset 6 to an NRBC mask 5 according to a second embodiment corresponding to a double lateral attachment. In particular, Figures 1 and 2 schematically show, respectively from the front, in side perspective and from the side, the coupling interface 1 according to the second embodiment. Figures 1 schematically show the integration of the VR headset 6 to the NRBC mask 5 via the coupling interface 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0029] The coupling interface 1 according to the second embodiment comprises three parts. A first, upper part 11 forms a circumferential lip, the shape of which is adapted to surround the visor 51 of the NRBC mask 5 (see). A second, lower, double part 12A, respectively 12B, forms two locking rings 3A, respectively 3B, in lateral positions on the one hand and on the other hand of the vertical symmetry axis YY' (more precisely the vertical symmetry plane of the coupling interface containing the vertical symmetry axis YY'), each having a shape and a dimension adapted so as to surround to lock on at least one, for example two, corresponding lateral filter connector(s) 52A, respectively 52B. Each filter connector 52A, respectively 52B may comprise the connection port for a filter cartridge 7 or an external respirator of the NRBC mask 5. The connection port may be of the tapped / threaded hole type.In this embodiment, the filter connector 52B used in relation to the coupling interface 1 is the one on the left (from the wearer's point of view), in the lower position of the NRBC mask 5, although said mask also comprises a filter connector on the other side 52A, i.e. on the right in the lower position of said mask. According to an alternative not shown, it could also comprise a filter connector 52 on the front, i.e. centered in the lower position of said mask. Thus, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the locking ring 3 of the second part has been split into locking rings 3A and 3B, each having been slid or moved to the sides to release the front face of the NRBC mask 5.A third double part 13A, respectively 13B, middle extending substantially vertically, forms a connection coupling the first upper part 11 to the second lower part 12A, respectively 12B, on one side and the other side of the vertical symmetry axis YY'. Each third double part 13A, 13B can be produced in the form of two junctions 14A, 14B, respectively 15A, 15B defining a central recess 16A, respectively 16B (as illustrated in the) or in a single piece (not illustrated).

[0030] The other elements and characteristics are identical or similar to the coupling interface 1 according to the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views, respectively from the side and from the front, of the NRBC mask equipped with a side cartridge, a VR headset (in the raised position on the and in the lowered position on the), and a coupling interface 1 according to the second embodiment corresponding to a double side attachment.

[0032] Optionally, Figures 1 show the coupling interface 1 comprising a safety lock 4. This can be installed to stiffen the attachment of the coupling interface 1 to a device for attaching glasses (for example sunglasses) to CBRN masks 5 which are equipped with it. This option can also be provided for the coupling interface according to the first embodiment.

[0033] The drawings and their descriptions above illustrate rather than limit the invention. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use for training in the conditions of wearing operational NRBC masks, in order to keep the operator in his real intervention environment. It is understood that the user of the NRBC-AR augmented virtual reality mask as part of a NRBC risk and threat training system according to the invention (including the NRBC mask, the VR headset and the coupling interface) may also include a complete NRBC outfit (not visible in the drawings) in order to best simulate a context of intervention with NRBC risks and threats.

Claims

[Corrected according to rule 91, 13.11.2023] A coupling interface (1) between a CBRN(5) protective mask against CBRN risks and threats and a VR virtual reality headset (6) of a CBRN risk and threat training system using a virtual reality scenario, the coupling interface (1) being constituted as an independent element of said mask and said headset, characterized in that the coupling interface (1) comprises: - a first upper part (11) of said interface (1), forming a circumferential lip, the shape of which is adapted to surround a visor (51) of the CBRN mask (5);- a second lower part (12, 12A, 12B) of said interface (1), positioned below the first part (11) of said interface (1), forming a locking ring (3, 3A, 3B), the shape and dimensions of which are arranged so as to surround and lock onto a filter connector (52, 52A, 52B) of the CBRN mask (5); and - a third middle part (13, 13A, 13B) of said interface (1), extending substantially vertically, comprising at least one junction (14A, 14B, 15A, 15B) forming a link coupling the first upper part (11) of said interface (1) to the second lower part (12) of said interface (1);in which the second lower part (12) of said interface (1) is double, forming two locking rings (3), the locking rings (3) being in lateral positions on either side of a vertical axis of symmetry (YY'), each locking ring (3) being positioned and dimensioned so as to surround and lock onto at least one filter connector (52A, 52B) of the CBRN mask (5) located in a lateral position.; [Corrected according to rule 91, 13.11.2023] The coupling interface (1) according to claim 1, wherein the third middle part (13A, 13B) of said interface (1) is double, on one side and on the other side of the vertical symmetry axis (YY'), each of the two middle parts (13A, 13B) of said interface (1) being made in the form of two junctions (14A, 14B) defining a central recess (16A, 16B) or as a single piece. [Corrected according to Rule 91, 13.11.2023] The coupling interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper area of ​​the first upper part (11) of said interface (1) situated above the visor (51) of the CBRN mask (5) has at least one attachment hinge (2) for coupling to different types of VR headset (6). [Corrected according to rule 91, 13.11.2023] The coupling interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first upper part (11) of said interface (1) has a safety lock (4) for stiffening a fastening of the coupling interface (1) on a CBRN mask goggle attachment device (5). [Corrected according to rule 91, 13.11.2023] An augmented reality CBRN-AR virtual reality mask (100) of a CBRN Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical Risk and Threat Training System using a virtual reality scenario to create a CBRN risk and threat training tool comprising: - a CBRN mask (5); - a VR virtual reality headset (6); and - a coupling interface (1), made in the form of an element independent of said mask (5) and said headset (6), according to any one of claims 1 to 4 arranged to couple said VR virtual reality headset (6) to said CBRN mask (5). The coupling interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper area of ​​the first upper part (11) of said interface (1) located above the visor (51) of the CBRN mask (5) has at least one hook hinge (2) for coupling to different types of VR headset (6). The coupling interface (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first upper part (11) of said interface (1) includes a safety lock (4) to stiffen the attachment of the coupling interface (1) to a goggle attachment device of the CBRN mask (5). An augmented reality CBRN-AR virtual reality mask (100) of a CBRN Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, Chemical Risk and Threat Training System using a virtual reality scenario to create a CBRN risk and threat training tool comprising: a CBRN mask (5); a VR virtual reality headset (6); and a coupling interface (1), made in the form of an element independent of said mask (5) and said headset (6), according to any one of claims 1 to 7 arranged to couple said VR virtual reality headset (6) to said CBRN mask (5).

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