Gyration Based Immersion Head Mounted Display

One hardware device closely associated with Virtual Reality (VR) is the Head Mounted Display (HMD).

A small video display is positioned in front of the eyes to provide video output. Some HMDs come with optics .

Most HMDs are VERY expensive- ranging from $2,000-$95,000. HMDs can use LCDs, CRTs, fiber optic pipes, etc. The more elaborate, the more expensive. HMDs can come either with 1 or 2 displays to provide either uniscopic or stereo perception. Some HMDs have optics to focus and increase the perceived field of view (PFOV) while other HMDs don't.

One of the key elements of an HMD is a position tracker or head movement technology. That is where this project was given life! When the Gyration mouse first came out... my first thought was- HMD tracker!!!! And years later... I have yet to see a project that uses it.

The Helmet and its uses:

The helmet is used to act as a mount and to balance the HMD hardware.

The Helmet could be outfitted with a HMD for Immersion VR. You could use a tread mill or in a circular railing confined area with a giant trackball to walk on... or just use a hand controller for Z-axis movement.

If the Helmet can be supplied without the HMD and act as a head pointing device (say for the disabled). For fast complex command execution, the head pointing device could be used in conjunction with the GESTURES concept to execute macros, etc.


Background

Ever since I heard about VR, I was Intrigued. Unfortunately it was and still is WAY too expensive to get into. What is needed is to get the HMDs and the like to the masses so they can get the Software done. Sega had their 3D shutter glasses (similar technology is available from other vendors today) and Nintendo had their power glove- two great attempts to bringing VR technology to the masses... they were before their time.


My feelings why VR failed:

1) HMD hardware was too expensive and too bulky.
2) Computers were to slow to make a fast moving or realistic Virtual Environment (VE) to be in. The ones that were fast enough were WAY too expensive for most people (hundreds of thousands of dollars)
3) 3D engine software was proprietary and too expensive and still in its infancy.

As new hardware and software become available the VE experience becomes more a reality.


Enter the new players:

1) 3D shooter games companies- the new realm of open inexpensive/free 3D engines
are born. The VE concept of Window on World Systems (WoW) has been used by
First Person Shooter Software developers since day 1. Now put that image in a VR
Helmet.
2) Gaming companies and their inexpensive commodity hardware.
Controllers and accessories are inexpensive!!!
3) Inexpensive small LCD panels
4) Inexpensive powerful computers
5) Head Tracker manufacturers
6) the USB port - a fast multi port solution
7) Gyroscopic controller manufacturers (RC hobbies, etc)
The Concept

Build an inexpensive VR Helmet out of off the shelf materials.


Project Criteria:

1) Has to be inexpensive (under $500)
2) Gotta look gooood when installed.
2) Must be easily accessible for repairs, upgrades and additional technologies.
3) Must be free from patent issues.
4) LCD, gyroscopic, etc technologies MUST be easily removable and swappable.
5) Must be as light as possible- as much weight off the helmet as possible.
6) Must be easy to use.
7) Must be adjustable for different users.
a) Helmet must be adjustable.
b) LCD distance must be adjustable.


HMD General Components

1) The Helmet, cabling and adapter boxes (front and back), mounts,
and counter balance box (just buy)
2) Gyration Technology (just buy and plug in)
3) The LCD's (just buy and plug in)
4) Headphones (just buy and plug in)
5) Controllers (just buy and plug in)
6) Keyboard (just buy and plug in)
7) The Pack (just buy, plug in and load up)


HMD Components and Cost:

1) The Gyration Mouse - $80
2) The Helmet - $30-$69
3) The LCD View Screens - $30-$60
4) Sound Headset and Microphone - $20

5) Wrist or hand controllers - $30
6) Computer Interface MiniKeyboard - $15

7) The Pack - $19

8) Cables, adapters, enclosures, etc.- $30

Cost Range - $254-$323

Commercial Off -the-Shelf Products

The Heart of the Gyration based Immersion Head Mounted Display

Here is a write up of the technology from Gyration.
The Gyration Mouse - $80




The Helmet - $30
Bike Helmet



I am using this Bell Helmet


The clip on visor makes removal of LCD easy!
The back clip (for a flashing reflector light) is great for holding a counter weight for the LCD panel.


The View Screens - $60
2 Radio Shack LCD TV's
or
2 Intec PS2 Controllers and Game Screens




Hand Controller - $30

XBox controller with USB to XBox connector adapter



Sound Headset and Microphone - $20

Plantronics Behind the Head Stereo PC Headset - AUDIO-70 -



MiniKeyboard - $15

DreamGear Mini Key ThumbPad


The Pack
To hold all the stuff, cables, etc. I use a $20 CamelBak Hydrobak Hydration Pack

Project Phases

Phase 1

1) Overall Design
2) Gathering of needed components (scrounge and procure)
3) rough prototype and test
Status: DONE


Picture of the Helmet so far...


Phase 2

1) refinement and fine tuning of prototype and testing
a) extend the mouse buttons to a hand controller
b) turn the LCD screen upside down
2) final changes to prototype
Status: in progress


Phase 3

1) design mounts and brackets for equipment
a) LCD
b) Gyration Mouse
2) fabrication of mounts and brackets
3) Attach LCD and Gyration mount to Helmet
4) make extension cables to go across helmet from front to back
5) make connection boxes for LCD, Sound, and carry pack
6) make carry pack for equipment
a) cables, power, spare battery, computer, etc


Phase 4

1) have helmet with mounting clips fabricated.
2) have LCD enclosure with proper mounts fabricated.
3) Final Documentation completed for Kit design.

Project Notes

Since the Gyration Mouse is a 2-axis gyroscropic technology it must remain as Horizonal as possible to ensure accurate positioning. It would seem the best mounting place for the mouse is on top of the visor since their is the greatest torque there. Mounting the mouse horizontally on the back of the helmet is a possibility too but it lacks an asthetic value I wish to preserve. Functionally it may be a nice choice since it would also act as a counter weight for the LCD.

The Intec PS2 LCD controller was chosen because of its cost AND LCD adjustable mount. The LCD must be turned upside down within the enclosure since the controller is being mounted upside down. this will require cutting and retooling the case and soldering wire extensions inside the case.

The Bell bike helmet is awesome! I would like to see the Schwinn one as well.

I am using my Garmin GPS belt clip case to hold the Gyration mouse.

References:

Virtual Environments: A Survey of the Technology TR93-033 by Richard Holloway and Anselmo Lastra - Sitterson Hall CB-3175, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, September 1993