Optical devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical device that is easy to attach and enables both stable attachment and miniaturization of the device. [Solution] The head-mounted device 100, which is an optical device, comprises an optical system, a front part 200 that holds the optical system, and a pair of side frames 310 connected to both ends of the front part 200. Each side frame 310 has a mainspring 340 and a deformable string 330 with a connecting part 350 at one end. The string 330 is pulled out while receiving elastic bias from the mainspring 340 and is detachable from the connecting parts 350.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical device.

Background Art

[0002] As optical devices worn on the head of a user (observer), glasses and video display devices (head-mounted displays: HMDs) are known. By using an HMD, it is possible to easily view video on a large screen or experience stereoscopic vision. Therefore, HMDs are used as devices that can experience virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR).

[0003] In order to improve the comfort of the user, HMDs are required to be made smaller and lighter. On the other hand, in order to prevent the HMD from shifting and the video from becoming unclear when the user moves their head while using the HMD, it is required to be stably worn on the head. Glasses are used in all scenes of life, and it is required to prevent the glasses from shifting or falling even when the head is moved violently during sports or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of an HMD having a ring-shaped attachment part that wraps around the user's head. In this configuration, the user attaches the HMD by putting the ring part over their head from above, so they have to roughly position it without being able to see the displayed image, and then readjust the position while looking at the displayed image, which has problems such as taking a long time to adjust the position. In addition, because it is a ring shape that covers the circumference of the user's head, it leads to the problem of the device becoming large.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for eyeglasses in which a belt portion housed in a pair of temples slides out and connects with the opposite belt portion at the back of the user's head. In this configuration, since the belt portion slides out along the temple portion to house it, the belt portion cannot be pulled out beyond the length of the temple portion, which presents a problem as it may be difficult to connect at the back of the head depending on the user's hairstyle. Furthermore, as the weight of the front portion of the eyeglasses increases, the frictional force between the belt portion and the sliding portion may not be sufficient to hold it in place, raising concerns that slippage may occur between the mounting portion and the user's head.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this disclosure aims to provide an optical device that is easy to attach and enables both attachment stability and miniaturization of the device configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The optical apparatus of this disclosure comprises an optical system, a holding portion for holding the optical system, and a pair of frame portions connected to both ends of the holding portion. Each frame portion has an elastic member and a deformable tension member with a connecting portion at one end, wherein the tension member is pulled out while receiving elastic bias from the elastic member and is connectable and separable at the connecting portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, an optical device can be realized that is easy to attach and enables both attachment stability and miniaturization of the device configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing user H wearing the head-mounted device according to the first embodiment on his head. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the front portion of a head-mounted device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the attachment portion of the head-mounted device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along section C, which is aligned with the center of the rotation axis of the mounting part. [Figure 5] Figure 3(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along section D, which is aligned with the center of the rotation axis of the mounting part. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the disassembled internal structure of the subframe of the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view from the rear of a user wearing the head-mounted device according to the second embodiment on their head. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] -Basic configuration of the optical device in this disclosure- In disclosing specific embodiments, the basic configuration of the optical device in this disclosure will be described.

[0012] The optical device of this disclosure comprises an optical system, a holding part for holding the optical system, and a pair of frame parts connected to both ends of the holding part. Each frame part has an elastic member and a deformable tension member with a connecting part at one end. The tension member is pulled out while receiving elastic bias from the elastic member and is detachable by connecting the connecting parts. The tension member is, for example, a string-like member and can be wound up and stored when not in use. Because the tension member is deformable, the user can pull out the tension member to an appropriate length with a high degree of freedom while receiving elastic bias from the elastic member, and easily connect it at the back of the head to accommodate various hairstyles of the user. Furthermore, because the tension member receives appropriate elastic bias from the elastic member when pulled out, even if the holding part for holding the optical system has a certain weight, it is possible to use it stably in a position that fits the user's head without causing misalignment during attachment. In this way, the present disclosure realizes a small optical device with a simple configuration that is highly convenient for the user.

[0013] -Specific Description of Various Embodiments- The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. While multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are essential, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensions and structural details shown in each embodiment are not limited to those shown in the text and drawings.

[0014] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a user H wearing the head-mounted device 100 according to the first embodiment on their head. The head-mounted device 100, which is an optical device, comprises a front section 200 which is a holder for the optical system, and a mounting section 300 for attaching the head-mounted device 100 to the head of user H.

[0015] User H uses the front part 200 while wearing the head-mounted device 100. The mounting part 300 is long in shape from the front part 200 to behind the ears of User H like the arms of glasses, and is configured as a pair independent of each other on both sides of the front part 200. User H can wear the head-mounted device 100 while peeking into the front part 200 from the front.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the front part 200 of the head-mounted device 100, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a rear view. On the front surface of the front part 200, cameras 210L and 210R are provided. Each of the cameras 210L and 210R is an imaging unit that images the real space. The combination of the camera 210L and the camera 210R is used as a stereo camera, and the position and orientation of the head-mounted device 100 can also be detected based on the real space video obtained by the cameras 210L and 210R. On the back surface of the front part 200, prisms 220L and 220R are provided. The prisms 220L and 220R are optical systems (the first optical system and the second optical system; both are eyepiece optical systems) that project the video of the display element (not shown) onto the eyes of User H. For example, each of the prisms 220L and 220R is composed of a transparent body filled with an optical medium such as glass or plastic with a refractive index greater than 1, and is thinned by folding the optical path using an eccentric reflection surface. Inside the front part 200, a display element (not shown) is arranged, and the video displayed on the display element passes through the prisms 220L and 220R and is projected (light-guided) onto the eyes of User H. By displaying the real space video obtained by the cameras 210L and 210R on the display element, User H can visually recognize the real space in front of the eyes.

[0017] The front part 200 is thin in the front-rear direction and has a horizontally long shape. At both longitudinal ends of the front part 200, connection parts 230L and 230R with the mounting part 300 are provided, and each of the connection parts 230L and 230R is rotatably connected to a side frame 310 described later. On the back surface of the front part 200, there is a face contact part that contacts a part of the face of the user H, and here, a nose pad 240 having a shape corresponding to the nose part is provided. The user H can support the front part 200 by abutting the nose pad 240 against the nose surface.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the mounting part 300 of the head-mounted device 100, where (a) shows the state with the internal structure seen through, and (b) shows the state with the internal structure disassembled. In FIG. 3, in the side frame 310, a state where the side surface 314 facing the face side of the user H when the user H wears the head-mounted device 100 on the side of the front part 200 is not shown is shown.

[0019] The side frame 310, which is a frame part (temple part), includes a hinge part 315 that is rotatably connected to the connection parts 230L and 230R, and a rotating shaft 311 that is a fixing part. The central side end of a spring 340, which is an elastic member, is fixed to the rotating shaft 311. As the spring 340, a constant load spring, a constant torque spring, etc. are preferably used. It is also conceivable to use a spiral spring, a leaf spring, etc. instead of the spring 340.

[0020] The outer peripheral side end of the spring 340 is fixed to the case 320, and the case 320 is fitted to the rotating shaft 311 and is arranged to be rotatable. At this time, the central axis direction of the spring 340 is arranged substantially parallel to the direction in which the prisms 220L and 220R in the front part 200 are arranged, or in other words, the direction passing through both eyes of the user H in the wearing manner of the user H. Also, the side surface in the wound state of the spring 340 and the side surface of the case 320 are arranged substantially parallel and in parallel. With these configurations, the entire mounting part 300 can be made thinner.

[0021] The deformable tension member, string 330, is positioned wrapped around the case 320 with one end fixed to the case 320. The string 330 may be non-stretchable or a stretchable rubber band. The other end of the string 330 extends outward through an opening 313 provided in the side frame 310 and is connected to a knob 350, which is a connecting part. The knob 350 is a stopper with an outer diameter larger than the opening 313. When the knob 350 is grasped and pulled outward, the string 330 is pulled out, causing the case 320 to rotate in the first rotation direction A. When the grip on the knob 350 is released, the elastic force of the mainspring 340 causes the case 320 to rotate in the second rotation direction B, opposite to the first rotation direction A, automatically winding up the string 330, and the rotation of the case 320 stops as the knob 350 contacts the opening 313.

[0022] The knobs 350 on the pair of side frames 310 are designed to be connectable and detachable from each other. In this embodiment, the knobs 350 are equipped with magnets 360 and connected to connection parts 230L and 230R, and are configured to be magnetically connected to the other knob 350 pulled out from the other mounting part 300 which has a similar configuration. When user H places the nose pad 240 against his nose, he pulls out the string 330 and connects the knobs 350 at the back of his head. At this time, the spring 340 exerts a force that pulls the string 330 in, allowing it to wrap around user H's head and secure the head-mounted device 100. Because the connection between the knobs 350 is made by magnetic force using magnets 360, there is an advantage that even the connection on the back of the head side, which is not visible to user H, can be made magnetically connected to each other simply by bringing the knobs 350 close together, without having to precisely align the knobs 350.

[0023] Instead of the pair of knobs 350 being connected to each other by magnetic force using a magnet 360, the knobs 350 may be further mechanically engaged with each other and fixed in place. This configuration ensures a secure connection between the knobs 350, particularly improving mounting stability.

[0024] Furthermore, in addition to the configuration in which the pair of knobs 350 are connected to each other by magnetic force using magnets 360, the knobs 350 that are magnetically attached by magnets 360 may also be configured to be further mechanically engaged and fixed to each other. With this configuration, when attaching, the magnets 360 will attract each other and magnetically attach simply by bringing the knobs 350 close together, and from that state, the two can be easily fixed by engaging them with each other as appropriate. This makes it easy to obtain a secure connection between the knobs 350, and in particular improves the stability of attachment.

[0025] The side frame 310 may have an ear-hook shape 312 to ensure temporary stability when user H pulls out the string 330, or when sufficient stability is not required to wrap and secure the head-mounted device 100 around the head. In addition, the pair of opposing mounting parts 300 are configured to be inverted around user H.

[0026] The mounting section 300 may include a one-way friction section 370. The one-way friction section 370 engages with the case 320 in conjunction with it and has a greater torque when the string 330 is pulled in than when it is pulled out. The one-way friction section 370 is configured to include, for example, a one-way clutch and a general one-way type rotary damper. The one-way friction section 370 and the case 320 are arranged in such a way that rotation is transmitted to each other via a mechanism such as a gear. In this embodiment, when the string 330 is pulled out, the transmission of the one-way clutch is released and the rotary damper rotates without applying torque. When the string 330 is pulled in, it automatically rotates in the second rotation direction B, the transmission of the one-way clutch is activated and the rotary damper rotates with damping torque applied. This configuration reduces the force exerted by the mainspring 340 when user H releases the interconnected knobs 350 and tries to rotate the case 320 in the second rotational direction B. This reduces the discomfort caused to user H by the sound and impact generated when the knobs 350 come into contact with the opening 313.

[0027] It is preferable that the unidirectional friction section 370 is positioned between the hinge section 315 and the case 320. This allows the distance between the case 320 and the opening 313 to be minimized without increasing the height of the head-mounted device 100, and thus the length of the strap 330 can be shortened.

[0028] Below, sections C and D in Figure 3(a) will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along section C, which is aligned with the center of the rotation axis 311 of the mounting portion 300 in Figure 3(a). In the side frame 310, a first rolling element 380 is positioned between the side surface 314 facing the face of user H (in the case where user H is wearing the head-mounted device 100) and the case 320. For example, a so-called thrust roller is used as the first rolling element 380. When user H pulls the string 330 toward the back of the head, the string 330 is pulled to the left in the drawing. If the first rolling element 380 is not positioned, the case 320 may be pressed against the side surface 314, potentially generating a large frictional force. In this embodiment, the first rolling element 380 rotates while sliding in contact with the side frame 310 as the string 330 is pulled out. By positioning the first rolling element 380 in this way, the frictional force generated at the sliding part between the side surface 314 and the case 320, which could cause abnormal noise and operating resistance when pressed, can be suppressed. The first rolling element 380 can be replaced with, for example, a thrust bearing that has a similar function.

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the opening 313 of the mounting portion 300 along the center of the rotation axis of the mounting portion in Figure 3(a). A second rolling element 390 is positioned between the side frame 310 and the string 330 to suppress the frictional force that may occur between the string 330 and the side frame 310 as the string passes through the opening 313. For example, a so-called irregularly shaped roller is used as the second rolling element 390. When user H pulls the string 330 toward the back of his head, the string 330 is pulled to the left in the drawing. At this time, as the string 330 is pulled out, the second rolling element 390 is pressed by the string 330 and rotates while sliding in contact with, for example, the side frame 310 within the opening 313. In this embodiment, by positioning the second rolling element 390 on the left side of the drawing where the string 330 is easily pressed, and configuring the string 330 to be pulled out while the second rolling element 390 rotates, the frictional force generated on the left side of the drawing can be kept to a minimum.

[0030] As described above, this embodiment provides a head-mounted device 100 that is easy to attach and enables both stable attachment and miniaturization of the device.

[0031] (Second embodiment) Figure 6 is a perspective view of the head-mounted device 110 according to the second embodiment, viewed from the rear. The head-mounted device 110, which is an optical device, comprises a front section 400 that holds the optical system and a mounting section 500 for attaching the head-mounted device 400 to the user's head.

[0032] The front section 400 is provided with connection sections 410L and 410R at both longitudinal ends for connection to the mounting section 500. Each of the connection sections 410L and 410R is rotatably connected to the first side frame 510, which is the first frame section. The back of the front section 400 is provided with a face pad 420, which is a face contact section that contacts a part of the user's face. The face pad 420 has a curved shape where the contact surface with the face corresponds to the upper region of the user's face, including both eyes. The user can support the front section 400 by contacting the face pad 420 with the part of their face around the eyes, including their cheeks. The first side frame 510 has a positioning shaft 511 and a sheet metal 512. A subframe 520, which houses a mechanism for tightening around the head as described in Figure 7, is detachably connected to the first side frame 510, allowing the user to choose to attach or detach it depending on the situation.

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the disassembled internal structure of the subframe 520 of the head-mounted device 110. The subframe 520, which serves as the second frame, has a magnet 521 and a positioning hole 522 on the side facing the face when worn by user H. The subframe 520 is fixed by magnetic force in contact with the positioning shaft 511 and the sheet metal 512, thus forming a unit that can be attached to and detached from the first side frame 510. The subframe 520 is equipped with a rotating shaft 523, which is a fixing part, and the central end of a coil spring 530, which is an elastic member, is fixed to the rotating shaft 523.

[0034] The outer end of the mainspring 530 is fixed to the first case 540, which is fitted to the rotating shaft 523 and is rotatably positioned. The tension member, the string 550, is wrapped around the second case 541 with one end fixed to the second case 541. The second case 541 is fitted to the shaft 525 provided on the subframe 520 and is rotatably positioned. The other end of the string 550 extends outward through an opening 524 provided on the subframe 520 and is connected to the knob 560, which is a connecting part.

[0035] Unlike the first embodiment, the first case 540 and the second case 541 are separated and arranged in a configuration where rotation is transmitted to each other and they move via a mechanism such as gears. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the radial outer shape of the cases, and by placing them side by side, it is possible to arrange them in a long, slender shape that follows the outer shape of the first side frame 510.

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view from the rear of user H wearing the head-mounted device 110 on their head. User H grasps the knob 560 and pulls out the string 550, and by connecting the knobs 560 together near the back of the head, for example by magnetic force, the string 550 wraps around User H's head, making it possible to secure the head-mounted device 110. In this embodiment, by using the string 550 as the tensioning member, it can be wound around the case, achieving a compact storage configuration. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, when pulling it out to attach it to the back of the head, there is the advantage that the location where the tightening force is generated can be arbitrarily changed to suit User H's hairstyle and a comfortable position for attachment. For example, in the case of a user with long hair who ties their hair at the back of their head, the flexibility of the string allows the connection point of the knob 560 to be appropriately shifted above or below the tied hair for attachment.

[0037] As described above, this embodiment provides a head-mounted device 110 that is easy to attach and enables both stable attachment and miniaturization of the device.

[0038] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its essence.

[0039] The disclosure of various embodiments includes the following configurations. (Composition 1) Optical system and A holding part for holding the optical system, A pair of frame portions connected to both ends of the holding portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned frame portion is Elastic member and A deformable tension member having a connecting portion at one end, It has, The tension member is It is pulled out from the elastic member while receiving elastic biasing force, and the connecting parts are connectable and separable from each other. optical equipment. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned frame portion is Having a case that houses at least a portion of the tension member, The optical device described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The tension member is During the retraction operation, the elastic bias from the elastic member automatically houses the component into the case. The optical device described in Configuration 2. (Composition 4) The tension member is The other end is connected to the case and wound around the case. The optical apparatus described in configuration 2 or 3. (Composition 5) The aforementioned case is, The aforementioned tension member is rotatable in conjunction with the pulling out and pulling in movements. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Composition 6) The elastic member is a coil spring. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Composition 7) The optical system comprises a first optical system and a second optical system. The central axis direction of the mainspring is parallel to the direction in which the first optical system and the second optical system are aligned. The optical device described in configuration 6. (Composition 8) The aforementioned frame portion is A one-way friction section that engages in conjunction with the case and has a greater torque when the tension member is pulled in than when it is pulled out. Having, An optical device as described in any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Composition 9) The aforementioned one-way friction section is It has a one-way clutch and a rotary damper. The optical device described in configuration 8. (Composition 10) The aforementioned one-way friction portion is located in the frame portion, Displaced between the holding portion and the case, The optical apparatus described in configuration 8 or 9. (Composition 11) The aforementioned connecting parts are connected by magnetic force. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Composition 12) A face contact portion connected to the aforementioned holding portion, which comes into contact with a part of the user's face, Equipped with, An optical device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Composition 13) The aforementioned facial contact portion is, The contact surface is shaped to correspond to the user's nose. The optical device described in configuration 12. (Composition 14) The aforementioned facial contact portion is, The contact surface is curved to correspond to the upper region of the user's face, including both eyes. The optical device described in configuration 12. (Composition 15) The aforementioned case is, A first case connected to the elastic member, A second case housing at least a portion of the aforementioned tension member, It has, The first case and the second case are engaged so that they move in conjunction with each other. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Composition 16) It comprises a first rolling element disposed between the case and the frame portion, The first rolling element is It slides while rotating in contact with the frame portion. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Composition 17) It is equipped with a second rolling element positioned between the frame portion and the tension member, The second rolling element is It slides while rotating in contact with the frame portion. The optical apparatus described in configuration 2 or 16. (Composition 18) The aforementioned frame portion is A first frame portion connected to the holding portion, The case, the tension member, and the elastic member are housed in a second frame section, It has, The second frame portion is detachable from the first frame portion. An optical device as described in any one of configurations 2 to 4. (Composition 19) Equipped with a display element for displaying images, An optical device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 18. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 100,110 Head-mounted devices 200,400 Front section 230,410 Connection part 300,500 mounting part 310,510 Side Frame 330,550 string 520 Subframe 240 Nose Pads 420 Face Pads 340,530 mainsprings 380 First Rolling Element 390 Second Rolling Element

Claims

1. Optical system and A holding part for holding the optical system, A pair of frame portions connected to both ends of the holding portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned frame portion is Elastic member and A deformable tension member having a connecting portion at one end, It has, The tension member is It is pulled out from the elastic member while receiving elastic biasing force, and the connecting parts are connectable and separable from each other. optical equipment.

2. The aforementioned frame portion is Having a case that houses at least a portion of the tension member, The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The tension member is During the retraction operation, the elastic bias from the elastic member automatically houses the component into the case. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The tension member is The other end is connected to the case and wound around the case. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned case is, The aforementioned tension member is rotatable in conjunction with the pulling out and pulling in movements. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The elastic member is a coil spring. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The optical system comprises a first optical system and a second optical system. The central axis direction of the mainspring is parallel to the direction in which the first optical system and the second optical system are aligned. The optical apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned frame portion is A one-way friction section that engages in conjunction with the case and has a greater torque when the tension member is pulled in than when it is pulled out. Having, The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

9. The aforementioned one-way friction section is It has a one-way clutch and a rotary damper. The optical apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned one-way friction portion is located in the frame portion, Displaced between the holding portion and the case, The optical apparatus according to claim 8.

11. The aforementioned connecting parts are connected by magnetic force. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

12. A face contact portion connected to the aforementioned holding portion, which comes into contact with a part of the user's face, Equipped with, The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned facial contact portion is, The contact surface is shaped to correspond to the user's nose. The optical apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned facial contact portion is, The contact surface is curved to correspond to the upper region of the user's face, including both eyes. The optical apparatus according to claim 12.

15. The aforementioned case is, The first case connected to the elastic member, A second case housing at least a portion of the tension member, It has, The first case and the second case are engaged so as to move in conjunction with each other. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

16. It comprises a first rolling element disposed between the case and the frame portion, The first rolling element is It slides while rotating in contact with the frame portion. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

17. It is equipped with a second rolling element positioned between the frame portion and the tension member, The second rolling element is It slides while rotating in contact with the frame portion. The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The aforementioned frame portion is A first frame portion connected to the holding portion, The case, the tension member, and the elastic member are housed in a second frame section, It has, The second frame portion is detachable from the first frame portion. The optical apparatus according to claim 2.

19. Equipped with a display element for displaying images, The optical apparatus according to claim 1.

Images