Head mounted display

Abstract

A head mounted display including a mount body configured to be mounted on a head of a user, a device body including at least one optical component, and a hinge mechanism configured to couple the mount body and the device body, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a slider configured to slide the device body in a predetermined direction with respect to the mount body, and wherein the hinge mechanism further includes a hinge member configured to turn the device body with respect to the mount body.

Description

HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAYCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2023-218022 filed December 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present technology belongs to the technical field of a head mounted display including a mount body to be mounted on a head and a device body having an optical block.

[0003] There have been head mounted displays with which users binocularly view created videos and predetermined objects through, for example, optical blocks including lenses, light guide bodies (hologram light guide bodies), half mirrors, or beam splitters.　A head mounted display of this type includes a mount body to be mounted on a head and a device body having an optical block.

[0004] In a head mounted display, for example, an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) video (image) created by a computer or the like is displayed on a display in such a way that the displayed image can be viewed through an ocular optical system included in one optical block or each of two or more optical blocks.　Through the abovementioned ocular optical system, videos can be enlarged / reduced, and appropriate focal points are provided.

[0005] When viewing such a displayed video, a user feels as if the user is viewing a real world, and can have a sense of immersion and presence.

[0006] In some of the abovementioned head mounted displays, the device body is turnable with respect to the mount body, and, when the device body is flipped down by being turned in a direction toward two eyes, an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode, for example, can be set, and, when the device body is flipped up by being turned in a direction away from the two eyes, a reality mode in which a user can see real spaces can be set (see PTL 1 and PTL 2, for example).

[0007] In each of the head mounted displays described in PTL 1 and PTL 2, a device body is movable in a direction (front-rear direction) toward / away from the two eyes.　With such a configuration, the device body can be held in a proper position with respect to the two eyes, according to individual differences, etc.

[0008] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-151531Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-178360Summary

[0009] Meanwhile, when a device body is formed to be turnable with respect to a mount body and be movable in a direction toward / away from two eyes with respect to the mount body as in the abovementioned head mounted display, swift switching of setting between an augmented reality mode / virtual reality mode and a reality mode can be accomplished.　Further, the device body can be held in a proper position suited for a user, so that the usability is enhanced.

[0010] Meanwhile, in a configuration in which a device body is operated with respect to a mount body, a structure for coupling the device body and the mount body is disposed between the device body and the mount body.　Hence, it is desirable to prevent unnecessary contact with the coupling structure such that a properly operated state of the device body is ensured with respect to the mount body.

[0011] Therefore, according to a head mounted display of an embodiment of the present technology, it is desirable to ensure a properly operated state of a device body with respect to a mount body while the usability is enhanced.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a head mounted display including a mount body configured to be mounted on a head of a user, a device body including at least one optical component, and a hinge mechanism configured to couple the mount body and the device body, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a slider configured to slide the device body in a predetermined direction with respect to the mount body, and wherein the hinge mechanism further includes a hinge member configured to turn the device body with respect to the mount body.

[0013] Accordingly, in a state where the device body is turnable with respect to the mount body and is movable in a direction toward / away from two eyes, the device body is turned between the first turn position and the second turn position around the turning shaft as a fulcrum which is disposed inside the mount body.

[0014] FIG. 1, as well as FIGS. 2 to 11, depicts a head mounted display according to an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 1 depicts the head mounted display in a use state.FIG. 2 is a sectional view in which a device body is in a first turn position.FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge mechanism, etc.FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hinge mechanism, etc.FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the hinge mechanism, etc.FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting that the device body that is in the first turn position is positioned at a rear-side movement end.FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting that the device body that is in the first turn position is moved to a front-side movement end.FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting that the device body is turned to a second turn position.FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting a transition during a turning operation of the device body.FIG. 10 is a sectional view in which the device body is in the second turn position.FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting one example of a system configuration of the head mounted display.FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13 through 20 each depict an embodiment of a head mounted display having another configuration, and FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting a use state of the head mounted display.FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting a state in which a device body is in a first movement position.FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is in a second movement position.FIG. 15 and FIGS. 16 and 17 each depict a configuration equipped with a guide plate, and FIG. 15 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is in the first movement position.FIG. 16 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is moved to a front side.FIG. 17 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is in the second movement position.FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 each depict a configuration equipped with an assist spring in addition to a guide plate, and FIG. 18 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is in the first movement position.FIG. 19 is a diagram depicting a state in which the device body is in the second movement position.FIG. 20 is a diagram depicting a configuration equipped with a damper in addition to the guide plate and the assist spring.Description of Embodiment

[0015] Hereinafter, a mode for implementing a head mounted display according to an embodiment of the present technology will be explained with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] The following explanation is based on the assumption that front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions are determined with respect to a direction to which a user (wearer) who is wearing a head mounted display on the user’s head part views a video, etc.

[0017] It is to be noted that the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions will be determined for convenience of explanation, and thus, the present technology is implemented without being restricted to these directions.

[0018] <Configuration of Head Mounted Display> 　　　　First, a configuration of a head mounted display 1 will be explained (see FIGS. 1 to 5).

[0019] The head mounted display 1 includes a mount body 2 and a device body 3, and the device body 3 is connected to a front end of the mount body 2 (see FIG. 1).　For example, an annular head band is used as the mount body 2.　However, the mount body 2 is not limited to the head band, and any other type may be used as long as the mount body 2 can be mounted on a head part 100.　For example, a helmet type or an ear hanging type may be used.　Further, the mount body 2 may be mounted on a part of a user other than the head part 100.

[0020] In the mount body 2, an exterior 4 includes an annular outer 4a and an annular inner 4b, and the inner 4b is connected to the inside of the outer 4a (see FIG. 2).　In the mount body 2, for example, at least the inner 4b is formed with use of such a material as rubber which is easily fitted to the head part 100.

[0021] A placement space 4c is formed in the exterior 4.　An insertion port 5 that is opened downwardly is formed in the lower end of the front end of the exterior 4.

[0022] In a use state of the head mounted display 1, for example, the mount body 2 is mounted on the head part 100 of a user from an upper side while the device body 3 is fitted to the face on the front side of two eyes 101 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The device body 3 includes a housing 6, and predetermined portions that are arranged or supported inside the housing 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).　The housing 6 is formed by a light shielding frame 7 and a front chassis 8 being connected in the front-rear direction.　The light shielding frame 7 is connected to the rear end of the front chassis 8.

[0024] The light shielding frame 7 is formed, with use of a rubber material or the like, into, for example, a wide rectangular frame shape.　In a state where the mount body 2 is mounted on the head part 100 of the user, the light shielding frame 7 is placed to cover the face.　The rear surface of the light shielding frame 7 is formed into, for example, such a curved shape as to extend along the face shape.

[0025] The front chassis 8 includes a case 9 that has a frame-like shape and a case cover 10 that is connected to the case 9 from the front side.　An opening 11 is formed in the upper end of the rear end of the case 9.

[0026] With predetermined portions arranged inside the case 9, the case cover 10 is fitted to the front end of the case 9 from the front side.　The case cover 10 has a function of covering, from the front side, the predetermined portions which are arranged inside the case 9.

[0027] A fitting plate 12 is disposed in an internal space 8a of the front chassis 8.　An optical block 13 is disposed on the rear side of the fitting plate 12 in the internal space 8a of the front chassis 8.

[0028] The optical block 13 has an unillustrated lens or the like constituting an ocular optical system or an unillustrated display device such as a liquid crystal panel.　It is to be noted that any ocular optical system is sufficient for the optical block 13, and a light guide body, a mirror, or a beam splitter, for example, may be disposed in place of the lens as an optical component constituting the ocular optical system so as to apply image light to the two eyes 101 through the optical component.

[0029] The mount body 2 includes a bracket 14, and the bracket 14 is disposed in a predetermined position inside the exterior 4 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).　The bracket 14 is formed into, for example, a plate-like shape, and is fitted to the exterior 4 with a screw or the like.　The left and right-side portions of the bracket 14 are provided as fitting portions 15.

[0030] The mount body 2 and the device body 3 are coupled with a hinge mechanism 16, and the device body 3 is turnable with respect to the mount body 2 via the hinge mechanism 16 (see FIGS. 3 to 5).　The hinge mechanism 16 has a hinge member 17.　By being inserted into the insertion port 5 formed in the exterior 4 and the opening 11 formed in the housing 6, the hinge member 17 couples the mount body 2 and the device body 3.

[0031] The hinge member 17 includes a coupling portion 18 having a plate-like shape substantially facing the front-rear direction, two arm portions 19 projected substantially forwardly from left and right ends of the upper end of the coupling portion 18, an opposed portion 20 projected substantially forwardly from the lower end of the coupling portion 18, and a projected portion 21 projected substantially forwardly from a portion between the left and right ends of the upper end of the coupling portion 18.　Therefore, the hinge member 17 is formed into a substantially U-like shape that is opened forwardly when viewed from a lateral side.　It is to be noted that the hinge member 17 may have any other shape since the shape of the hinge member 17 is not limited to the substantially U-like shape.

[0032] A supported hole 19a is so formed as to pass, in the left-right direction, through an end of each of the arm portions 19.　The supported hole 19a has a non-circular shape, for example.　A holding hole 19b is formed in a base-end side portion of one of the arm portions 19.　It is to be noted that the supported holes 19a and the holding hole 19b may have any shape as long as these holes satisfy a support function and a holding function.

[0033] The opposed portion 20 is formed into a plate-like shape substantially facing the up-down direction, and is equipped with guide projection portions 20a on the left and right ends thereof.　Accordingly, the opposed portion 20 has a function of a guide portion.　An insertion cut 20b that is opened forwardly is formed in the front end of the opposed portion 20.　A pair of guide projected portions 20c that are projected downwardly are formed on the lower surface side of the opposed portion 20.　The guide projected portions 20c are located separately on the left and right sides.

[0034] In the hinge member 17, a placement groove 17a extending from the coupling portion 18 to the opposed portion 20 is formed.　The placement groove 17a is positioned in the center portion of the coupling portion 18 and the opposed portion 20 in the left-right direction.　The placement groove 17a is disposed from the front surface side of the coupling portion 18 to the upper surface side of the opposed portion 20, and is connected to the insertion cut 20b.

[0035] An element fitting portion 21a is disposed on the front end of the projected portion 21.　A detection element (detection section) 22 is fitted to the element fitting portion 21a.

[0036] The hinge member 17 is turnable around a pair of turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum.　Each of the turning shafts 23 is inserted in the supported hole 19a in the corresponding arm portion 19.　The turning shafts 23 and a portion of the hinge member 17 are disposed inside the mount body 2.

[0037] Each of the turning shafts 23 includes a shaft portion 23a that has, for example, a non-circular cross-sectional shape, a lock portion 23b that is continuous with one end of the shaft portion 23a, and a screwing portion 23c that is continuous with the other end of the shaft portion 23a.　The shaft portion 23a is formed into, for example, a non-circular shape according to the supported hole 19a of the arm portion 19.　The lock portion 23b has a diameter that is larger than the outer shape of the shaft portion 23a.　With the shaft portion 23a being inserted in the supported hole 19a of the arm portion 19, each of the turning shafts 23 is held in a state of being unrotatable in the axis direction with respect to the arm portion 19.　It is to be noted that the turning shafts 23, the shaft portions 23a, and the supported holes 19a are not limited to having the non-circular shapes, and may have any other shapes as long as the shapes satisfy a turning function.

[0038] In a state where one of the turning shafts 23 is inserted in the supported hole 19a, the turning shaft 23 is inserted in a first coupling plate 24, a turning prevention ring 25, and an urging spring 26 in this order, and a torque adjuster 27 is screwed against the screwing portion 23c.　In a state where the other turning shaft 23 is inserted in the supported hole 19a, the turning shaft 23 is inserted in a second coupling plate 28, a turning prevention ring 25, and an urging spring 26 in this order, and a torque adjuster 27 is screwed against the screwing portion 23c.

[0039] The first coupling plate 24 is obtained by integrally forming a supported plate portion 29 directed to the left-right direction, a sliding plate portion 30 that is continuous with the supported plate portion 29 and is directed to the left-right direction, and a fitted plate portion 31 projected laterally from a part of a front edge of the supported plate portion 29.　A shaft support hole 29a is formed in the front end of the supported plate portion 29.　A projection insertion hole 29b is formed in the supported plate portion 29.　The sliding plate portion 30 is formed into an arc shape based on the shaft support hole 29a.　In the sliding plate portion 30, two click engagement portions 30a are formed separately in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The turning prevention ring 25 is obtained by integrally forming a ring portion 25a having an axial direction in the left-right direction and an insertion projection portion 25b that is projected from the ring portion 25a.　The insertion projection portion 25b of the turning prevention ring 25 is inserted into the projection insertion hole 29b of the first coupling plate 24.　Accordingly, the first coupling plate 24 and the turning prevention ring 25 are operated together.

[0041] For example, compression coil springs are used as the urging springs 26.

[0042] For example, nuts are used as the torque adjusters 27.

[0043] The second coupling plate 28 is obtained by integrally forming a supported plate portion 32 directed to the left-right direction and a fitted plate portion 33 projected laterally from a part of the front edge of the supported plate portion 32.　A shaft insertion hole 32a is formed in the front end of the supported plate portion 32.　A projection insertion hole 32b is formed in the supported plate portion 32.

[0044] The fitted plate portion 31 of the first coupling plate 24 is fitted to one of the fitting portions 15 of the bracket 14 while the fitted plate portion 33 of the second coupling plate 28 is fitted to the other fitting portion 15 of the bracket 14.　Thus, the hinge member 17 is turnable around the turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2 equipped with the bracket 14.

[0045] One of the turning shafts 23 is inserted through the supported hole 19a of the corresponding arm portion 19, the shaft support hole 29a of the first coupling plate 24, the ring portion 25a of the turning prevention ring 25, and the urging spring 26 in this order, and the torque adjuster 27 is screwed against the screwing portion 23c.　An urging force of the urging spring 26 is applied to the supported plate portion 29 of the first coupling plate 24 and the arm portion 19 of the hinge member 17 via the ring portion 25a of the turning prevention ring 25.　With the urging force of the urging spring 26, the supported plate portion 29 of the first coupling plate 24 is pushed against the arm portion 19 of the hinge member 17.　Accordingly, the hinge member 17 is turnable together with the turning shaft 23 around the turning shaft 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2.　When the hinge member 17 is turned with respect to the mount body 2, a frictional force is generated between the arm portion 19 and the supported plate portion 29 of the first coupling plate 24.

[0046] The other turning shaft 23 is inserted through the supported hole 19a of the corresponding arm portion 19, the shaft insertion hole 32a of the second coupling plate 28, the ring portion 25a of the turning prevention ring 25, and the urging spring 26 in this order.　The torque adjuster 27 is screwed against the screwing portion 23c.　An urging force of the urging spring 26 is applied to the supported plate portion 32 of the second coupling plate 28 and the arm portion 19 of the hinge member 17 via the ring portion 25a of the turning prevention ring 25.　With the urging force of the urging spring 26, the supported plate portion 32 of the second coupling plate 28 is pushed against the arm portion 19 of the hinge member 17.　Accordingly, the hinge member 17 is turnable together with the turning shaft 23 around the turning shaft 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2.　When the hinge member 17 is turned with respect to the mount body 2, a frictional force is generated between the arm portion 19 and the supported plate portion 32 of the second coupling plate 28.

[0047] If a rotation position of the torque adjuster 27 is adjusted with respect to the screwing portion 23c, a frictional force between the arm portion 19 of the hinge member 17 and the first coupling plate 24 / second coupling plate 28 can be adjusted.　It is to be noted that such members as washers may be inserted to such positions as between the turning prevention ring 25 and the urging spring 26 and between the torque adjuster 27 and the urging spring 26 such that the turning shaft 23 is inserted in the washers, for example.

[0048] When the hinge member 17 is turned around the turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2, a frictional force is generated between the one of the arm portions 19 and the supported plate portion 29 of the first coupling plate 24, and further, a frictional force is generated between the other arm portion 19 and the supported plate portion 32 of the second coupling plate 28.　Accordingly, the hinge member 17 can be held in any position within the turning range.

[0049] A clicking mechanism 34 is held at one of the arm portions 19 of the hinge member 17.　The clicking mechanism 34 includes a spring case 34a, a spring member 34b, and a clicking member 34c.　The spring case 34a has an opening in one of lateral sides thereof.　The spring member 34b is inserted in the spring case 34a.　For example, a compression coil spring is used as the spring member 34b.　The clicking member 34c is formed into, for example, a spherical shape, and is urged to one lateral side by the spring member 34b.

[0050] The clicking mechanism 34 is held with the spring case 34a being inserted in the holding hole 19b of the arm portion 19.　With an urging force of the spring member 34b, the clicking member 34c is pushed against the sliding plate portion 30 of the first coupling plate 24 from a lateral side.　In the clicking mechanism 34, the clicking member 34c is engageable with two click engagement portions 30a that are formed into recessed shapes in the sliding plate portion 30.　A position in which the clicking member 34c is engaged with one of the click engagement portions 30a is one turning end of the hinge member 17.　A position in which the clicking member 34c is engaged with the other click engagement portion 30a is the other turning end of the hinge member 17.

[0051] The device body 3 is turnable with respect to the mount body 2 via the hinge member 17.　The one turning end of the hinge member 17 is defined as a first turn position.　The other turning end of the hinge member 17 is defined as a second turn position.　Accordingly, with respect to the mount body 2, the device body 3 is turned between the first turn position and the second turn position.　In the first turn position of the device body 3, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is engaged with the one click engagement portion 30a of the first coupling plate 24.　In the second turn position of the device body 3, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is engaged with the other click engagement portion 30a of the first coupling plate 24.

[0052] It is to be noted that turning of the device body 3 is restricted by, for example, an unillustrated stopper in such a way that the device body 3 is inhibited from being turned beyond the range between the first turn position and the second turn position.

[0053] A harness 35 is so disposed as to extend from the inside of the mount body 2 to the inside of the device body 3.　The harness 35 is inserted through the insertion port 5 formed in the exterior 4 and the opening 11 formed in the housing 6, and is placed from the inside of the mount body 2 to the inside of the device body 3.

[0054] The harness 35 is formed into a thin and flat shape, for example, and has high flexibility.　With a first retainer 36 that is put close to one end of the harness 35, the harness 35 is held by the bracket 14 which is disposed inside the mount body 2.　With a second retainer 37 that is put close to the other end of the harness 35, the harness 35 is held by the fitting plate 12 which is disposed inside the device body 3.　For example, the harness 35 may include various kinds of wiring in the inside, and the one end of the harness 35 is connected to an unillustrated battery circuit via an unillustrated connector or the like, and the other end of the harness 35 is connected to the optical block 13 via an unillustrated connector or the like.

[0055] The harness 35 is held with an intermediate portion of the harness 35 being disposed in the placement groove 17a of the hinge member 17.　A portion, of the harness 35, on which the second retainer 37 is put is drawn from the insertion cut 20b of the opposed portion 20.

[0056] In the harness 35, a portion held by the coupling portion 18 of the hinge member 17 is defined as a first portion 35a, a portion disposed between the first portion 35a and a portion on which the first retainer 36 is put is defined as a second portion 35b, a portion held by the opposed portion 20 of the hinge member 17 is defined as a third portion 35c, and a portion disposed between the third portion 35c and the portion on which the second retainer 37 is put is defined as a fourth portion 35d (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0057] On the hinge member 17, a hinge cover 38 is mounted to cover the harness 35 disposed in the placement groove 17a.　The hinge cover 38 includes a first pressing plate portion 38a that is connected to the coupling portion 18 and a second pressing plate portion 38b that is connected to the opposed portion 20.　The hinge cover 38 is mounted on the hinge member 17 with a screw or the like.　The first portion 35a and the third portion 35c of the harness 35 are pressed by the first pressing plate portion 38a and the second pressing plate portion 38b of the hinge cover 38.

[0058] The hinge member 17 is supported by a slider 39 in a slidable manner.　Inside the device body 3, the slider 39 is fitted to the device body 3.　The slider 39 includes a base portion 40 that has a plate-like shape and a pair of sliding rail portions 41 that are projected upwardly from left and right ends of the base portion 40.　A guided groove 41a, which is opened inwardly and extends in the front-rear direction, is formed on a lateral side of each of the sliding rail portions 41.

[0059] The guide projection portions 20a, which are disposed on the opposed portion 20 of the hinge member 17, are inserted in the respective guided grooves 41a in the slider 39.　When the pair of sliding rail portions 41 are guided to the opposed portion 20, the slider 39 is slid.　Accordingly, the device body 3 is moved in the front-rear direction in association with sliding motion of the slider 39.　It is to be noted that the case where the device body 3 is moved in the front-rear direction in association with sliding motion of the slider 39 is assumed as one example herein, but the sliding direction is not particularly limited to this direction.　For example, the sliding operation may be performed in the up-down direction, the left-right direction, or in an oblique direction.

[0060] Neither of the turning shafts 23 is on an extension of the sliding direction of the slider 39.　The turning shafts 23 are disposed in positions that are not on the extension of the sliding direction of the slider 39.

[0061] It is to be noted that movement of the slider 39 in the front-rear direction is restricted by an unillustrated stopper, for example.

[0062] A friction base 42 is fitted to the base portion 40 of the slider 39 from the upper side with a screw or the like.　The friction base 42 is disposed between the base portion 40 and the opposed portion 20 of the hinge member 17.

[0063] The friction base 42 includes a fitted portion 43 facing the up-down direction and having a plate-like shape, a pair of rail portions 44 that are projected upwardly from the left and right ends of the fitted portion 43, and an elastic sliding portion 45 disposed in the fitted portion 43.

[0064] The fitted portion 43 of the friction base 42 is fitted to the opposed portion 20.　Each of the rail portions 44 is formed into a shape extending in the front-rear direction.　The elastic sliding portion 45 includes a contact portion 45a that has front and rear ends continuous with the fitted portion 43.　The contact portion 45a is projected upwardly from the center portion, in the front-rear direction, of the elastic sliding portion 45.　The elastic sliding portion 45 is elastically deformable in the up-down direction with respect to the fitted portion 43.

[0065] In a state where the friction base 42 is fitted to the base portion 40 of the slider 39, the guide projected portions 20c of the opposed portion 20 are positioned, in the left-right direction, immediately inside the respective rail portions 44, and the contact portion 45a of the elastic sliding portion 45 is pushed against the lower surface of the opposed portion 20 by elasticity (see FIGS. 2 and 5).　Accordingly, when the slider 39 is slid in the front-rear direction with respect to the hinge member 17, the rail portions 44 are guided to the guide projected portions 20c, and further, the contact portion 45a is slid to the opposed portion 20.

[0066] When the slider 39 is slid with respect to the hinge member 17, a frictional force is generated between the contact portion 45a and the opposed portion 20 as a result of sliding of the contact portion 45a to the opposed portion 20.　Accordingly, the slider 39 equipped with the friction base 42 can be held in any position within the movement range.

[0067] Since the slider 39 is slidable with respect to the hinge member 17 in the abovementioned manner, the device body 3 equipped with the slider 39 is movable (slidable), between a front-side movement end and a rear-side movement end, in a direction toward / away from the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2.　It is to be noted that the slider 39 allows the device body 3 to slide to be close to the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2.

[0068] The head mounted display 1 is equipped with a battery 46 (see FIG. 1).　For example, a rear block 47 is disposed on the rear end or a rear end side portion of the mount body 2.　The battery 46 is disposed inside the rear block 47.　The battery 46 functions as a power source for supplying power to the optical block 13, etc., for example.

[0069] When the battery 46 is disposed on the rear end or the rear end side portion of the mount body 2, the weight balance is maintained between the device body 3 which is positioned on the front side and the battery 46 which is positioned on the rear side when the user is wearing the mount body 2.　Accordingly, a state where the mount body 2 is stably mounted on the user can be ensured.　In addition, since the battery 46 is not positioned on the front side of the head part 100, a burden on the user neck can be reduced.　Furthermore, when the battery 46 is disposed on the rear end or the rear end side portion of the mount body 2, the battery 46 is less affected by heat which is generated inside the device body 3.　Accordingly, deterioration of the battery 46 can be suppressed.

[0070] <Operation in Head Mounted Display> 　　　　Next, an operation in the head mounted display 1 having the above configuration will be explained (see FIGS. 6 to 10).

[0071] In the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 is movable in a direction toward / away from the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2 in association with a sliding operation of the slider 39, and further, the device body 3 is turnable around the turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2, as previously explained.　A moving operation and a turning operation of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 are performed manually, for example.

[0072] First, a moving operation of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 will be explained (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0073] The device body 3 is moved, with respect to the mount body 2, between a rear-side movement end (see FIG. 6), which has a first positional relation where the device body 3 is closest to the two eyes 101, and a front-side movement end (see FIG. 7), which has a second positional relation where the device body 3 is farthest from the two eyes 101.　At the rear-side movement end where the first positional relation is established, the slider 39 is positioned on the rearmost point of the movement range.　At the front-side movement end where the second positional relation is established, the slider 39 is positioned on the forwardmost point of the movement range.　It is to be noted that the rear-side movement end where the first positional relation is established is not necessarily positioned on the rearmost point of the movement range of the slider 39, and the front-side movement end where the second positional relation is established is not necessarily positioned on the forwardmost point of the movement range of the slider 39.　That is, the rear-side movement end where the first positional relation is established may be set in any point within the movement range of the slider 39, and the front-side movement end where the second positional relation is established may be set in any point within the movement range of the slider 39.

[0074] Since the device body 3 is movable in a direction toward / away from the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2 in the abovementioned manner, the eye relief, which is the distance from the final surface (rear surface) of the ocular optical system to the eye point, can be adjusted according to the shape of the head part 100 of the user or the positions of the two eyes 101.　Accordingly, the whole view field can be ensured without causing what is generally called vignetting which means impairing the visibility of a portion of the view field.　In addition, if the eye relief is lengthened, a vignetting-free view field can be ensured for users wearing glasses, and further, individual differences (in sex, age, frame, race, etc.) among users can be addressed.　It is to be noted that the device body 3 may be movable to be close to the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2.

[0075] In this moving state of the device body 3, a portion where the mount body 2 and the device body 3 are coupled can be viewed from a gap between the mount body 2 and the device body 3.　However, the harness 35 is covered with the hinge member 17 and the hinge cover 38 from the opposite sides in the thickness direction in the head mounted display 1.　Accordingly, the harness 35 is invisible from the gap between the mount body 2 and the device body 3, so that the design property can be enhanced.

[0076] In addition, since the harness 35 which is positioned between the mount body 2 and the device body 3 is closed, any unnecessary user’s touch on the harness 35 can be avoided.　Accordingly, the harness 35 can be protected from damage.

[0077] During the abovementioned movement of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2, the contact portion 45a of the friction base 42 is slid to the opposed portion 20, in either case where the movement is performed in the forward direction or the rearward direction.　This generates a frictional force between the contact portion 45a and the opposed portion 20.　Accordingly, the device body 3 can be held in any position within the movement range.

[0078] Thus, the device body 3 can be held in any movement position between the front-side movement end and the rear-side movement end.　This allows the user to perform a desired operation in a hands-free state without holding the device body 3.

[0079] It is to be noted that, in the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 can be moved in the direction toward / away from the two eyes 101, irrespective of the turn position in which the device body 3 is.

[0080] Next, a turning operation of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 will be explained (see FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 10).

[0081] The device body 3 is turnable within the range of, for example, approximately 90 degrees with respect to the mount body 2, and is turned between the first turn position where the device body 3 is closest to the two eyes 101 and the virtual reality mode or the augmented reality mode (hereinafter, referred to as the "virtual reality mode") can be set and the second turn position where the reality mode is set.　It is to be noted that the turning angle of the device body 3 is not limited to approximately 90 degrees, and the turning angle may freely be determined in view of the position of the device body 3 relative to the two eyes 101 when the device body 3 is in the first turn position, a necessary height for the device body 3 when the device body 3 is in the second turn position, etc.

[0082] Alternatively, the first turn position of the device body 3 is not necessarily closest to the two eyes 101, and may be set to any position as long as the first turn position is closer to the two eyes 101 than the second turn position, while the second turn position of the device body 3 is not necessarily farthest from the two eyes 101, and may be set to any position as long as the second turn position is farther from the two eyes 101 than the first turn position.

[0083] In the head mounted display 1, since the turn position of the device body 3 is detected by the detection element 22, for example, the turn position of the device body 3 is constantly monitored.

[0084] It is to be noted that an explanation of a turning operation of the device body 3 will be given on the assumption that the device body 3 is positioned on the rear-side movement end as an example.

[0085] When the device body 3 is in the first turn position, the light shielding frame 7 of the device body 3 is close to or is in contact with the front side of the face (see FIG. 6).　In this state, the virtual reality mode or the like can be set.　When the device body 3 is in the first turn position, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is engaged with one of the click engagement portions 30a of the first coupling plate 24.

[0086] When the device body 3 is in the first turn position, the second portion 35b of the harness 35 is curved into a nearly arcuate surface shape, and the fourth portion 35d of the harness 35 is folded back and is curved into a substantially U-like shape.　The harness 35 has such sufficient flexibility that these curved portions are not broken or damaged.

[0087] The device body 3 is turned around the turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2 via the hinge member 17.　When the device body 3 is turned from the first turn position to the second turn position, the device body 3 is moved to the diagonally forward and upward side (flipped up) (see FIGS. 8 and 9).　In this movement, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is pushed out from the one of the click engagement portions 30a of the first coupling plate 24, and is then slid to a lateral surface of the sliding plate portion 30.　Then, the curved state of the second portion 35b of the harness 35 is lessened (see FIG. 10).　Accordingly, the second portion 35b of the harness 35 is not broken or damaged, so that the life of the harness 35 can be lengthened.

[0088] An explanation will be given below of one of the effects that are provided by the turning shafts 23 disposed inside the mount body 2 (see FIG. 9).

[0089] In the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 is turned around the turning shafts 23, which are disposed inside the mount body 2, as a fulcrum (see the device body 3 indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 9).　A state in which the device body 3 is in the first turn position is denoted by PA, a state in which the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position is denoted by PC, and a state in which the device body 3 is between the first turn position and the second turn position is denoted by PB.　For example, the device body 3 is turned by 90 degrees from the first turn position to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum.

[0090] In contrast, a case where the device body 3 is turned around turning shafts 23Q that are disposed outside the mount body 2, or are disposed, for example, on the front side of the mount body 2 and at the same height as the turning shafts 23 (see the device body 3 indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 9) will be discussed.　In this case, a state in which the device body 3 is in the first turn position is denoted by QA, a state in which the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position is denoted by QC, and a state where the device body 3 is between the first turn position and the second turn position is denoted by QB.　For example, the device body 3 is turned by 90 degrees from the first turn position to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23Q as a turning fulcrum.

[0091] In this case, it is desirable that the position (distance) of the optical block 13 disposed inside the device body 3 be substantially fixed relative to the two eyes 101, irrespective of the positions of the turning shafts 23.　Hence, it is necessary to set the state PA in which the device body 3 is in the first turn position in a case where turning is performed around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum, to be almost the same as the state QA in which the device body 3 is in the first turn position in a case where turning is performed around the turning shafts 23Q as a turning fulcrum.

[0092] The case where turning is performed around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum is compared with the case where turning is performed around the turning shafts 23Q as a turning fulcrum.　The position of the device body 3 having been turned to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum (see the state PC) is higher than the position of the device body 3 having been turned to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23Q as a turning fulcrum (see the state QC).

[0093] Hence, in a state where the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum (see the state PC), the device body 3 is unlikely to be situated in front of the two eyes 101.　In a state where the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position around the turning shafts 23Q as a turning fulcrum (see the state QC), however, the device body 3 is likely to be partially situated in front of the two eyes 101.　For example, when turned around the turning shafts 23 as a turning fulcrum to the second turn position (see the state PC), the device body 3 is situated above the two eyes 101.　Hence, the device body 3 having been turned to the second turn position is away from a position in front (right front) of the two eyes 101.

[0094] In a case where turning is performed around the turning shafts 23, which are disposed inside the mount body 2, as a turning fulcrum in such a manner, the device body 3 in the second turn position can be turned to a high position.　Accordingly, a wide user’s viewing angle can be ensured.

[0095] In a state where the device body 3 is in the second turn position and the reality mode is set, the user can make eye contact with a nearby person or have a conversation with a nearby person while looking at each other.　Accordingly, good communication between the user and the nearby person can be ensured.

[0096] In addition, when the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is engaged with the other click engagement portion 30a of the first coupling plate 24, so that the user recognizes that the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position.　Thus, the usability of the head mounted display 1 for the user can be improved.

[0097] It is to be noted that, in the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 that is in the first turn position at the rear-side movement end (see FIG. 6) can be moved to the front-side movement end (see FIG. 7), and then, can be turned to the second turn position.

[0098] As a result of such an operation of the device body 3, the device body 3 can be turned to the second turn position while the light shielding frame 7 is inhibited from interfering with glasses if the user is wearing the glasses.　Accordingly, the usability for users wearing glasses can be improved.

[0099] In contrast, when the device body 3 is turned from the second turn position to the first turn position (flipped down), the turning direction is opposite to that of the abovementioned operation.　In this case, the clicking member 34c of the clicking mechanism 34 is pushed out from the other click engagement portion 30a of the first coupling plate 24, is slid to a lateral surface of the sliding plate portion 30, and is engaged with the one click engagement portion 30a.　Thus, the user recognizes that the device body 3 is turned to the first turn position.　Accordingly, the usability of the head mounted display 1 can be improved.

[0100] When the device body 3 is turned with respect to the mount body 2, frictional forces are generated between one of the arm portions 19 and the supported plate portion 29 of the first coupling plate 24 and between the other arm portion 19 and the supported plate portion 32 of the second coupling plate 28 in either case of flipping down or flipping down is performed.　Accordingly, the device body 3 can be held in any position within the turning range.

[0101] Hence, the device body 3 can be held in any turn position between the first turn position and the second turn position.　This allows the user to perform a desired operation in a hands-free state without holding the device body 3.

[0102] It is to be noted that, in a case where the user is wearing glasses, it is desirable to turn the device body 3 that is in the second turn position at the front-side movement end, to the first turn position, and then, move the device body 3 toward the rear-side movement end.　As a result of such an operation of the device body 3, the light shielding frame 7 is inhibited from interfering with the glasses.　Accordingly, the usability for users wearing glasses can be improved.

[0103] <Conclusion> 　　　　As explained so far, the head mounted display 1 includes the mount body 2 that is mounted on the head part 100 and the device body 3 that has the optical block 13, the device body 3 is turnable between the first turn position and the second turn position around the turning shafts 23 as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body 2, and further, is movable in a direction toward / away from the two eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 2, and the turning shafts 23 are disposed inside the mount body 2.

[0104] Thus, the device body 3 is turned and moved with respect to the mount body 2, so that the user is allowed to use the device body 3 in a desired position.　Accordingly, the usability can be improved.

[0105] In addition, since the turning shafts 23 which serve as a turning fulcrum for the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 are disposed inside the mount body 2, any unnecessary touch on the turning shafts 23 is inhibited.　Accordingly, while the usability is improved, a properly operated state of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 can be ensured.

[0106] Further, since the turning shafts 23 are shielded by the mount body 2, the turning shafts 23 are unlikely to be touched with hands.　Accordingly, the structure coupling the mount body 2 and the device body 3 can be protected against damage and failure.

[0107] Moreover, since the turning shafts 23 are invisible from the outside, the design property and the aesthetic property of the head mounted display 1 can be improved.

[0108] In addition, since the turning shafts 23 are disposed inside the mount body 2, the device body 3 can be put close to the mount body 2.　Accordingly, the device body 3 that is in the second turn position can easily be put in a position higher than the two eyes 101.　Accordingly, a wide viewing angle can be ensured.

[0109] Further, the hinge member 17 can be formed into a simple shape, and then, the device body 3 can be turned between the first turn position and the second turn position without interfering the mount body 2.

[0110] Moreover, since the slider 39 is provided to the device body 3 and the turning shafts 23 are disposed in positions not on an extension of the sliding direction of the slider 39, the dimension of the device body 3 in the sliding direction is small as the turning shafts 23 are not on the extension of the sliding direction of the slider 39.　Accordingly, the head mounted display 1 can be downsized.

[0111] Further, since the opposed portion 20 of the hinge member 17 is provided as a guide portion that guides the slider 39, a portion of the hinge mechanism 16 is provided as a guide portion for the slider 39.　This eliminates the necessity for providing a specific guide portion.　Accordingly, the number of components in the head mounted display 1 can be reduced.

[0112] Further, the harness 35 which is disposed to extend from the inside of the mount body 2 to the inside of the device body 3 and which has flexibility and a flat shape is provided.　The harness 35 is held by the hinge member 17.

[0113] Thus, since the harness 35 which has a flat shape is held by the hinge member 17, the total thickness of the hinge member 17 and the harness 35 is not large.　Accordingly, the connection portion between the mount body 2 and the device body 3 can be downsized.

[0114] <System Configuration of Head Mounted Display> 　　　　Next, one example of the system configuration of the head mounted display 1 will be explained (see FIG. 11).

[0115] The head mounted display 1 includes a main board (main substrate) 50 that controls predetermined sections.　The predetermined sections are connected to the main board 50 wiredly or wirelessly.　A control section such as a central processing unit (CPU) that generally controls the head mounted display 1 is mounted on the main board 50.

[0116] A front detection section 51, a turning angle detection section 52, an audio section 53, a display section 54, and an inter-pupillary distance detection section 55 are connected to the main board 50.

[0117] The front detection section 51 has a function of detecting user’s visual lines, user’s facial expressions, user’s postures, etc., for example.　For example, a driving signal is sent to the display section 54 according to a detection result of the visual line, and the display section 54 performs a predetermined display in a front direction of the visual line.　In addition, in the head mounted display 1, while the head mounted display 1 is in a predetermined use state, the device body 3 may be turned with respect to the mount body 2 according to a detection result of a user’s visual line, a user’s facial expression, a user’s posture, or the like, obtained by the front detection section 51.

[0118] The turning angle detection section 52 has, for example, a function of detecting a turning angle of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2, and is a detection section that includes the abovementioned detection element 22.　The turn position of the device body 3 with respect to the mount body 2 is constantly monitored by the turning angle detection section 52.

[0119] The audio section 53 is a loudspeaker or a microphone, for example.　The audio section 53 has a function of inputting / outputting sounds, for example.　In the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 may be turned with respect to the mount body 2 according to an input of a user’s voice, for example.

[0120] The display section 54 corresponds to a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel of the optical block 13.

[0121] The inter-pupillary distance detection section 55 has a function of detecting a user’s inter-pupillary distance (IPD).　Inter-pupillary distances vary from person to person.　In the head mounted display 1, automatic or manual adjustment may be made in such a way that, according to an inter-pupillary distance detection result obtained by the inter-pupillary distance detection section 55, two optical blocks 13 are moved to the arrangement direction of the two eyes and the optical blocks 13 are put in positions corresponding to the respective pupils.　Since the positions of the optical blocks 13 are adjusted according to the inter-pupillary distance in such a manner, the user can view proper images that are free from distortion.

[0122] The battery 46 is connected to the battery substrate 56.　Power of the battery 46 is supplied to the main board 50 via the battery substrate 56, and further, is supplied to the sections connected to the main board 50 via the main board 50.

[0123] The external connector 57 is a connector for external devices, and is connected to the head mounted display 1.　Via the external connector 57, an external device such as a controller of a game machine or any communication device, for example, can be connected to the head mounted display 1.

[0124] <Others> 　　　　Next, other configurations, etc., will be explained.

[0125] In the head mounted display 1, the device body 3 may be equipped with an unillustrated video see-through camera.　If a video see-through camera is provided, the outside condition can be checked with the user’s eyes in a state where the device body 3 is in the second turn position, and further, the outside condition can also be checked through the camera in a state where the device body 3 is in the first turn position.　Accordingly, variations of the use states in the reality mode are increased, so that the usability of the head mounted display 1 can be improved.　It is to be noted that the head mounted display 1 is not necessarily a video see-through type, and may be an optical see-through type.　In addition, the head mounted display 1 is applicable for Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality / Mixed Reality / Substitutional Reality (AR / VR / MR / SR) uses, for example.

[0126] In addition, the head mounted display 1 may be equipped with an actuator such as a motor, and the device body 3 may be turned with a driving force of the actuator.　In such a configuration, during a use state under the virtual reality mode, for example, if the visual line or the position of the user reaches the boundary (guardian) of the virtual reality space and contact with the surroundings is almost made, the device body 3 may be turned to the second turn position with a driving force of the actuator.

[0127] With such a configuration, the user can instantly check the surrounding area in order to avoid a malfunction or an accident.

[0128] Further, the head mounted display 1 may be equipped with a monitoring section such as a camera or a sensor capable of monitoring (detecting) the surrounding condition in such a way that, when the monitoring section detects intrusion of a certain object into the personal area of the user during a use state under the virtual reality mode, for example, the device body 3 is turned to the second turn position with a driving force of the actuator.　The certain object here is not specifically limited to any kind, and may be another person, an animal, such as a pet, a moving object, such as a radio-controlled machine, or a flying body, such as a drone, for example.

[0129] With such a configuration, the user also can instantly check the surrounding area.

[0130] In addition, in a configuration equipped with the actuator, an operation button may be disposed on the mount body 2 or the device body 3, and the operation button may be operated to turn the device body 3 to the second turn position with a driving force of the actuator.　Alternatively, a tap operation may be performed in a predetermined position of the mount body 2 or the device body 3, and the device body 3 may be turned to the second turn position with a driving force of the actuator according to detection of the tap by a sensor.　Further, in a configuration equipped with the video see-through camera, when the user makes a predetermined gesture by moving a hand, the device body 3 may be turned to the second turn position with a driving force of the actuator according to detection of the gesture by the camera.

[0131] In addition, in the head mounted display 1, mode change may be performed according to the turn position of the device body 3, as will be explained below.

[0132] For example, a sleep mode may be set when the device body 3 is flipped up by being turned to the second turn position, and the sleep mode may be cancelled and a normal use mode may be set when the device body 3 is flipped down by being turned to the first turn position.

[0133] With such a configuration, power reduction can be achieved when the device body 3 is not in use, and total power consumption in the head mounted display 1 can be reduced.

[0134] Further, for example, the display may be turned off when the device body 3 is flipped up by being turned to the second turn position, and the display may be turned on when the device body 3 is flipped down by being turned to the first turn position.

[0135] Also with such a configuration, power reduction can be achieved when the device body 3 is not in use, and total power consumption in the head mounted display 1 can be reduced.　Further, the life of the display can be extended.

[0136] In addition, for example, an eye tracking mode may be turned off when the device body 3 is flipped up by being turned to the second turn position, and the eye tracking mode may be turned on when the device body 3 is flipped down by being turned to the first turn position.

[0137] Also with such a configuration, power reduction can be achieved when the device body 3 is not in use, and total power consumption in the head mounted display 1 can be reduced.

[0138] Moreover, in a case where a controller that is manually operated is used, for example, a sleep mode may be set when the device body 3 is flipped up by being turned to the second turn position, and the sleep mode may be cancelled and a normal use mode may be set when the device body 3 is flipped down by being turned to the first turn position.

[0139] With such a configuration, power reduction can be achieved when the device body 3 is not in use, and total power consumption reduction in the head mounted display 1 can be achieved.

[0140] <Another configuration of Head Mounted Display> 　　　　Next, a head mounted display 61 that has a configuration different from that of the head mounted display 1 will be explained (see FIGS. 12 through 20).

[0141] It is to be noted that the head mounted display 61 which will be explained below is different from the abovementioned head mounted display 1 only in the configuration for coupling the mount body and the device body.　Thus, a detailed explanation will be given only of a configuration different from that of the head mounted display 1, and the remaining configurations will briefly be explained although reference signs different from those in the head mounted display 1 will be assigned thereto.

[0142] The head mounted display 61 includes a mount body 62 and a device body 63, and the device body 63 is coupled to a front end of the mount body 62 (see FIG. 12).　For example, an annular head band is used as the mount body 62.　Yet, the mount body 62 is not limited to the head band, and any other type may be used as long as the mount body 62 can be mounted on the head part 100.　For example, a helmet type or an ear hanging type may be used.

[0143] In a use state of the head mounted display 61, for example, the mount body 62 is mounted on the head part 100 of a user from the upper side while the device body 63 is fitted to the face on the front side of the eyes 101.

[0144] The mount body 62 and the device body 63 are coupled with a hinge mechanism 64, and the device body 63 is turnable with respect to the mount body 62 via the hinge mechanism 64 (see FIGS. 13 and 14).　The hinge mechanism 64 is disposed, for example, as a parallel link mechanism.　A pair of the hinge mechanisms 64 are disposed on the left and right sides.　The hinge mechanism 64 includes a support base 65, a coupling base 66, a first arm 67, and a second arm 68.

[0145] The support base 65 and the coupling base 66 are, for example, each formed into a plate shape that is directed to the left-right direction.　The support base 65 is mounted on the mount body 62.　The coupling base 66 is mounted on the device body 63.

[0146] A first turning shaft 69 and a second turning shaft 70 are supported on the support base 65.　The support base 65, the first turning shaft 69, and the second turning shaft 70 are disposed inside the mount body 62.

[0147] A coupling shaft 71 is supported on the coupling base 66.　A cam hole 66a is formed in the coupling base 66.　A cam shaft 72 is supported through the cam hole 66a.　Hence, the cam shaft 72 is moved by being guided by the cam hole 66a.　The coupling base 66, the coupling shaft 71, and the cam shaft 72 are disposed inside the device body 63.　It is to be noted that the coupling base 66 may have no cam hole 66a formed therein, and the cam shaft 72 may be supported by the coupling base 66.

[0148] One end of the first arm 67 in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the support base 65 via the first turning shaft 69, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the coupling base 66 via the coupling shaft 71.　Hence, the first arm 67 is coupled to the support base 65 in a turnable manner around the first turning shaft 69 as a fulcrum, and is coupled to the coupling base 66 in a turnable manner via the coupling shaft 71.

[0149] One end of the second arm 68 in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the support base 65 via the second turning shaft 70, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the coupling base 66 via the cam shaft 72.　Hence, the second arm 68 is coupled to the support base 65 in a turnable manner around the second turning shaft 70 as a fulcrum, and is coupled to the coupling base 66 in a turnable manner via the cam shaft 72 guided by the cam hole 66a.

[0150] In the device body 63 of the head mounted display 61 having the abovementioned configuration, the first arm 67 is turned around the first turning shaft 69 and the coupling shaft 71 as respective fulcrums with respect to the support base 65 and the coupling base 66, and the second arm 68 is turned around the second turning shaft 70 and the cam shaft 72 as respective fulcrums with respect to the support base 65 and the coupling base 66.　Thus, the device body 63 is moved in a substantially up-down direction with respect to the mount body 62.

[0151] Since the cam shaft 72 is guided by the cam hole 66a, the device body 63 is moved along the front side of the head part 100.　The device body 63 is moved while being close to the head part 100.

[0152] In this manner, the device body 63 is moved with respect to the mount body 62 via the hinge mechanism 64, one of movement ends (turn ends) of the hinge mechanism 64 is a first movement position (first turn position), and the other movement end (turn end) of the hinge mechanism 64 is a second movement position (second turn position).　Hence, with respect to the mount body 62, the device body 63 is moved between the first movement position (see FIG. 13) and the second movement position (see FIG. 14).

[0153] As explained above, the device body 63 is moved in the substantially up-down direction with respect to the mount body 62.　Accordingly, a distance L in the horizontal direction between the centroid P of the device body 63 and the centroid Q of the head part 100 is short in the second movement position (see FIG. 14).

[0154] Hence, torque generated by the weight of the device body 63 and applied to a neck based on the centroid Q is small.　Accordingly, a load that is applied to the neck of the user is small, and an uneasy feeling caused by long-time wearing of the head mounted display 61 can be lessened.

[0155] In addition, since the torque generated by the weight of the device body 63 is small, sliding down of the mount body 62 and the device body 63 is suppressed when the head mounted display 61 is worn.　Accordingly, a stable worn state of the head mounted display 61 can be ensured, and a counterweight for keeping the weight balance is not required to be disposed on the rear side of the mount body 62.

[0156] Further, since the device body 63 is moved in the substantial up-down direction with respect to the mount body 62, it is not necessary to bend a wrist to turn the device body 63 upwardly when moving the device body 63 from the first movement position toward the second movement position.　Accordingly, a burden on the wrist can be lessened.

[0157] To the hinge mechanism 64 having the abovementioned configuration, a guide plate 73 may be provided (see FIGS. 15 through 17).

[0158] For example, the guide plate 73 is formed integrally with the coupling base 66, and is so disposed as to be continuous with the front side of the coupling base 66.　For example, a pair of guide holes 73a extending in the front-rear direction are formed in the guide plate 73 such that the guide holes 73a are separate from each other in the up-down direction.　A pair of guided pins 63a are positioned in the device body 63 such that the guided pins 63a are separate from each other in the up-down direction.　The guided pins 63a are inserted and supported in the corresponding guide holes 73a.　Thus, with the guided pins 63a guided by the guide holes 73a, the device body 63 is movable with respect to the guide plate 73.

[0159] Since the device body 63 is moved with respect to the guide plate 73, the device body 63 is moved between a rear-side movement end (see FIG. 15) where the device body 63 is closest to the eyes 101 and a front-side movement end (see FIG. 16) where the device body 63 is farthest from the eyes 101, with respect to the mount body 62.

[0160] Since the device body 63 is movable in a direction toward / away from the eyes 101 with respect to the mount body 62 in the abovementioned manner, the eye relief, which is the distance from the final surface (rear surface) of the eyepiece optical system to the eye point, can be adjusted according to the shape of the head part 100 of the user or the position of the eyes 101.　Accordingly, the full visual field can be ensured without occurrence of what is generally called vignetting which impairs the visibility in a part of the visual field.　In addition, if the eye relief is lengthened, a vignetting-free visual field can be ensured for the user wearing glasses, and the individual differences among users can be dealt with.

[0161] It is to be noted that, in the head mounted display 61, the device body 63 can be moved in a direction toward / away from the eyes 101, whichever of the movement positions the device body 63 is in.

[0162] As a result of the abovementioned operation of the device body 63, the device body 63 can, for example, be moved from the rear-side movement end (see FIG. 15) to the front-side movement end (see FIG. 16) without interfering with glasses if the user is wearing the glasses, and then, be moved to the second movement position (see FIG. 17).　Thus, contact between the glasses and the device body 63 during the movement is prevented.　Accordingly, the usability of the user wearing glasses can be enhanced, and the glasses and the device body 63 can be prevented from being broken or damaged.

[0163] In addition, the hinge mechanism 64 may be equipped with an assist spring 74 in addition to the guide plate 73 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). 　　　　For example, a tension coil spring is used as the assist spring 74.　For example, the assist spring 74 is supported between the support base 65 and one end-side portion of the second arm 68.　It is to be noted that a torsion coil spring or an elastic member such as rubber also may be used as the assist spring 74.

[0164] The assist spring 74 is extended when the device body 63 is in the first movement position (see FIG. 18).　Hence, to the device body 63, the assist spring 74 applies force in a direction for bringing the light shielding frame into close contact with the front side of the head part 100.

[0165] During movement of the device body 63 from the first movement position to the second movement position, the assist spring 74 applies urging force for causing the second arm 68 to lift up the device body 63 (see FIG. 19).　Thus, the urging force of the assist spring 74 is applied to the coupling base 66, the guide plate 73, and the device body 63 through the second arm 68, and the urging force of the assist spring 74 is given to the user as assist force for moving the device body 63 from the first movement position toward the second movement position.　Accordingly, the user can easily move the device body 63 to the second movement position with small force.

[0166] It is to be noted that the configuration equipped with the assist spring 74 can be applied to the configuration in which the head mounted display 61 does not include the guide plate 73.

[0167] Further, the hinge mechanism 64 may be equipped with a damper 75 in addition to the guide plate 73 and the assist spring 74 (see FIG. 20).

[0168] The damper 75 is mounted on the support base 65.　For example, the assist spring 74 is coupled to the damper 75.　However, a member to be coupled to the damper 75 is not limited to the assist spring 74, and the first arm 67 and the second arm 68, for example, may be coupled to the damper 75.

[0169] When the device body 63 is moved from the second movement position toward the first movement position, the damper 75 slows down the movement of the device body 63.　Thus, even if contact between the device body 63 and the front side or a nose of the head part 100 occurs during the movement from the second movement position to the first movement position, the contact speed is low.　Accordingly, the device body 63 can be moved to the first movement position without causing an uneasy feeling.

[0170] It is to be noted that the configuration equipped with the damper 75 can be applied to the configuration in which the head mounted display 61 does not include the guide plate 73 and the configuration in which neither the guide plate 73 nor the assist spring 74 is included.

[0171] Similarly to the head mounted display 1, the head mounted display 61 also may further be equipped with the following configurations.

[0172] The head mounted display 61 may be equipped with a video see-through camera.　The head mounted display 61 may be equipped with an actuator such as a motor such that the device body 63 is moved (turned) with a driving power from the actuator.

[0173] Further, the head mounted display 61 may be equipped with a monitoring section such as a camera or a sensor capable of monitoring (detecting) the surrounding condition such that, when the monitoring section detects intrusion of a certain object into the personal area of the user during a use state under the virtual reality mode, for example, the device body 63 can be moved to the second movement position with driving force from the actuator.

[0174] Moreover, in the configuration equipped with the actuator, an operation button may be disposed on the mount body 62 or the device body 63, and the operation button may be operated to move the device body 63 to the second movement position with driving force from the actuator.　A tap operation on a predetermined position of the mount body 62 or the device body 63 may be performed and the device body 63 may be moved to the second movement position with driving force from the actuator according to detection of the tap by the sensor.　Further, in the configuration equipped with the video see-through camera, when the user makes a predetermined gesture by moving a hand, the device body 63 may be moved to the second movement position with driving force from the actuator according to detection of the gesture by the camera.

[0175] Further, the head mounted display 61 may be configured in such a way that a sleep mode is set when the device body 63 is flipped up by being moved to the second movement position, and the sleep mode is cancelled and a normal use mode is set when the device body 63 is flipped down by being moved to the first movement position.

[0176] Also, the display may be off when the device body 63 is flipped up by being moved to the second movement position, and the display may be on when the device body 63 is flipped down by being moved to the first movement position.

[0177] Moreover, an eye tracking mode may be off when the device body 63 is flipped up by being moved to the second movement position, and the eye tracking mode may be on when the device body 63 is flipped down by being moved to the first movement position.

[0178] In addition, in a case where a controller that is manually operated is used, the sleep mode may be set when the device body 63 is flipped up by being moved to the second movement position, and the sleep mode may be cancelled and the normal use mode may be set when the device body 63 is flipped down by being moved to the first movement position. 　　　　It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

[0179] <Present Technology> 　　　　The present technology can also have the following configurations.

[0180] (1)　A head mounted display including: a mount body configured to be mounted on a head of a user; a device body including at least one optical component; and a hinge mechanism configured to couple the mount body and the device body, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a slider configured to slide the device body in a predetermined direction with respect to the mount body, and wherein the hinge mechanism further includes a hinge member configured to turn the device body with respect to the mount body. (2)　The head mounted display according to (1), wherein the slider includes a base portion having a plate-like shape and at least one sliding rail portion. (3)　The head mounted display according to (1) or (2), wherein each respective sliding rail portion includes a guided groove into which a respective guide projection portion of the hinge member is inserted. (4)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (3), wherein a friction base is fitted between the base portion of the slider and an opposed portion of the hinge member, and wherein the friction base includes an elastic sliding portion that is elastically deformed when a contact portion of the elastic sliding portion is in contact with at least one of the base portion of the slider or the opposed portion of the hinge member. (5)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (4), wherein the opposed portion has a plate-like shape, and wherein the hinge member includes at least one arm projecting from a coupling portion that couples the at least one arm to the opposed portion. (6)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (5), wherein each arm includes a supported hole into which a turning shaft is inserted, and wherein the hinge member turns the device body around the turning shaft inserted in the at least one arm. (7)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (6), wherein each turning shaft is disposed inside the mount body. (8)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (7), wherein the at least one arm includes a clicking member configured to engage with click engagement portions at a plurality of predetermined angular turn positions. (9)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (8), wherein the clicking member is configured to hold positions between the plurality of predetermined angular turn positions. (10)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (9), wherein a frictional force is generated between the clicking member of the at least one arm and at least one coupling plate, and wherein the at least one coupling plate includes a shaft support hole through which the turning shaft of the at least one arm extends and the engagement portions that engage with the clicking member of the at least one arm at the plurality of predetermined turn positions. (11)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (10), wherein the at least one coupling plate is connected to inside the mount body. (12)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (11), further including: a harness configured to extend from the mount body to the device body, wherein the harness is further configured to be held with at least a portion of the harness disposed in the hinge member. (13)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (12), further including: circuitry configured to detect an inter-pupillary distance of the user in order to adjust a respective position of the at least one optical component according to a position of each respective pupil of the user. (14)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (13), further including: at least one actuator configured to turn the device body in conjunction with the hinge mechanism. (15)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (14), wherein the at least one actuator turns the device body according to at least one of a visual line of the user, a position of the user, a detected presence of an object in an area around the user, an operation of an operation button by the user, or a gesture of the user. (16)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (15), further including: circuitry configured to detect a turning angle of the device body with respect to the mount body. (17)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (16), wherein the circuitry is further configured to determine a mode of the at least one optical component based on the detected turning angle. (18)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (17), wherein the determined mode includes an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode when the device body is in a first turn position or a reality mode when the device body is in a second turn position. (19)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (18), wherein the determined mode further includes a sleep mode when the device body is in the second turn position, and wherein the sleep mode includes at least one of turning off a display by the at least one optical component or turning off eye tracking. (20)　The head mounted display according to any of (1) to (19), wherein the sleep mode is canceled when the device body is turned from the second turn position to the first turn position. (21)　A head mounted display including: 　　　　a mount body that is mounted on a part of a user body; 　　　　a device body that has an optical block; 　　　　a hinge member that makes the device body turnable between a first turn position and a second turn position around a turning shaft as a fulcrum with respect to the mount body; and 　　　　a slider that makes the device body slidable with respect to the mount body, in which 　　　　the turning shaft is disposed inside the mount body. (22)　The head mounted display according to (21) above, in which 　　　　the turning shaft is disposed in a position that is not on an extension of a sliding direction of the slider. (23)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which 　　　　the hinge member has a substantially U-like shape. (24)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which 　　　　the first turn position is a position where an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode is set, and 　　　　the second turn position is a position where a reality mode is set. (25)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, further including: 　　　　a detection section that detects a turn position of the device body. (26)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　in the second turn position, the device body is positioned higher than two eyes of the user. (27)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　when a visual line or a position of the user reaches a boundary of an augmented reality space or a virtual reality space in an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode, the device body is turned to the second turn position. (28)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　when intrusion of another person into a personal area of the user is detected in an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode, the device body is turned to the second turn position. (29)　The head mounted display according to (21) above, in which 　　　　a coupling plate having a pair of click engagement portions that are positioned to correspond to the first turn position and the second turn position, respectively, is disposed, and 　　　　a clicking member that is engageable with the click engagement portions by being pushed against the coupling plate is disposed. (30)　The head mounted display according to (29) above, in which 　　　　the clicking member has a spherical shape. (31)　The head mounted display according to (29) above, in which 　　　　the coupling plate is fitted to the mount body and is supported by the turning shaft, and, 　　　　in an axial direction of the turning shaft, the coupling plate is pushed against the hinge member. (32)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which 　　　　a portion of the hinge member is provided as a guide portion to guide the slider. (33)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which 　　　　a harness that is so disposed as to extend from an inside of the mount body to an inside of the device body, has flexibility, and is formed into a flat shape is disposed, and 　　　　the harness is held by the hinge member. (34)　The head mounted display according to (33) above, in which 　　　　a hinge cover that is mounted on the hinge member is disposed, and 　　　　the harness is covered with the hinge member and the hinge cover from an opposite side. (35)　The head mounted display according to (33) above, in which 　　　　a placement groove is formed in the hinge member, and 　　　　an intermediate portion of the harness is held in a state of being disposed in the placement groove. (36)　The head mounted display according to (29) above, in which 　　　　an urging spring that pushes the coupling plate against the hinge member is disposed. (37)　The head mounted display according to (29) above, in which 　　　　a torque adjuster that adjusts a frictional force generated between the hinge member and the coupling plate is disposed. (38)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　when the user makes a predetermined gesture, the device body is turned according to detection of the gesture by a camera. (39)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　when the user performs an operation on an operation button or performs a tap operation at a predetermined position, the device body is turned. (40)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　in a state where the device body is turned to the second turn position, a sleep mode is set, and, 　　　　in a state where the device body is turned to the first turn position, the sleep mode is cancelled. (41)　The head mounted display according to (21) or (22) above, in which, 　　　　in a state where the device body is turned to the second turn position, a display is set to off, and, 　　　　in a state where the device body is turned to the first turn position, the display is set to on.

[0181] 1: Head mounted display 2: Mount body 3: Device body 12: Optical block 13: Slider 16: Hinge member 17: Turning shaft 18: Coupling portion 19: Arm portion 20: Opposed portion 23: Turning shaft 24: First coupling plate 30a: Click engagement portion 34c: Clicking member 35: Harness 38: Hinge cover 39: Slider 61: Head mounted display62: Mount body 63: Device body

Claims

1. A head mounted display comprising: a mount body configured to be mounted on a head of a user; a device body including at least one optical component; and a hinge mechanism configured to couple the mount body and the device body, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a slider configured to slide the device body in a predetermined direction with respect to the mount body, and wherein the hinge mechanism further includes a hinge member configured to turn the device body with respect to the mount body.

2. The head mounted display according to claim 1, wherein the slider includes a base portion having a plate-like shape and at least one sliding rail portion.

3. The head mounted display according to claim 2, wherein each respective sliding rail portion includes a guided groove into which a respective guide projection portion of the hinge member is inserted.

4. The head mounted display according to claim 2, wherein a friction base is fitted between the base portion of the slider and an opposed portion of the hinge member, and wherein the friction base includes an elastic sliding portion that is elastically deformed when a contact portion of the elastic sliding portion is in contact with at least one of the base portion of the slider or the opposed portion of the hinge member.

5. The head mounted display according to claim 4, wherein the opposed portion has a plate-like shape, and wherein the hinge member includes at least one arm projecting from a coupling portion that couples the at least one arm to the opposed portion.

6. The head mounted display according to claim 5, wherein each arm includes a supported hole into which a turning shaft is inserted, and wherein the hinge member turns the device body around the turning shaft inserted in the at least one arm.

7. The head mounted display according to claim 6, wherein each turning shaft is disposed inside the mount body.

8. The head mounted display according to claim 6, wherein the at least one arm includes a clicking member configured to engage with click engagement portions at a plurality of predetermined angular turn positions.

9. The head mounted display according to claim 8, wherein the clicking member is configured to hold positions between the plurality of predetermined angular turn positions.

10. The head mounted display according to claim 9, wherein a frictional force is generated between the clicking member of the at least one arm and at least one coupling plate, and wherein the at least one coupling plate includes a shaft support hole through which the turning shaft of the at least one arm extends and the engagement portions that engage with the clicking member of the at least one arm at the plurality of predetermined turn positions.

11. The head mounted display according to claim 10, wherein the at least one coupling plate is connected to inside the mount body.

12. The head mounted display according to claim 1, further comprising: a harness configured to extend from the mount body to the device body, wherein the harness is further configured to be held with at least a portion of the harness disposed in the hinge member.

13. The head mounted display according to claim 1, further comprising: circuitry configured to detect an inter-pupillary distance of the user in order to adjust a respective position of the at least one optical component according to a position of each respective pupil of the user.

14. The head mounted display according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one actuator configured to turn the device body in conjunction with the hinge mechanism.

15. The head mounted display according to claim 14, wherein the at least one actuator turns the device body according to at least one of a visual line of the user, a position of the user, a detected presence of an object in an area around the user, an operation of an operation button by the user, or a gesture of the user.

16. The head mounted display according to claim 1, further comprising: circuitry configured to detect a turning angle of the device body with respect to the mount body.

17. The head mounted display according to claim 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to determine a mode of the at least one optical component based on the detected turning angle.

18. The head mounted display according to claim 17, wherein the determined mode includes an augmented reality mode or a virtual reality mode when the device body is in a first turn position or a reality mode when the device body is in a second turn position.

19. The head mounted display according to claim 18, wherein the determined mode further includes a sleep mode when the device body is in the second turn position, and wherein the sleep mode includes at least one of turning off a display by the at least one optical component or turning off eye tracking.

20. The head mounted display according to claim 19, wherein the sleep mode is canceled when the device body is turned from the second turn position to the first turn position.

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