Headset having a display unit

Abstract

According to various embodiments, the headset comprises a head band and ear caps connected to both ends of the head band through a connecting portion, a display band in which at least a portion is inserted into the connecting portion and connected from the connecting portion, and a display portion mounted on the display band, wherein the display band is configured to be rotatable with respect to the connecting portion as an axis from a first position in which the display portion overlaps with the head band to a second position adjacent to the user's eyes, and when the display band is in the first position, the rotatable movement may be performed by withdrawing at least a portion of the display band from the connecting portion in a direction away from the user's head.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a headset device equipped with a display unit. Background Technology

[0003] Since the past, devices that provide video to users have been attempted in various forms, along with devices that transmit sound. Conventional devices have all focused on the design and form of video equipment capable of implementing visual images such as newly introduced VR, AR, and XR, and were often designed by first implementing a display in the form of glasses or goggles and then inserting speakers into the equipment. Nevertheless, for various reasons, a unified form factor has not yet been established.

[0004] There are two representative approaches to solving this problem: the glass method and the goggles method.

[0005] Research on smart glasses has been continuously and actively conducted from the past to the present, and numerous inventions have existed that incorporate speakers into smart glasses devices equipped with displays. However, these methods have revealed various limitations, such as durability issues and the problem of weight being placed on the bridge of the nose. To this day, research for commercialization is still ongoing, including by global giants like Google, to create more user-friendly devices using this smart glasses approach.

[0006] Meanwhile, devices in the form of headgear or goggles that cover the field of vision, originating from VR, are also being actively developed recently. However, these device forms also presented issues such as the weight of the equipment, the accumulation of fatigue due to prolonged use in an environment visually isolated from the outside world, and the tight facial compression caused by band-style attachments. Nevertheless, research to establish a universal form factor using this method continues globally, led by companies such as Meta, which concluded that this approach is desirable for realizing increasingly advanced visual images, and Sony, a manufacturer of gaming devices.

[0007] Amidst this diverse competition in form factors, there was a growing demand from the market for a new type of device that incorporates rapidly advancing video technology and delivers vivid sound, while ensuring no inconvenience to the user during operation. The problem to be solved

[0009] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide a new concept headset device capable of simultaneously providing high-quality sound and an image reproduced on a display to the user.

[0010] The objective according to one embodiment is to propose a headset device capable of effectively transmitting sound and video while allowing the user to wear it for a long time without discomfort during use.

[0011] In addition, the objective according to one embodiment is to propose a new structural form factor that is commercially viable and suitable for long-term use, overcoming the problems of conventional smart glasses or goggle-type devices that have not been commercialized. means of solving the problem

[0013] According to various embodiments, the headset comprises a head band and ear caps connected to both ends of the head band through a connecting portion, a display band in which at least a portion is inserted into the connecting portion and connected from the connecting portion, and a display portion mounted on the display band, wherein the display band is configured to be rotatable with respect to the connecting portion as an axis from a first position in which the display portion overlaps with the head band to a second position adjacent to the user's eyes, and when the display band is in the first position, the rotatable movement may be performed by withdrawing at least a portion of the display band from the connecting portion in a direction away from the user's head.

[0014] According to various embodiments, in a method of using a headset including a display unit, the headset comprises a head band and ear caps connected to both ends of the head band through connecting portions, a display band having at least a portion inserted into the connecting portion and connected from the connecting portion, and a display unit mounted on the display band. The method of using the headset may include the steps of: withdrawing at least a portion of the display band from the connecting portion in a direction away from the user's head; and rotating the display band with the connecting portion as an axis to a second position adjacent to the user's eyes at a first position where the display unit overlaps with the head band. Effects of the invention

[0016] A headset including a rotatable display unit according to one embodiment is worn with a headband equipped with earcups and a display band overlapping on the top of the head, and when the display unit is used, the display band equipped with the display unit can be rotated so that the display is positioned in front of the eyes. Through this, the user can enjoy video through the display unit and sound through the earcups.

[0017] In one embodiment, the headset may be operated in such a way that when a button is pressed, the display unit, which was overlapping with the headband, is positioned in front of the user's eyes in a semi-automatic manner by introducing a click module.

[0018] The embodiments proposed in the present invention are user-friendly compared to other form factors introduced so far for simultaneously viewing video and sound, and can solve problems such as the display lens part being touched with hands and contaminating the field of view, or the ear cap or headband part coming off from its original position when the user lowers the display part fixed to the head with their hands.

[0019] By introducing the concept proposed in this invention, it is possible to simultaneously resolve the problems of various form factors that previously had limitations in commercialization using a simple and uncomplicated method. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a figure showing a first usage state of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a figure showing a second usage state of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing one form of a connection part (200) of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a picture showing the internal structure of a connection part projected according to the form shown in Figure 3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of each part from the side to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connecting part according to the form shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing another form of a connection part (200) of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of each part viewed from one side to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connection part according to another form of work shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of each part viewed from the other side to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connection part according to a different form of work shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in which each component operates sequentially when the button of the click module is pressed in a connection part according to another form of work shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which, in a connection part according to another configuration shown in FIG. 6, the display band is driven in such a way that it rises and then falls when the button of the click module is pressed. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0023] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0026] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiments, such detailed description is omitted.

[0027] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0028] Components included in any one embodiment and components having common functions shall be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description in any one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and specific descriptions shall be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a figure showing a first usage state of a headset including a rotatable display unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a figure showing a second usage state of a headset including a rotatable display unit according to one embodiment.

[0031] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structure of a headset including a rotatable display unit proposed in the present invention, the driving method of each component, and the method of use thereof will be described in detail.

[0032] A headset including a rotatable display unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head band and ear caps connected to both ends of the head band through connecting portions; a display unit mounted on a display band connected from the connecting portions; and the display band may be rotatable with respect to the connecting portions as an axis to a first position where the display unit overlaps with the head band and a second position where it is located in front of the user's eyes.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the headset has a headband (130) including ear caps (140) at both ends, and in a first usage state, a display band (110) equipped with a display unit (120) may be positioned on the outer side of the headband (the side located far from the user's head) so as to overlap with the headband. In this way, when the display unit is not in use, the display unit may overlap with the headband.

[0034] For user convenience, the ear cap may not be fixed to the headband and may include a rotating part at the portion connecting to the headband, thereby allowing the angle of connection of the ear cap to the headband to change. If necessary, the ear cap may include a touch sensor or a button on its outer surface or on the inner side of the outer cover to enhance user UI convenience. The touch sensor or button may transmit a signal according to the user's intent when the headset operates in conjunction with an external electronic device.

[0035] The above ear cap may include a charging port or a battery unit. The display band of the headset rotates mechanically, but a power connection may be required to drive the display of the display unit. In this case, in one example, a battery may be mounted inside the ear cap or a connection terminal for an external power source may be provided on the ear cap to supply electricity.

[0036] The headband described above may include a length adjustment part that can adjust the length according to the user's head size.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, in the second usage state, the display band rotates toward the front of the user and is positioned in front of the user's eyes. In the second usage state, the user can view an image through the display unit.

[0038] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the display band is shown as being located on the outside of the head band, but the display band being located on the inside of the head band is also included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0039] In this case, it may be more preferable for the display band to be located on the outer side of the head band. This is because if the head band is located on the inner side, it adheres closely to the user's head, allowing it to be positioned stably despite rotation of the display band. Additionally, if the display band is located on the inner side of the head band, problems may arise where the user's hair contaminates the inner lens of the display band or where the user's hair continuously rubs against the display band during rotational movement; to solve these problems, it may be more preferable for the display band to be located on the outer side of the head band.

[0040] The display portion of the above-described display band may form a structure that is spaced somewhat apart from the outer side of the headband. Through this, protection of the lens of the display portion and smooth rotational movement are possible, and the lens of the display portion can be positioned appropriately in front of the user's eyes during rotation.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing one form of a connection part (200) of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a projection of the internal structure of a connection part according to the form shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the connection relationship of each part to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connection part according to the form shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] FIGS. 3 to 5 are examples of designs in which the display band is designed to rotate due to the elasticity of a spring when a button of a click module located at the connection part is pressed.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the connection part includes a click module, and the rotation may be performed semi-automatically when a button of the click module located in the connection part is pressed.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the connecting member may include one or more of: an axis extending in a third direction perpendicular to the button from the center of the button; a pinion gear mounted at one end of the extended axis; a spring mounted together with the pinion gear on the extended axis adjacent to the pinion gear; and a spring compressibly provided in a third direction along the axis between the button and the pinion gear.

[0047] The above-described click module may include an inwardly retractable button located at the center of the connection part. The button of the click module may be positioned vertically on one end of a shaft equipped with a first spring (222) and a second spring (224), as shown in FIG. 5. A pinion gear (230) that assists in rotational movement may be mounted on the other end of the shaft. In one example, the button of the click module may be positioned parallel to the pinion gear.

[0048] The above spring may be positioned on the same axis adjacent to the above pinion gear. The pinion gear may rotate together using the force of the spring unwinding, and through this, the display band may rotate.

[0049] The above semi-automatic rotational movement may be a rotational movement utilizing the physical structure of a mechanical device without the introduction of electronic means. The connection part of the headset proposed in the above embodiment is designed to enable semi-automatic rotational movement by devising a simple mechanical device without introducing complex means such as using separate internal or external power sources. Here, "semi-automatic" refers to a movement in which the display band rotates on its own when the user presses the button of the click module. In this case, the rotation performed semi-automatically may utilize the rotational force generated by the unwinding of a spring as the downward force of the display band. Of course, if the user lowers the display band while standing, gravity may additionally influence the rotation.

[0051] While the rotation from the first position to the second position is implemented semi-automatically, the method of the display band returning from the second position to the first position may be driven manually.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the connecting member further includes a deceleration member (270) that decelerates when the display band approaches the second position after the rotation has started, and the deceleration member may be engaged with the pinion gear.

[0053] The above reduction gear may be used to drive the display unit having weight during the rotational movement so as not to shock the user. The above reduction gear may also be provided using only the physical structure of a simple gear without the introduction of any electromagnetic means.

[0055] FIGS. 6 to 10 disclose a headset according to an embodiment that rotates in a different manner. The structure disclosed in FIGS. 6 to 10 does not operate in such a way that the display unit rotates immediately when the button of the click module is simply pressed. When the button of the click module is pressed, the headset of the structure disclosed in FIGS. 6 to 10 first extends the display band away from the user's head (in one example, in a vertical upward direction), and after it is sufficiently extended, it rotates forward toward the user's eyes by unwinding the spring.

[0056] According to one embodiment, even in a method of rotating after extension, the headset may be provided as a headset that is driven solely by the introduction of physical and mechanical parts without including any electromagnetic means.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing another form of a connection part (200) of a headset including a rotatable display part according to one embodiment.

[0058] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 disclose the connection relationships between the parts of a headset connection unit that can be driven to rotate after extension. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the connection relationships of each part viewed from one side to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connection unit according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection relationships of each part viewed from the other side to illustrate the coupling structure between the parts of the connection unit according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

[0059] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 disclose the position and movement of each stage of the display band and each component of the headset connection part that can be driven to rotate after extension. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration in which each component operates sequentially when the button of the click module is pressed in a connection part according to another configuration shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the display band is driven in a manner of rising and then falling when the button of the click module is pressed in a connection part according to another configuration shown in FIG. 6.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the rotation may be performed after the display band is extended in a direction away from the user's head.

[0062] To enable such extension, the display band may introduce a shaft (240) between it and the connecting part.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the display band has a structure that extends from a shaft (240) mounted on the connecting part, and the extension may be achieved by the shaft rising vertically from the connecting part (220) when the button is pressed. At this time, the extension may be a rise of several mm to several tens of mm. The extension may preferably be a rise in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, taking into consideration the size of the user's face.

[0064] In addition, according to one embodiment, the connecting member may have a spring (third spring, 226) provided at the other end of the shaft where the display band is located, and when the button is pressed, the shaft may rise vertically due to the elastic force of the spring.

[0065] In order for the shaft to rise vertically, in one example, the display band and the shaft may be connected, and a spring, a rack gear, a vertical gear, and a pinion gear meshing with the vertical gear may be introduced so that the shaft rises when the button of the click module is pressed. Additionally, in one embodiment, a mainspring having the same rotation axis as the pinion gear may be further included. By introducing the mainspring, when the shaft rises vertically, the mainspring unwinds, thereby increasing the rotational force of the pinion gear.

[0066] Looking at the left side of Fig. 9, when the button of the click module is pressed, the shaft fixed in the shaft groove is detached, and the display band rises vertically by the force of the third spring. Looking at the middle side of Fig. 9, it can be seen that the vertical gear attached to the shaft is rising due to the elasticity of the spring. At this time, the pinion gear connected to the vertical gear rotates, and the rotational force of the pinion gear increases due to the unwinding of the mainspring having the same axis as the pinion gear.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion further includes a reduction portion (270) engaged with the other side of the pinion gear (230); and the reduction portion may control the downward speed during rotational movement of the display band. This is also intended to ensure that the user's headband wearing condition is not affected despite rotation due to the weight of the display portion, just as in the previous embodiment.

[0068] Looking at the right side of Fig. 9, it can be seen that after the vertical gear is fully raised, the display band and shaft rotate 90 degrees due to the unwinding of the mainspring. At this time, during the rotational movement, the reduction gear that is in contact with the other side of the pinion gear serves to reduce the lowering speed of the display band.

[0070] A method of using a headset including a rotatable display unit according to another embodiment of the present invention is a method of using a headset including a display unit, wherein the headset includes a head band and ear caps connected to both ends of the head band through connecting portions; and a display unit mounted on a display band connected from the connecting portions; and when a user wants to watch an image through the display unit, pressing a button of a click module located at the connecting portions may cause the display band to rotate with the connecting portions as an axis from a first position where the display unit overlaps with the head band to a second position where it is located in front of the user's eyes.

[0071] The headset including the above-mentioned rotatable display unit may be a headset according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] According to the method of using the above headset, when rotating the headset from a second position to a first position, the user may move the display band to the first position with their hand.

[0073] The rotational movement of the above headset does not utilize any electromagnetic means and operates solely through the actuation of physical or mechanical parts.

[0075] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0076] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 1000: Headset 110: Display band 120: Display section 130: Headband 140: Earcap 200: Connection part 210: Click Module 222: First spring 224: Second spring 226: The third spring 230: Pinion gear 240: Shaft 242: Shaft groove 250: Clockwork 260: Rack Gear 270: Reduction section

Claims

Claim 1 A headset comprising a head band and a pair of ear caps connected to each of the two ends of the head band; and a display band including a display portion, wherein the two ends of the display band are connected to the pair of ear caps through a respective connecting portion; wherein the display band is configured to be rotatable with respect to the connecting portion as an axis, so as to be rotatable from a first position in which at least a portion of the display band overlaps with the head band with the display portion positioned at the top of the head band, to a second position adjacent to the user's eyes, and when the display band is in the first position: the rotatable display portion is performed as at least a portion of the display band is withdrawn from both ends of the display band in a direction away from the head band, and as at least a portion of the display band is withdrawn in a direction away from the head band, the display portion is positioned at the top of the head band with the overlap with the head band released and spaced apart from the head band. Claim 2 A headset comprising a rotatable display unit, wherein, in claim 1, the connection unit includes a click module, and the withdrawal is performed semi-automatically by pressing a button of the click module located in the connection unit. Claim 3 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in paragraph 2, the connecting part further comprises a spring, and the rotation utilizes a rotational force generated by the unwinding of the spring. Claim 4 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in paragraph 2, the method by which the display band returns from a second position to a first position is manually driven. Claim 5 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in claim 1, the method by which at least a portion of the display band is withdrawn away from the user's head is manually driven. Claim 6 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in claim 1, the method by which the display band rotates from the first position to the second position is manually driven. Claim 7 A headset comprising a rotatable display portion, wherein the connecting portion comprises one or more of: an axis extending in a third direction perpendicular to the button from the center of the button; a pinion gear mounted at one end of the extended axis; a spring mounted together with the pinion gear on the extended axis adjacent to the pinion gear; and a spring compressibly provided in a third direction along the axis between the button and the pinion gear. Claim 8 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in claim 7, the connecting part further includes a deceleration part that decelerates when the display band approaches the second position after the rotation has started, and the deceleration part meshes with the pinion gear. Claim 9 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in paragraph 2, the withdrawal is performed by pressing the button, causing at least a portion of the display band at the connection part to rise vertically. Claim 10 A headset comprising a rotatable display part, wherein, in claim 8, the connecting part is provided with a spring at the other end of at least a portion of the display band, and when the button is pressed, at least a portion of the display band is vertically raised and withdrawn by the elastic force of the spring. Claim 11 A method of using a headset including a display unit, wherein the headset comprises: a head band and a pair of ear caps connected to each of both ends of the head band; and a display band including a display unit, wherein both ends of the display band are connected to the pair of ear caps through respective connecting portions; and a method of using the headset comprising: a step of withdrawing at least a portion of the display band from both ends of the display band in a direction away from the head band at a first position in which the display unit is positioned at the top of the head band and at least a portion overlaps with the head band; a step of positioning the display unit at the top of the head band in a spaced-away state from the head band as the at least portion of the display band is withdrawn in a direction away from the head band, thereby releasing the overlap with the head band; and a step of rotating the display unit around the connecting portion as an axis to a second position which is a position adjacent to the user's eyes.

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