Multisensory immersive device and immersive system comprising such a multisensory immersive device

Abstract

The invention relates to a multisensory immersive device (12) comprising at least a first sensory stimulation unit (40a) and a second sensory stimulation unit (40b) mounted on a first and second arm respectively, and designed to stimulate the senses of a user (16) positioned in a stimulation area (S) facing the immersive device (12). The arms are movably mounted on a chassis between a transport position, in which they are retracted to minimize the size of the immersive device (12), and a usage position, in which the arms are extended so that the sensory stimulation units (40a, 40b) can be positioned opposite the stimulation area (S) to stimulate the senses of the user (16). (Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Multisensory immersive device and immersive system comprising such a multisensory immersive device Scope of the invention

[0001] The present patent application relates to a multisensory immersive device intended to stimulate the senses of a user and an immersive system comprising such a multisensory immersive device.

[0002] The present invention will find, on a non-exclusive basis, advantageous applications in the field of health to bring well-being and relaxation to vulnerable people. State of the art

[0003] An immersive system, also called a multisensory immersive capsule, is known to be developed by the Applicant, the company VirtySens.

[0004] This immersive system comprises a plurality of sensory stimulation boxes which are mounted on a chassis and which are designed to stimulate the senses of a user.

[0005] For this purpose, each stimulation unit includes a fan and a fragrance diffuser, the fan being designed to blow the diffused fragrances towards the user.

[0006] It is understood here that, in the absence of the diffuser, the fan serves to create a wind effect on the user's face. Each unit may also include a heating system to diffuse warm air.

[0007] The stimulation boxes are oriented towards a stimulation area in which the user is placed.

[0008] In addition, the immersive system proposed by the Applicant is equipped with a virtual reality headset that broadcasts images and sound to the user wearing it, the broadcasting of images being related to the diffusion of fragrances and hot and / or cold winds.

[0009] Thus, the immersive system according to the prior art makes it possible to make the user feel intense sensations and to immerse him in settings and atmospheres that can revive his memory.

[0010] Although the immersive system described above has many advantages, its weight and size make it suitable for sedentary use, typically in a healthcare facility. Description of the invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems mentioned above, by providing a multisensory immersive device that is suitable for use on the go and at the user's home.

[0012] This objective, as well as others which will appear upon reading the following description, is achieved with a multisensory immersive device comprising at least a first sensory stimulation unit and a second sensory stimulation unit which are mounted on a chassis and which are designed to stimulate the senses of a user placed in a stimulation area in front of the immersive device, the immersive device being characterized in that it comprises a first arm which carries the first sensory stimulation unit and a second arm which carries the second sensory stimulation unit, said arms being mounted movably on the chassis between a transport position in which said arms are retracted to limit the bulk of the immersive device,and a usage position in which said arms are deployed so that said sensory stimulation units are suitable for being arranged opposite the stimulation area in order to stimulate the user's senses.

[0013] Thus, the immersive device according to the invention, by its reduced size and miniaturization, makes it possible to offer vulnerable people at home a multisensory experience that was previously inaccessible.

[0014] Indeed, the present invention makes it possible to stimulate the user's senses with a small footprint, therefore with significant accessibility.

[0015] The miniaturization of the immersive device opens up many avenues for use; caregivers working at home can easily transport the immersive device in a case to the home of the person being helped, and the immersive device according to the invention can easily be installed on a table or on a stand, within an environment where medical devices may be present.

[0016] According to other optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0017] - the chassis is delimited by a lower face which is designed to rest on a horizontal surface, and by a first lateral face and a second lateral face which each extend vertically from said lower face, and in that the first arm and the second arm are mounted pivoting on the chassis each around a vertical pivoting axis, the first arm and the second arm being folded against the first lateral face and the second lateral face respectively of the chassis, when they occupy their transport position;

[0018] - each sensory stimulation unit includes at least one diffuser of fragrance and a fan designed to blow away the fragrances diffused by the associated diffuser towards the stimulation area, when said arms are in their position of use;

[0019] - the immersive device is equipped with a central fan which is supported by the chassis and which is arranged between the first arm and the second arm in such a way as to be able to blow air towards the user's skin for stimulation. This feature makes it possible, in particular, to simulate the feeling of wind on the user's skin;

[0020] - the immersive device includes an electric battery, an electronic board comprising at least one computing unit and a radio frequency communication device. The battery makes the immersive device electrically self-sufficient;

[0021] The invention also relates to an immersive system comprising a virtual reality headset designed to display images from a video to the user wearing it, and a multisensory immersive device of the type described above, the virtual reality headset being capable of sending instructions to the immersive device by radio frequency to control the activation of the sensory stimulation boxes in relation to the images displayed by said headset.

[0022] According to other optional features of the immersion system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0023] - the immersive system includes a control interface which is intended for interact and exchange data with the virtual reality headset and the immersive device, which includes a screen for displaying the video images that the user is viewing through the headset. The control interface allows the user to select the videos to be viewed in the headset by sending instructions to the headset;

[0024] - said helmet and the piloting interface are each equipped with a unit of electronic storage that allows the same video to be stored and broadcast in a synchronized manner. This feature notably limits energy consumption by eliminating the need for real-time video stream transfer via radio frequency;

[0025] - the control interface is a touch electronic tablet. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig.1] is a schematic side view that illustrates the immersive system comprising an immersive device, a virtual reality headset and a control interface, according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the immersive device of [Fig.1], with its two arms deployed in the position of use;

[0029] [Fig.3] is a top view of the immersive device of [Fig.1], with its two arms deployed in the position of use, without its battery;

[0030] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the immersive device of [Fig.1] with the chassis and the second sensory stimulation box open and with the two arms retracted into the transport position;

[0031] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the immersive device of [Fig.1] with both arms retracted in transport position.

[0032] In the description and claims, the longitudinal, vertical and transverse terminology will be adopted without limitation with reference to the L, V, T trihedron indicated in the figures, considering that the immersive device rests on a horizontal platform in a configuration of use.

[0033] Also, the expressions "superior" and "inferior" will be used without limitation in reference to the upper and lower parts respectively of [Fig.1].

[0034] Throughout all these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs.

[0035] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0036] Figure 1 shows an immersive system 10 which includes a multisensory immersive device 12, a virtual reality headset 14 which is designed to broadcast images from a video to the user 16 who wears it, and a control interface 18 of the electronic touch tablet type.

[0037] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the immersive device 12 comprises a chassis 20 which has the shape of a case and which is delimited by a lower face 22 intended to rest on a horizontal surface, such as a tabletop 24 as illustrated in [Fig.1], and an upper face 26.

[0038] Also, the chassis 20 is delimited by four peripheral faces which each extend vertically from the lower face 22 to the upper face 26, the four peripheral faces comprising a first longitudinal lateral face 28a, a second longitudinal lateral face 28b, a transverse front face 30 and a transverse rear face 32.

[0039] It will be noted that the immersive device 12 has a symmetrical design along a median sagittal longitudinal plane P represented in [Fig.3], the symmetrical elements being identified on the figures by identical reference signs and distinguished by the letters "a" and "b".

[0040] In addition, the immersive device 12 includes a first arm 34a which extends from a proximal end 36a connected to the chassis 20, to a distal end 38a which carries a first sensory stimulation housing 40a.

[0041] By symmetry along the plane P of symmetry, the immersive device 12 includes a second arm 34b which extends from a proximal end 36b connected to the chassis 20, to a distal end 38b which carries a second sensory stimulation box 40b.

[0042] The sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b are designed to stimulate the senses of the user 16 who is placed in a stimulation area S (visible in [Fig.1]) in front of the immersive device 12.

[0043] For this purpose, the first sensory stimulation box 40a comprises two fragrance diffusers 42a, 44a, each comprising a diffusion head 46a, 48a respectively, the diffusion heads 46a, 48a being arranged opposite each other.

[0044] The two diffusers 42a, 44a are arranged on either side of an outlet 50a through which air is expelled by means of a fan 52a housed inside the first sensory stimulation box 40a.

[0045] Thus, the first sensory stimulation box 40a allows the fragrances diffused by the associated diffusers 42a, 44a to be blown, by means of the associated fan 52a, towards the stimulation air S.

[0046] It should be noted that the two diffusers 42a, 44b each have a USB type connection plug which is connected to an additional socket arranged inside the sensory stimulation box 40a.

[0047] Thus, the two diffusers 42a, 44b can be easily replaced.

[0048] By symmetry along the plane P of symmetry, the second sensory stimulation housing 40b comprises two diffusers 42b, 44b which each comprise a diffusion head 46a, 48a respectively and an outlet orifice 50b through which air is expelled by means of a fan 52b.

[0049] According to another aspect of the invention, the proximal end 36a of the first arm 34a and the proximal end 36b of the second arm 34b of the immersive device 12 are pivotally mounted on the chassis 20, around a first vertical pivoting axis A and a second pivoting axis B respectively.

[0050] Thus, the first arm 34a and the second arm 34b are mounted pivotally between a transport position illustrated in [Fig.5], in which the arms 34a, 34b are retracted to limit the size of the immersive device 12, and a use position illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, in which the arms 34a, 34b are deployed so that the associated sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b are arranged opposite the stimulation area S in order to stimulate the senses of the user 16.

[0051] It is estimated that the sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b are arranged opposite the stimulation area S when they are able to blow fragrances towards the stimulation area S.

[0052] With reference to [Fig.2], the first vertical pivot axis A is arranged at the junction of the front face 30 of the chassis 20 and the first side face 28a, and the second pivot axis B is arranged at the junction of the front face 30 of the chassis 20 and the second side face 28b.

[0053] Also, as can be seen in [Fig.2], the second lateral face 28b of the chassis 20 has a longitudinal recess 52b designed to house and retract the second arm 34b when the latter occupies its rest position.

[0054] By symmetry along the plane P of symmetry, the first lateral face 28a of the chassis 20 has a longitudinal (not visible) recess provided to house and retract the first arm 34a when the latter occupies its rest position.

[0055] Furthermore, according to [Fig.5], when the arms 34a, 34b are in their transport position, the sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b are arranged on the back of the chassis 20, against the rear face 32 of the chassis 20, to limit the size of the immersive device 12.

[0056] As can be seen in [Fig.4], the immersive device 12 is equipped with a central fan 54 which is arranged inside the chassis 20, between the first arm 34a and the second arm 34b, so as to be able to blow air towards the stimulation area S.

[0057] Also, the chassis 20 delimits an outlet 56 which allows the passage of air blown by the central fan 54.

[0058] It should be noted that the function of the central fan 54 is to simulate an airflow on the skin of the user 16, the central fan 54 is therefore not associated with a fragrance diffuser.

[0059] To ensure the operation of the immersive device 12, the latter includes an electric battery 58 (visible in [Fig.2]), and an electronic card 60 comprising at least one computing unit 62.

[0060] The electronic board 60 allows the fans 52a, 52b, 54 and the diffusers 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b to be controlled.

[0061] As a reminder, the virtual reality headset 14 is designed to display images from a video to the user 16 who is wearing it.

[0062] For this purpose, the virtual reality headset 14 is equipped with a storage unit 64, of the memory card type, on which the video to be broadcast is recorded.

[0063] Also, the storage unit 64 contains elements necessary for the scripting of a drop-down menu with thumbnails, presentation images, descriptive texts and instruction files concerning the video to be broadcast.

[0064] The immersive device 12 communicates with the virtual reality headset 14 to allow the virtual reality headset 14 to send instructions to the immersive device 12, in particular to control the activation of the sensory stimulation units. 40a, 40b and the central fan 54 in relation to the images displayed by the virtual reality headset 14.

[0065] For this purpose, the immersive device 12, the virtual reality headset 14 and the control interface 18 are each equipped with a Bluetooth® type communication device, to allow interaction and bidirectional data exchange between them.

[0066] In addition, the control interface 18 includes a screen 66 which allows the images of the video that the user 16 views using the virtual reality headset 14 to be displayed.

[0067] For this purpose, the control interface 18 is equipped with a storage unit 68 which allows the same video as that broadcast by the virtual reality headset 14 to be stored and broadcast in a synchronized manner.

[0068] This feature makes it possible to limit the energy consumption of the battery of the virtual reality headset 14 by eliminating the need to transfer the video stream in real time between the control interface 18 and the virtual reality headset 14.

[0069] Thus, the immersive system 10 according to the invention has a simple use and operation, an example of which is described below.

[0070] The immersive device 12 is placed on the tabletop 24, then the arms 34a, 34b of the immersive device 12 are deployed so that the two sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b are oriented towards the user 16 equipped with the virtual reality headset 14.

[0071] The control interface 18 allows the video to be selected which will be projected by the virtual reality headset 14 by sending instructions to the virtual reality headset 14 via Bluetooth®.

[0072] The parameters which correspond to the sound level, the multisensory options, the image cropping in the virtual reality headset 14 and the features of the video player are sent to the virtual reality headset 14 from the control interface 18.

[0073] The virtual reality headset 14 projects the previously chosen video, which immerses the user 16 in a virtual universe and simultaneously, the virtual reality headset 14 sends instructions to the immersive device 12 which controls the activation of the sensory stimulation boxes 40a, 40b and the central fan 54 in relation to the images broadcast by the virtual reality headset 14, to increase the immersion of the user 16.

[0074] At the same time, the virtual reality headset 14 sends information about the orientation of the virtual reality headset 14 to the control interface 18 which reproduces what the user 16 is viewing, which allows an attendant to follow the progress of the video viewed by the user 16.

[0075] The immersive system 10 according to the invention, by its reduced size and miniaturization, makes it possible to offer vulnerable people at home a multisensory experience that was previously inaccessible.

[0076] Indeed, the present invention makes it possible to stimulate the user's hearing, smell, sight and touch with a small footprint, therefore with significant accessibility.

[0077] Such miniaturization opens up many avenues of use, particularly for caregivers working at home who can easily transport the immersive system 10 in a briefcase to the home of the person being helped.

[0078] Also, the immersive system 10 can easily be installed on a table or on a stand, within an environment where medical devices may be present.

[0079] The electrical autonomy of the immersive system 10 also makes it easier to use.

[0080] The shape of the immersive device 12 is designed to allow easy deployment of the two arms 34a, 34b used to diffuse fragrances, while reducing the overall size of the immersive device 12 and ensuring a balance preventing the immersive device 12 from tipping over if the arms 34a, 34b are in a vacuum.

[0081] The optimal distance between the immersive device 12 and the user 16 is calculated according to the diffusion cone of the fans 50a, 50b, 54, so that the airflow blown by said fans reaches the face of the user 16 in an optimized manner.

[0082] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A multisensory immersive device (12) comprising at least a first sensory stimulation unit (40a) and a second sensory stimulation unit (40b) mounted on a chassis (20) and designed to stimulate the senses of a user (16) positioned in a stimulation area (S) facing the immersive device (12), the immersive device (12) being characterized in that it comprises a first arm (34a) carrying the first sensory stimulation unit (40a) and a second arm (34b) carrying the second sensory stimulation unit (40b), said arms (34a, 34b) being movably mounted on the chassis (20) between a transport position in which said arms (34a, 34b) are retracted to limit the size of the immersive device (12), and a usage position in which said arms (34a, 34b) are deployed so that said sensory stimulation boxes (40a,40b) are suitable for being arranged opposite the stimulation area (S) in order to stimulate the senses of the user (16), and in that the chassis (20) is delimited by a lower face (22) which is intended to rest on a horizontal surface, and by a first lateral face (28a) and a second lateral face (28b) which each extend vertically from said lower face (22), the first arm (34a) and the second arm (34b) being mounted pivotally on the chassis (20) each around a vertical pivot axis (A, B), the first arm (34a) and the second arm (34b) being folded against the first lateral face (28a) and the second lateral face (28b) respectively of the chassis (20), when they occupy their transport position.

2. Immersive multisensory device (12) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each sensory stimulation box (40a, 40b) comprises at least one fragrance diffuser (42a, 44a, 42b, 44b) and a fan (50a, 50b) which is intended to blow the fragrances diffused by the associated diffuser towards the stimulation area (S), when said arms (34a, 34b) are in their position of use.

3. Multisensory immersive device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a central fan (54) which is supported by the chassis (20) and which is arranged between the first arm (34a) and the second arm (34b) so as to be able to blow air towards the stimulation area (S).

4. Immersive multisensory device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electric battery (58), an electronic card (60) comprising at least one computing unit (62) and a radio frequency communication device.

5. Immersive system (10) comprising a virtual reality headset (14) designed to display images from a video to the user (16) wearing it, and a multisensory immersive device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, the virtual reality headset (14) being capable of sending instructions to the immersive device (12) by radio frequency to control the activation of the sensory stimulation boxes (40a, 40b) in relation to the images displayed by said headset (14).

6. Immersive system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a control interface (18) which is intended to interact and exchange data with the virtual reality headset (14) and the immersive device (12), and which includes a screen (66) for displaying the video images which the user (16) views by means of said headset (14).

7. Immersive system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that said headset (14) and the control interface (18) are each equipped with an electronic storage unit (64, 68) which allows the same video to be stored and broadcast in a synchronized manner.

8. Immersive system (10) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the control interface (18) is a touch electronic tablet.

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