Prone Position Head Support for HMD Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted image display devices are bulky and uncomfortable to use when lying face down or on one's side, particularly in medical settings where users may be sedated or in a weakened state, making it impractical to hold an unnatural head and torso position for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a head-mountable image display device and a support assembly that allows users to lie in a prone or lateral position while supporting their head and torso, with an opening to view the display, alleviating the need to adjust their neck and torso for clearance and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a head-mounted display device is used to provide immersive imagery, then the user is immersed in a virtual environment, but the device becomes bulky and uncomfortable to use when lying face down or on one's side
Solution Approach 1:
A support assembly acts as an intermediary device between the user and the head-mounted display. The support assembly includes a head support structure that elevates the user's head to a comfortable viewing angle, and a torso support that provides lumbar support. This intermediary structure enables the user to lie in a prone or lateral position while maintaining proper display viewing geometry, thereby resolving the contradiction between immersive display capability and comfort in non-upright positions.
2Device complexity
If the user adjusts their neck and torso position to create clearance for the display device, then the display device fits between the head and surface, but the body position becomes uncomfortable and potentially unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly serves as a mediator that assumes the burden of creating necessary clearance and positioning. The head support portion elevates the head to provide adequate clearance for the display device, while the torso support maintains natural spinal alignment. This eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust their body position, thereby maintaining natural posture while accommodating the display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed to be self-adjusting or pre-configured to provide the necessary head elevation and torso support automatically when the user assumes a prone or lateral position. The structure self-accommodates the display device without requiring active user intervention to position the body, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring proper clearance.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the user holds an uncomfortable body position for extended periods to use the head-mounted display, then the display can be viewed properly, but the user experiences discomfort and fatigue during medical procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly acts as a permanent intermediary that redistributes the mechanical load of head elevation and torso support. By transferring this support function from the user's muscles to the support structure, the system enables extended viewing durations without accumulating muscle fatigue or discomfort, making prolonged use during medical procedures feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly provides preemptive mechanical support for the head and torso, preventing the development of discomfort and fatigue before they occur. The head support and torso support structures are positioned in advance to maintain optimal ergonomics throughout the entire procedure, eliminating the need for user effort over extended periods.
4Reliability
If the user is sedated or in a weakened state during a medical procedure, then the medical treatment can be performed, but the ability to hold head and torso position for display use is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly serves as an external mechanical intermediary that compensates for the user's reduced ability to maintain position. The head support and torso support structures bear the load of positioning that would otherwise require active user effort, enabling sedated or weakened patients to use head-mounted displays during medical procedures without straining their limited physiological capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for use by a person lying in a generally prone or generally lateral position on a resting surface are disclosed. A system may include a head-mountable image display device that when used by the person at least partially occludes the person's view of a surrounding environment. The system may further include a support assembly configured to support at least a portion of the person's head in a raised position above or level with at least one of the resting surface and the head-mountable image display device. An opening may be formed in the support assembly that is sized to permit the person, while lying in the generally prone or generally lateral position, to view at least a portion of the head-mountable image display device through a portion of the support assembly. Methods of using such a system in a medical or other procedure are also disclosed.