HMD Distance Sensor and Articulated Arm Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-mounted display (HMD) devices for virtual reality are uncomfortable for long-term use, pose hygiene concerns when shared among people, require glasses to be removed, and are prone to damage from frequent attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted display device with a distance-sensing sensor and unit movement mechanism, including an articulated arm with servo motors, that maintains a preset distance from the user's face, preventing contact and using a camera for precise positioning, and an optical shutter for vision control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the HMD is worn closely attached to the user's head, then the user can experience virtual reality, but hygiene problems occur and the device is uncomfortable for long-term use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVR experience qualityVSAvoidhygiene issues and physical discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the display unit from direct contact with the user's head by introducing a distance-sensing sensor and unit movement mechanism. The display unit is positioned at a predetermined distance from the user's face, eliminating the need for close attachment while maintaining VR experience quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an articulated arm as an intermediary mechanism between the display unit and the user. This articulated arm with servo motors precisely positions the display unit at the required distance, acting as a mediator that maintains the optimal viewing distance without direct contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the HMD is shared among multiple users, then common use is enabled, but the device is prone to damage from frequent attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommon use capabilityVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the display unit from the need for direct head attachment by using a distance-sensing sensor and unit movement mechanism. This allows the display unit to be positioned at a safe distance, eliminating mechanical stress from frequent attachment and detachment while enabling shared use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the HMD structure requires close contact with the user's head, then the display can be viewed, but users wearing glasses must remove their glasses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay viewing capabilityVSAvoidconvenience for glasses wearers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the display unit from close contact with the user's head by positioning it at a predetermined distance using distance-sensing sensors and unit movement mechanisms. This allows users to wear glasses comfortably while viewing the display without removing their corrective lenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents hygiene issues, reduces physical discomfort and damage, and allows for shared use without requiring glasses removal, enhancing the VR experience by maintaining a safe distance and improving game event effects.

Implementation Method 1

a distance-sensing sensor provided on the HMD unit to sense a distance between a user and the HMD unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistance sensing:

Implementation Method 2

an articulated arm including at least one joint so as to be folded or unfolded by a servo motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectServo motor actuation:

Implementation Method 3

a camera configured to capture an image of the user to make the unit movement mechanism be positioned in front of the eyes of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Implementation Method 4

an optical shutter provided on a front of the HMD unit to block or open a field of vision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10901206B2HMD device for common use and game machine having same

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 TOVIS CO LTD

AI summary

A head-mounted display (HMD) device includes: an HMD unit comprising a display panel configured to display an image and at least one lens for viewing the image on the display panel at a close distance; a distance-sensing sensor provided on the HMD unit to sense a distance between a user and the HMD unit to make the HMD unit be spaced apart from the user by a preset distance and avoid contact with the user; and a unit movement mechanism configured to position the HMD unit in front of the eyes of the user based on information sensed by the distance-sensing sensor to make the HMD unit avoid contact with the user.