CN113574909A

CN113574909A - Split head-mounted device with audio for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) or Mixed Reality (MR)

Info

Publication number: CN113574909A
Application number: CN202080021920.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 格伦赫尔穆特·舒尔茨; 马克艾伦·斯蒂芬妮; 丹妮尔德西瑞格蕾丝·弗林
Original assignee: Demford Amusement Co ltd
Current assignee: Demford Amusement Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-16
Filing date: 2020-04-16
Publication date: 2021-10-29
Also published as: EP3957080A4; JP2022529204A; CA3137187A1; WO2020210910A1; EP3957080A1; KR20210151913A

Abstract

A split-type head-mounted device with audio for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) or Mixed Reality (MR), comprising an easy-to-clean and sterile helmet releasably connectable in use with an audiovisual assembly to avoid physical contact of the audiovisual assembly with a user's head; the split headset is characterized in that the headset is automatically separated when the helmet is separated from the audio-visual component. An amusement ride using the split head-mounted device with audio has a stand and a retraction assembly for the audiovisual assembly.

Description

Split head-mounted device with audio for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) or Mixed Reality (MR)

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefits of U.S. patent nos. 62/834, 584, filed on 16/4/2019 and 62/948, 067, filed on 13/12/2019.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to virtual reality audiovisual headsets such as used in amusement/theme park rides.

Background

Various play sets have been developed using Virtual Reality (VR) technology that customers can view and interact with virtual environments. Conventional systems include VR headset systems and motion platforms. Conventional VR headsets use a screen that is fixedly mounted within a housing worn by the guest.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a split headset with audio for Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR) to make audio integration reliable and easy to use.

In another aspect, the invention provides a split headgear comprising an audiovisual assembly that is releasably connected to the helmet in use (e.g., by magnetic attraction, releasable mechanical fasteners, etc.). In use, the display screen does not contact the head of the user. The helmet is relatively simple and low cost compared to audiovisual components, and does not include any electronic components related to the VR experience. The separate arrangement of the audiovisual assembly from the helmet allows the audiovisual assembly to be used in succession with a range of helmets (which may be cleaned and disinfected when not in use). Such detachable headsets increase the theoretical hourly throughput of amusement park rides featuring personalized virtual reality to the rider.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a headgear assembly for providing personalized audio-visual to a user, the headgear assembly comprising: a helmet having a viewport, a left ear guard, and a right ear guard, wherein the viewport is located at an eye of a user when the helmet on the user's head is in an operating position, the left ear guard is adjacent the user's left ear, and the right ear guard is adjacent the user's right ear; an audio-visual component configured to interconnect with a video source and an audio source and having a video display; a left speaker and a right speaker both supported by the audiovisual assembly; a connecting device for releasably connecting the helmet and audiovisual assembly, wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above: the viewport is adjacent to the video display; the left speaker is bi-directionally movable between a left engaged position where the left speaker is proximate to the left ear guard and a left disengaged position where the left speaker is laterally displaced from the left ear guard; the right speaker being bi-directionally movable between a right engagement position where the right speaker is adjacent the right ear protector and a right disengagement position where the right speaker is substantially laterally displaced from the right ear protector; and wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above with the left speaker in the left engaged position and the right speaker in the right engaged position, substantially forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet moves the speakers to a disengaged position, thereby disengaging the audiovisual assembly and the helmet from one another.

Magnetic attraction between the speaker and the adjacent ear protector can maintain the engagement position in a separable manner; and substantial forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet can impair the magnetic attraction.

For each speaker, an associated biasing means may be provided for moving the speaker to the disengaged position, wherein the biasing means is insufficient to move the speaker away from the engaged position when the helmet is connected to the audiovisual assembly.

The support of the audiovisual assembly for each of the left and right speakers may be provided by a headphone boom having a proximal end and a distal end; a pivotal mount pivotally mounting the proximal end to the audiovisual assembly; and a headset mount supporting a speaker at the distal end; and the biasing means may be a spring assembly engaging the proximal end and the pivot mount.

The helmet may include two rearwardly sloping shoulders, one of which is located in front of the left ear protector and the other of which is located in front of the right ear protector, to facilitate movement of the speakers to a separated position to separate them from each other in the event that the audiovisual assembly is moved generally forwardly relative to the helmet. Each rearwardly sloping shoulder may have a concave profile.

The attachment means for releasably attaching the helmet to the audiovisual assembly may comprise a mating magnetic element. The mating magnetic elements may be magnets located on the right, left and front of the helmet, and magnets located on the right, left and front of the audiovisual assembly.

The audiovisual assembly may include: a head mounted display device having a video display; and an adapter to secure the head mounted display device, wherein the audiovisual assembly may provide support for each of the left and right speakers by: a headset arm having a proximal end and a distal end; a pivot mount pivotally mounting the proximal end to the adapter; and a headset mount supporting a speaker at a distal end.

The adapter may include an adapter body and a flip member, and the head mounted display device may be secured between the adapter body and the flip member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an amusement device for providing personalized audio-visual effects to a user, the amusement device comprising: a helmet having a viewport, a left ear guard, and a right ear guard, wherein when the helmet on the user's head is in an operational position, the viewport is located at the user's eye, the left ear guard is adjacent the user's left ear, and the right ear guard is adjacent the user's right ear; an audio-visual component configured to interconnect with a video source and an audio source and having a video display; a left speaker and a right speaker both supported by the audiovisual assembly; a connecting device for releasably connecting the helmet and the audiovisual assembly, wherein when the helmet and the audiovisual assembly are connected as above: the viewport is adjacent to the video display; the left speaker is bi-directionally movable between a left engaged position where the left speaker is proximate to the left ear guard and a left disengaged position where the left speaker is laterally displaced from the left ear guard; the right speaker being bi-directionally movable between a right engagement position where the right speaker is adjacent the right ear protector and a right disengagement position where the right speaker is substantially laterally displaced from the right ear protector; and wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above with the left speaker in the left engaged position and the right speaker in the right engaged position, substantially forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet causes the speakers to move to a disengaged position, thereby disengaging the audiovisual assembly and the helmet from one another; a motion platform comprising a cradle configured to support the audiovisual assembly above the head of the user; wherein the audiovisual assembly is fixed on the hanger.

The motion platform may include a restraint system. The motion platform may include a control input and a plurality of triggers.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a helmet worn on a user's head and an audiovisual assembly separate from the helmet.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 1, showing the helmet worn on the head of a user, and the audiovisual assembly engaged with the helmet.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the invention of fig. 1, showing the audiovisual assembly engaged with a helmet.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the embodiment of the headset shown in fig. 3 with the headset arms in an open position.

Fig. 5 is a partially exploded top plan view of the embodiment of the headset shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded side elevational view of the embodiment of the headset shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pivoting base and headset arm of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker body of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ear protector of the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a motion platform assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a schematic front view of the motion platform assembly embodiment of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the motion platform assembly of fig. 10, showing a user, audiovisual assembly 102 and helmet 104, wherein the audiovisual assembly 102 and the helmet 104 are separate from each other.

Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the motion platform assembly of fig. 10, showing a user, audiovisual assembly 102 engaged with helmet 104.

Detailed Description

In many places herein, AR refers to augmented reality; VR refers to virtual reality; MR refers to mixed reality; dorsal refers to the posterior or posterior direction; ventral refers to the anterior or anterior direction; the middle refers to the middle direction; and the lateral direction refers to the lateral direction.

As shown, an exemplary headset 100 according to embodiments of the present invention includes an audiovisual assembly 102 and a helmet 104 for use by a user 105. For clarity, in the drawings showing the head-mounted device 100, wiring (which is a known technique) is not shown.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, audiovisual assembly 102 comprises an adapter 106 and a head-mounted display 108.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the head mounted display 108 is optionally an HTC VIVE^TMA display. The head-mounted display 108 includes a display main body 110, two screens 112, and a connection interface 114 (for connecting the head mounted display 102 to an audiovisual data transmission line), and a display mount engagement protrusion 116.

The adapter 104 includes an adapter body 140, a flip 142, a left headphone assembly 144, a right headphone assembly 146, and a buckle 148.

The adapter body 140 includes an adapter body view port 160, a display mount engagement receptacle 162 (for receiving the display mount engagement protrusion 116), a flip mount 164 having a flip mount screw receiving threaded hole 166, a left headphone assembly mount 168, a right headphone assembly mount 170, a left adapter magnetic anchor 172, a right adapter magnetic anchor 174, and a front adapter magnetic anchor 176. Each

headphone assembly mount

168, 170 includes a snap slot 178 for mounting the snap 148 on either side of the adapter body 140. In the drawings, the catch 148 is shown as projecting laterally from the adapter body 140, but for clarity, engagement between the catch slot 178 and the catch 148 causes the catch 148 to pivot approximately 180 ° within the catch slot 178, i.e., between projecting generally ventrally and projecting generally dorsally.

The flip cover 142 includes two threaded holes 190 and, optionally, a tether locking mechanism 192. As shown, in use, the display body 110 is removably secured to the adapter body 140 by inserting the display body 110 between the adapter body 140 and the flip cover 142, and by inserting the flip cover mounting screws 194 through the screw holes 190 into the flip cover mounting screw receiving threaded holes 166 to secure the flip cover 142 to the adapter body 140. The junction between the adapter body 140 and the flip cover 142 defines a cord introduction opening 196 for use with a cable protective rubber grommet 198. The flip cover 142 also houses a custom PCB (printed circuit board) to interconnect the audiovisual component 102 with other components and data transmission lines.

Each

headphone assembly

144, 146 comprises: a pivoting mount 200 (configured to mount to a respective headset assembly mount 168, 170); a headset arm 202; a hinge pin 204 passing through the pivoting base 200 and the proximal end of the headset arm 202; and a speaker body 206 mounted on the distal end of the headset arm 202.

The pivot mount 200 includes a spring assembly 208 for resiliently biasing the headset arm 202 toward the open, disengaged position. The spring assembly 208 includes a coil spring 210 and a spring follower 212, both of which are slidably mounted on a spring follower stem 214 and disposed between a spring seat 216 and a headset arm fork 218.

The speaker main body 206 includes: speaker cover 220, outer foam profile 222; an inner foam profile 224, a speaker 225 (925-XDC 16NL 2240 mm speaker driver is selected for the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures); two upper speaker magnets 226 (in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, each magnet is a neodymium magnet 1/2 inches in diameter, 1/8 inches in thickness, N52); the lower speaker magnet 228 (925 neodymium magnet, 1/2 inches in diameter, 1/16 inches in thickness, N52 in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures); an earmuff face cover 230 having three speaker magnet holders 232 (with the

speaker magnets

226, 228 secured, for example, with an adhesive such as epoxy); ear protection felt 234 (secured to earmuff cover 230 with an adhesive, such as a peel-and-stick adhesive); and four speaker screws 236 (for connecting the ear cup face cover 230 and the speaker cover 220 together).

The speaker cover 220 includes an oval cover aperture 237. The distal end of the headset arm 202 includes a speaker cap mount 238, wherein the speaker cap mount 238 includes a speaker cap mount protrusion 239 having an elliptical shoulder 240 configured to fit loosely within an elliptical cap hole 238; an outer rubber gasket 241 (for abutting the outside of the speaker cover 220); an inner rubber gasket 242 (for abutting the inside of the speaker cover 220); a clamp 243; and a clip fixing pin 244. The oval-shaped cover aperture 237 and speaker cover mount 238 cooperate to provide the desired flexibility between the headphone arm 202 and speaker body 206 (in the embodiment shown in the figures, each speaker enclosure is flexibly attached to the headphone arm such that the headphone makes some relative rotation and pivoting with respect to the headphone arm, although such a flexible fit is not present in all embodiments).

The helmet 104 includes a helmet body 250; a left ear guard 251; a right ear guard 252; and an adjustable band 253.

The helmet main body 250 includes: a helmet viewport 254; a left helmet magnetic anchor 255; a right helmet magnetic anchor 256; and front helmet magnetic anchors 257. Each of the left and right helmet

magnetic anchors

255, 256 has a rearward concave shoulder 258. A helmet liner assembly 259 (comprising a cushioning liner foam preferably having antimicrobial properties) is secured to the interior of the helmet body 250.

The

ear protectors

251, 252 are positioned such that each

ear protector

251, 252 overlies an ear of a user when the helmet 104 is positioned on the head of the user. The ear guards 251, 252 serve to provide a physical, but acoustically transparent, barrier between the user's ears and the speaker body 206 so as to maintain the speaker body 206 in a satisfactory hygienic condition for a plurality of consecutive users. Each

ear guard

251, 252 includes three ear guard magnets 260 (925 neodymium magnets each having a diameter of 1/2 inches, a thickness of 1/16 inches, N52 in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures), an ear guard plate 261 having three ear guard magnet receptacles 262 (where ear guard magnets 260 are secured, for example, with an adhesive such as epoxy); noise reducing ear muffs 263 (including flexible foam to provide a soft comfortable surface and sound insulation/sealing); and a noise reducing ear cap transfer tape 264 for fixing the noise reducing ear cap 263 to the ear guard 261.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, each

ear guard

251, 252 is attached to a respective side of the helmet body 250 using conventional fasteners (e.g., screws). Each

ear

251, 252 has a leading ear aperture 265 (in the exemplary embodiment, having a diameter of 28 mm). Each ear guard 252 is configured with an inwardly sloping surface of approximately 15 degrees to accommodate the "expansion" caused by a user with a larger head while providing the desired proximity to the ear of a user with a smaller head.

Adjustable strap 253 is attached to each side of helmet body 250 and includes a bent portion 270 on each side (to accommodate speaker body 206 and allow adjustable strap to be located in a desired position on a user's head) and a user-operable releasable tensioning device 271 with a ratchet knob. Adjustable strap 253 is attached to helmet body 250 by fasteners such that when adjustable strap 253 is adjusted, adjustable strap 253 can be pivotally moved relative to helmet body 250 as desired by the user. In use, adjustable strap 253 is preferably positioned under or adjacent the occiput of the user and tightened with the ratchet knob until a comfortable fit.

The use of the head mounted device 100 includes: providing the helmet 104 to the user and securing it to the user's head using the ratchet knob as described above, with the user's ears adjacent the noise reducing ear loops 263; the user wearing the helmet 104 moves closer to the audiovisual assembly 102, or the audiovisual assembly 102 moves closer to the user wearing the helmet 104, as the case may be; the user 105 brings the audiovisual assembly 102 into contact with the abdomen of the helmet 104 to engage the left adapter magnetic anchor 172, the right adapter magnetic anchor 174, and the front adapter magnetic anchor 176 with the left helmet magnetic anchor 255, the right helmet magnetic anchor 256, and the front helmet magnetic anchor 257, respectively, to releasably connect the audiovisual assembly 102 to the helmet 104; the user 105 moves each headphone arm 202 and speaker body 206 medially to engage the respective speaker magnet 226, 228 with the respective ear protection magnet 260, thereby releasably securing the speaker body 206 to the ear protection 251, 252 (because the magnetic attraction of the engaged magnets overcomes the lateral elastic bias of the headphone arm 202 toward the open, disengaged position); the user accepts the audio-visual experience provided by the head-mounted device 100; the user grasps the audiovisual assembly 102 to separate it from the helmet 104, with the resulting misalignment of the speaker magnets 226, 228 and ear protection magnets 260, and the physical interaction between each speaker body 206 and the adjacent recessed shoulder 258, such that the resilient bias of the headphone arms 202 can move the speaker bodies 206 laterally to the open, separated position; the user can then remove the helmet 104.

For clarity, a user may directly manually move each headphone arm 202 and speaker body 206 laterally to disengage each speaker body 206 from the associated

ear protector

251, 252, thereby enabling the resilient bias of the headphone arm 202 to move the speaker body 206 laterally toward the open, disengaged position.

In use, the ear protection felt 234 serves to attenuate sound transmission between the earmuff face cover 230 and the

respective ear protection

251, 252, which together with the noise reducing ear cap 263, outer foam profile 222, and inner foam profile 224, provides the desired sound insulation for the user.

The helmet 104 and adapter 106 preferably comprise molded plastic components. The helmet 104 is resiliently flexible to accommodate differences in size and shape of different user heads. The articulation/pivoting of the headset arm 202 and speaker body 206 relative to the adapter body 140 accommodates helmet deformation (i.e., shape differences) caused by user head differences.

The interface between the adapter 106 and the helmet 104 and the engagement of the speaker body 206 and the

ear protectors

251, 252 may be configured such that each adapter 106 can fit a plurality of differently sized helmets (to accommodate users of different head styles/ages). The hinging/pivoting of the headset arm 202 relative to the adapter body 140 facilitates the use of different sized helmets as described above.

Amusement park rides featuring head mounted displays with detachable screens allow operators to provide personalized virtual reality environments for each riding player. Each riding player can obtain a unique virtual experience as they navigate and move correspondingly with the virtual environment. The ride includes a motion platform, a tethered head mounted display, a take-up pole, a display hanger, and a control input. Motion platforms typically include a seat mounted to a plurality of linear triggers that are used to move the seat in a virtual environment. The display hanger is rotatably attached to the motion platform and moves the tethered head mounted display toward and away from the user as desired. The access lever is rotatably attached to the motion platform to prevent the rider from leaving the ride device when the ride is not finished. In addition, the access bar is connected to the display hanger such that when the access bar is positioned in the area of the user's thigh, one end of the display hanger is positioned directly above the user's head. Alternatively, the end of the display hanger is positioned behind the head of the user when the access bar is positioned over the head of the user. The control input is a joystick that allows the user to move the sensory platform and itself within the virtual environment. Optionally, a front facing camera located on the tethered head mounted display may track the user's hand to provide input to the virtual environment. For example, a user may manipulate the virtual steering wheel by placing their hand in front of and rotating around the virtual steering wheel.

Fig. 10-13 illustrate an exemplary virtual reality compatible motion platform 301. This motion platform 301 includes: a base 303, a seat 305 supported by the base 303, an input system 307, a restraint system 309, an audiovisual assembly support system 311, and a plurality of triggers 315. The input system 307 shown in the figures includes a motion sensing joystick configured to allow a user to provide input to the virtual reality environment. It will be appreciated that the seat 305 may be a wheeled seat or a motorized scooter removably secured to a substantially flat base.

The plurality of flip-flops 315 preferably includes a first flip-flop, a second flip-flop, and a third flip-flop. Although a linear trigger is shown, it will be apparent that the motion base trigger may have other mechanical outputs, such as a rotary trigger and a vibrating trigger. The triggers 315 are spaced apart in a triangular array with a first trigger located near the front of the motion platform 301 and second and third triggers located near the rear of the motion platform 301. The plurality of triggers 315 are configured to actuate the motion platform 301 in response to the controller and input system 307. For example, the controller may actuate the sensory platform 301 as if the user 105 is on a boat that is traversing a series of rapids, and the user may select which branch of the river to navigate along by moving the input system.

The restraint system 309 includes a strap rigidly connected to the C-shaped member. The audiovisual assembly support system 311 comprises an extension member configured to support a virtual reality helmet above a user. The audiovisual assembly support system 311 also includes a retraction system to adjust the length of the tether from the audiovisual assembly 102.

Preferably, both the restraint system 309 and audiovisual assembly support system 311 pivot about the user 105. The restraint system 309 is rotatably connected to the audiovisual assembly system 311, for example by a gear system located in the motion platform 301. The gear system preferably has a 2:1 gear ratio, however other gear ratios are contemplated by the present application. The gear arrangement of the gear drive system is such that the rotational motion of the VR support system is one half of the restraint system. The gear system allows the restraint system to pivot upward and clear the user while moving the VR headset rearward and away from the user. In this way, a user can easily and quickly enter and exit the seat 305.

The illustrated butt straps increase the throughput of the amusement ride, but other restraint systems are contemplated by the present application. The restraint system of certain types of virtual reality embodiments may simulate a restraint system consistent with a ride experience. For example, the restraint system may include a five-point harness for a system configured as a flight simulator, wherein a portion of the harness is connected to a gear system such that the securement of the harness brings audiovisual assembly support system 311 closer to the user. Alternatively, the five-point harness may not adjust the position of audiovisual assembly support system 311. Other types of restraint devices contemplated by the present application include, for example, seat belts, shoulder restraints, locking tabs, t-bars.

Although audiovisual assembly support system 311 is shown as being attached directly to the motion platform 301, it will be apparent that audiovisual assembly support system 311 may be located remotely from motion platform 301. For example, audiovisual assembly support system 311 may be mounted to a wall or ceiling located adjacent to motion platform 301.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, audiovisual assembly 102 is secured to audiovisual assembly support system 311 to prevent shifting and to provide data and power to audiovisual assembly 102. Other embodiments may include a retraction system to move the audiovisual assembly 102 closer to and further away from the user. For example, a hanger may be positioned above the motion platform 301, the hanger configured to lower the tethered audiovisual assembly 102 near the user's knees. Alternatively, the audiovisual assembly 102 may be hung near the user's head, or may be placed in an adjacent basket or hung on an adjacent hook until the user is attached to the helmet 104.

Fig. 12 shows the open position of the motion platform 301. The open position is configured to allow the user 105 to enter and exit the seat 305. When the user 105 is seated in the seat 305 and their feet are placed on the footrest, the user 105 is fully supported by the motion platform 301. As shown in fig. 12, when using the motion platform 301, the user wears the helmet 104 on his head. The user 105 places both hands on the input system 307. In the open position, audiovisual assembly support system 311 positions audiovisual assembly 102 over and behind the user's head.

The audiovisual assembly 102 is secured to and supported by the audiovisual assembly support system 311. In the open position, the restraint system 309 is also positioned over the head of the user. When the user 105 pulls down the restraint system 309, the audiovisual assembly support system 311 pivots downward and positions the audiovisual assembly 102 in front of the user's face. The user 105 grasps the audiovisual assembly 102 and attaches the audiovisual assembly 102 to the helmet 104 and brings the speaker body 206 into contact with the

ear protectors

251, 252, thereby completing the assembly of the headset 100.

The system is configured such that the end of the hanger moves from forward and above the user's initial position to a next position above and behind the initial position. The system moves the hanging display from a position near the user's head to a more remote position. The display can be moved between different positions to conveniently get in and out of the dynamic platform without colliding the head of a user and damaging the display. Although the proximal position is shown in front of the user's head, it should be appreciated that the proximal position may be to the side of the user's head or directly above the user's head. Non-proximate locations refer to any location where a user may freely enter and exit the motion platform without interference from the display.

Once the ride is complete, the user 105 separates the audiovisual assembly 102 from the helmet 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the user manipulates the audiovisual assembly 102 to separate it from the helmet 104, thereby separating the speaker body 206 from the

ear protectors

251, 252. Next, the operator releases the restraint system 309. User 105 then pulls up on restraint system 309 and audiovisual assembly support system 311 pivots upward to the rear of user 105. Once the user 105 leaves the ride, the helmet 104 is removed and cleaned/disinfected for subsequent use.

While the system described above is configured for use with a ride, it will be apparent that the system may also be configured for use with a gaming system and/or a flight simulator. Both military and civilian uses of the system provide virtual reality providers with faster turnover rates and higher device usage rates than traditional virtual reality systems. In addition, the system including the split virtual reality headset and the motion platform can be set up as a place where a user group provides a virtual reality environment, such as an amusement park, a theme park, a jianian, an exhibition, a trip, a tour, a training center, a market, a museum, a home entertainment center, a driving simulator, and a flight simulator.

The scope of the claims of the present invention should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A head-mounted device assembly for providing personalized audio-visual to a user, the head-mounted device assembly comprising:

a helmet having a viewport, a left ear guard, and a right ear guard, wherein the viewport is located at an eye of a user when the helmet on the user's head is in an operating position, the left ear guard is adjacent the user's left ear, and the right ear guard is adjacent the user's right ear;

an audio-visual component configured to interconnect with a video source and an audio source and having a video display;

a left speaker and a right speaker both supported by the audiovisual assembly;

a connecting device for releasably connecting the helmet and the audiovisual assembly, wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above:

the viewport is adjacent to the video display;

the left speaker is bi-directionally movable between a left engaged position where the left speaker is proximate to the left ear guard and a left disengaged position where the left speaker is laterally displaced from the left ear guard;

the right speaker being bi-directionally movable between a right engagement position where the right speaker is adjacent the right ear protector and a right disengagement position where the right speaker is substantially laterally displaced from the right ear protector; and

wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above with the left speaker in the left engaged position and the right speaker in the right engaged position, substantially forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet moves the speakers to a disengaged position, thereby disengaging the audiovisual assembly and the helmet from one another.

2. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein: when each speaker is in an engaged position, the engaged position is maintained in a separable manner by magnetic attraction between the speaker and an adjacent ear protector; and a generally forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet attenuates the magnetic attraction.

3. The headgear assembly according to claim 2, wherein for each of the speakers, an associated biasing means is provided for moving the speaker to the disengaged position, wherein the biasing means is insufficient to move the speaker away from the engaged position when the headgear is connected to the audiovisual assembly.

4. The headset assembly of claim 3 wherein the support of each of the left and right speakers by the audiovisual component may be provided by: a headset arm having a proximal end and a distal end;

a pivot mount pivotally mounting the proximal end to the audiovisual assembly;

and a headset mount supporting the speaker at the distal end;

and the biasing means comprises a spring assembly engaging the proximal end and the pivot mount.

5. The headgear assembly of claim 4, wherein the helmet further comprises two rearwardly sloping shoulders, one sloping shoulder located in front of the left ear guard and the other sloping shoulder located in front of the right ear guard, thereby facilitating movement of the speakers to the separated position to separate the audiovisual component from the helmet in the event of substantially forward movement of the audiovisual component relative to the helmet.

6. The headgear assembly according to claim 5, wherein each rearwardly sloping shoulder may have a concave profile.

7. The headgear assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connection means for releasably connecting the helmet and the audiovisual assembly comprises mating magnetic elements.

8. The headgear assembly of claim 7, wherein the mating magnetic element comprises: magnets located on the right, left and front of the helmet; and magnets positioned at the right, left and front of the audiovisual assembly.

9. The headgear assembly of claim 1, wherein the audiovisual component comprises: a head mounted display device having a video display; and an adapter to secure the head mounted display device, wherein the audiovisual assembly may provide support for each of the left speaker and the right speaker by: a headset arm having a proximal end and a distal end; a pivot mount pivotally mounting the proximal end to the adapter; and a headset mount supporting the speaker at the distal end.

10. The headset assembly of claim 9, wherein the adapter comprises an adapter body and a flip member, and the head mounted display device is securable between the adapter body and the flip member.

11. An play apparatus for providing personalized audio-visual to a user, the play apparatus comprising:

a helmet having a viewport, a left ear guard, and a right ear guard, wherein when the helmet on the user's head is in an operational position, the viewport is located at the user's eye, the left ear guard is adjacent the user's left ear, and the right ear guard is adjacent the user's right ear;

an audio-visual component configured to interconnect with a video source and an audio source and having a video display; a left speaker and a right speaker both supported by the audiovisual assembly;

connecting means for releasably connecting said helmet and said audiovisual assembly, wherein when said helmet and said audiovisual assembly are connected as above: the viewport is adjacent to the video display;

the right speaker being bi-directionally movable between a right engagement position where the right speaker is adjacent the right ear protector and a right disengagement position where the right speaker is substantially laterally displaced from the right ear protector;

and wherein when the helmet and audiovisual assembly are connected as above with the left speaker in the left engaged position and the right speaker in the right engaged position, substantially forward movement of the audiovisual assembly relative to the helmet causes the speakers to move to a disengaged position, thereby disengaging the audiovisual assembly and the helmet from one another;

a motion platform comprising a cradle configured to support the audiovisual assembly above the head of the user;

wherein the audiovisual assembly is fixed on the hanger.

12. The play apparatus of claim 11, wherein the motion platform further comprises a restraint system.

13. The play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motion platform further comprises a control input and a plurality of triggers.