Exertion-Aware Path Generation for VR Biking Haptics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR biking games lack realistic haptic feedback, as existing technologies focus primarily on visual content without considering haptic properties, resulting in an incomplete and less immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A computing system generates exertion-aware paths based on terrain data, target levels of total work, and perceived difficulty, embedding metadata for position-dependent resistance forces to control force feedback in virtual-reality equipment, enhancing the realism and immersion of VR biking experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visual content is synthesized using generative models and procedural modeling algorithms, then visual realism is improved, but haptic feedback realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines procedural content generation (for visual realism) with physics-based haptic simulation (for force feedback realism) into a unified virtual biking environment. The system merges visual rendering with haptic actuator control to create consistent sensory experiences that match both what the user sees and what they feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic feedback mechanisms with a computational approach that uses physics models to simulate and generate haptic forces. Instead of relying solely on mechanical linkages, the system uses virtual physics engines and haptic actuator models to create realistic force feedback based on the synthesized visual content.
2Productivity
If path generation considers only visual terrain data, then content generation speed is improved, but exertion accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the path generation approach by changing from using only visual terrain parameters to incorporating physics-based exertion parameters. The system calculates actual physical exertion metrics (work, calories burned, heart rate impact) and uses these as optimization parameters to generate paths that accurately reflect real-world physical demands while maintaining fast procedural generation speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors actual user exertion during biking and adjusts path generation parameters accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to refine future path generation to better match target exertion levels while maintaining efficient content creation processes.
3Reliability
If force feedback is added to virtual content, then immersion is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal haptic feedback framework that can be applied across different virtual biking scenarios and content types. The same core physics model and haptic actuator system serve multiple functions including terrain simulation, resistance control, and exertion feedback, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic haptic feedback that adapts in real-time based on the virtual biking conditions and user performance. The system dynamically adjusts force feedback parameters according to the synthesized terrain, user exertion level, and desired training objectives, creating immersive experiences without requiring complex static haptic configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are provided for generation of exertion-aware paths. Some embodiments include a computing system that can generate a path based at least on first data defining a terrain, second data defining a target level of total work, and third data defining a target level of perceived difficulty. The computing system also can generate a road surface along the path. Generating the road includes embedding metadata defining position-dependent resistance forces based on a physics model, the metadata controlling force feedback at virtual-reality equipment. The computing system also can supply the road surface to the virtual-reality equipment.