About this project
Since Our Project is Getting Off to a Slow Start
We are offering evaluation units on our web site at http://hfheadgear.com.
A Useful Accessory
The original Google Cardboard viewer is limited because a person must hold it in place with their hands. This prevents simultaneous activities like drinking beer or eating Cheetos. Before the Cardboard viewer can reach its full potential it must have a hands free support system.
Elastic Headbands Are Not the Answer
Some gaming headsets have plastic shells with elastic head bands and foam padding against the face. But the standard Cardboard viewer has neither the rigidity nor the wide surfaces required for this approach.
Another reason why the elastic head band approach is less than ideal is because the Cardboard viewer device places the weight of the cell phone at the far forward location, thus forming a lever effect that puts extra pressure on the wearer's cheeks.
The proper solution for the Cardboard viewer requires that the Cardboard viewer be suspended in front of the face with particular support for the forward edge where the cell phone is located.
The Perfect Solution
Our Hands Free Headgear supports the standard Cardboard viewer in front of the wearer's face and has specific support for the cell phone located at the front edge of the viewer.
The Force Vectors
The picture below shows how the combined weight of the viewer and cell phone is transferred vertically up the side panels, through the rigid top bracket, to the head straps. In particular note that the combination of the back strap, which is positioned at the lower edge of the back of the skull, when combined with the strap over the crown of the head, implements a tiny cantilever design. This design allows the Hands Free Headgear to support the Cardboard viewer in front of the wearer's face rather than pulling it into the front of the face with elastic straps.
Almost Infinitely Adjustable
The Hands Free Headgear's straps are adjustable for both hat size and across the crown of the head. By attaching strips of 3M Dual Lock tape to the sides of the Cardboard viewer, which mate with Dual Lock tape mounted on the inside surfaces of the Headgear's side panels, the standard Cardboard viewer is suspended in front of, rather than being pulled into, the front of the face. Five types of adjustment allow for a virtually perfect fit. (The 3M Dual Lock fastening system is a stronger and more rigid version of Velcro type fastening).
Perfect for Extended Viewing and Multitasking
The Hands Free Headgear has wide plastic straps that eliminate pressure points.The Hands Free Headgear is the best support system for the standard Cardboard viewer and allows both rapid head movement and comfortable long duration viewing.
Let the Games Begin!
The Hands Free Headgear adapter allows the standard Cardboard viewer to become an inexpensive 3D gaming system. A small investment for a Bluetooth game controller and ear buds allows a person to begin exploring immersive 3D gaming.
Beyond Gaming
With Hands Free Headgear the standard Cardboard viewer is transformed into a general purpose Virtual Reality 3D viewing device. VR visits to the Aquarium where you virtually enter the tanks and swim with the fishes, VR tours of possible vacation or retirement destinations, VR programs announcing new automobiles or other products, VR tours of real estate listings, VR educational and science programs and VR entertainment and sporting events all come within the easy reach of individuals and families that have a Hands Free Headgear/Cardboard viewer.
The following video shows Sandy Spud evaluating vacation cruise options in 3D Virtual Reality while she exercises on a stationary bike.
Easy to Install
The Hands Free Headgear system is installed with a simple "peel and stick" technique.
Custom Designs Available
The skills and experience that we gained by designing the Hands Free Headgear for the Google Cardboard viewer can be used to create a custom design for other Virtual Reality devices that have different sizes and shapes.
Rewards
Risks and challenges
Its time to "productize" this device by negotiating volume purchase agreements, ramping up to commercial production, initiating advertising and promotion, establishing channels of distribution, hiring staff and creating internal controls consistent with volume sales.
Our internal testing has proven that this device works as described. The only risks for this project relate to possible delays in obtaining the necessary components or similar glitches in providing the quantity of units requested. In the event of delays, all interested parties will be promptly and regularly informed.
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Funding period
- (30 days)