Modular and Convertible Virtual Reality Headset System

• US 20150253574A1
• Filed: 03/08/2015
• Published: 09/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ion Virtual Technology Corporation
• Original Assignee: Ion Virtual Technology Corporation
• Inventors: Thurber, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US14/641,411
• Publication Number:
  US 20150253574A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0134 of stereoscopic type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0176 characterised by mechanical features

Abstract

A modular and customizable virtual reality headset system comprises an optional mobile device case, a support module, a device module with a dock for a mobile device or for the mobile device case, and a lens module. The modules preferably removably attach together with nesting extensions and a removable plug that extends through aligned holes defined by the extensions. The support module comprises one or more walls, optional corners, and optional edges. The system further comprises control and processing components, one or more input devices, a comfort module, and a strap. Additional features include a microphone, headphones, a camera, a display, communication components, motion sensors and movement trackers, filters, battery chargers, and warning devices. The basic components of the VR headset system and the optional features and components are preferably all customizable and upgradeable to match the user'"'"'s aesthetic preferences and technical requirements.

Claims

1. A modular virtual reality headset system that can be customized and assembled by the user comprising:

a. a frame assembly comprising two or more cooperating removable and interchangeable components;

b. a dock defined by the frame assembly and configured to receive a mobile device; and

c. a lens module configured to removably attach to the frame assembly, wherein the lens module comprises one or more removable and interchangeable lenses.

2. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 1 wherein the frame assembly comprises a device module configured to removably attach to a support module and wherein the dock is defined by the device module.

3. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 2:

a. wherein the device module further comprises a first device module extension and wherein the first device module extension defines an opening;

b. wherein the support module further comprises a first support module extension wherein the first support module extension defines an opening;

c. wherein the lens module further comprises a first lens module extension wherein the first lens module extension defines an opening; and

d. wherein the first device module extension, first support module extension, and first lens module extension nest together when the headset is assembled and the openings in each of the first device module extension, first support module extension, and first lens module extension align when the headset is assembled.

4. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 3 further comprising a first removable plug configured to cooperate with the first device module extension, first support module extension, and first lens module extension such that it extends through the openings of the first device module extension, first support module extension, and first lens module extension when the headset is assembled.

5. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 4 further comprising at least one strap removably attached to at least a first strap connector wherein the first strap connector defines an opening configured to cooperate with the first plug and to secure the first plug when the headset is assembled.

6. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 2 wherein the support module comprises one or more interchangeable walls and wherein the walls removably attach to the device module.

7. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 6 wherein the interchangeable walls of the support module comprise one or more support module extensions and wherein the device module comprises one or more device module extensions and wherein the device module extensions nest within the support module extensions when the headset is assembled.

8. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 7 wherein the lens module further comprises one or more lens module extensions and wherein the lens module extensions nest within the device module extensions when the headset is assembled.

9. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 8 wherein each lens module extension defines an opening, wherein each device module extension defines an opening, wherein each support module extension defines an opening, wherein the openings defined by nesting lens module extensions, device module extensions, and support module extensions substantially align when the headset is assembled and wherein the headset system further comprises one or more plugs that removably secure within the aligned openings.

10. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 2 further comprising one or more locks for securing the mobile device in the dock of the frame assembly.

11. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 10 wherein the lock for securing the mobile device in the dock is a pull tension-type latch.

12. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 1 further comprising control and processing components housed in the frame assembly and one or more input devices housed in the frame assembly and configured to receive input from the user and to cooperate and communicate with the control and processing components.

13. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 12 further comprising communication components housed in the frame assembly and configured to communicate with at least the mobile device positioned in the dock of the frame assembly.

14. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 1 wherein each lens comprises a proximal lens, a middle lens positioned adjacent to and optically aligned with the proximal lens, a distal lens positioned near to and optically aligned with the middle lens, and an air gap defined between the middle lens and the distal lens.

15. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 1 further comprising a case configured to house a mobile device and configured to cooperate with the dock such that the case can be secured to the frame assembly and such that the mobile device remains housed in the case when the case is cooperating with the dock.

16. The virtual reality headset system of claim 1 wherein the lens module comprises a lens plate, a first lens removably secured to the lens plate, a second lens removably secured to the lens plate, and at least one lens adjuster positioned on the lens plate and configured to cooperate with the first and second lenses such that when the lens adjuster is engaged, the position of the first and second lenses can be adjusted.

17. The virtual reality headset system of claim 1 wherein the lens module further comprises one or more lens modifiers and wherein the lens modifiers are positioned to cooperate and optically align with the lenses.

18. A modular virtual reality headset system comprising:

a. a frame assembly capable of being customized and assembled by the user, wherein the frame assembly comprises a support module, a device module defining a dock and configured to receive a mobile device and configured to removably attach to the support module, and a lens module configured to removably attach to the support module and the device module, wherein the lens module comprises at least one lens removably attached to a lens plate;

b. a comfort module removably attached to the support module on a surface of the comfort module configured to cooperate with a user'"'"'s face;

c. control and processing components housed in the frame assembly;

d. wireless communication components housed in the frame assembly and configured to communicate wirelessly with at least a mobile device positioned in the dock of the frame assembly;

e. one or more locks for securing the mobile device in the dock of the frame assembly; and

f. one or more straps removably attached to the frame assembly.

19. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 18 wherein the support module comprise one or more support module extensions, wherein the device module comprises one or more device module extensions configured to substantially nest within the support module extensions, and wherein the lens module comprises one or more lens module extensions configured to substantially nest within the device module extensions.

20. The modular virtual reality headset system of claim 18 wherein the lens module comprises a first lens, a second lens, and one or more lens modifiers, wherein the first and second lenses removably secure to the lens plate and wherein the lens modifiers removably secure to the first and second lenses.