Gaming System for Physical Object Orientation in Virtual Reality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Game developers and toy manufacturers face challenges in creating engaging interactions between users and virtual worlds, as existing technologies lack effective methods for seamlessly integrating real-world physical objects into virtual reality environments, limiting user interaction and feedback.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that enables users to control virtual representations of real-world action figures and accessories within a virtual reality environment using communicatively coupled devices, which include sensors and communication modules, allowing for orientation, movement, and interaction data to be processed and reflected in the virtual world, while also providing feedback through physical accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical objects are integrated into virtual reality environments, then user interaction and engagement are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary device (gaming system/console) that mediates between physical objects and virtual reality environments. The system includes a processor that receives sensor data from physical objects and generates corresponding virtual representations, acting as a bridge that manages the complexity of integrating physical and digital worlds without requiring direct complex interactions between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical interaction systems with sensor-based detection and digital processing. Instead of complex mechanical linkages between physical toys and virtual worlds, the system uses sensors to detect physical object states and translates them into virtual representations through software processing, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and communication modules are added to physical objects, then interaction data can be processed, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal communication protocols and standardized sensor interfaces that allow different physical objects to interact with the gaming system through common methods. The system can handle multiple types of sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnets) and various physical objects (toys, games, accessories) using a unified architecture, simplifying manufacturing by reducing the need for object-specific custom integration.
3Reliability
If proprietary wireless networks and unique identification codes are implemented, then counterfeit prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses unique identification codes that are essentially digital copies or representations of physical object identities. Each physical object has a unique ID that is copied into the virtual representation, allowing the system to verify authenticity and track objects without requiring complex cryptographic hardware. The proprietary wireless network transmits these ID copies for verification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If real-world physical objects are integrated into virtual environments, then immersive experience is enhanced, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where sensor data from physical objects is continuously detected, processed, and reflected back as virtual representations in real-time. The system monitors orientation, movement, and other physical properties, then provides immediate visual or interactive feedback in the virtual environment, creating an immersive experience while managing detection complexity through continuous real-time processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes communicatively coupling a physical object with a body. One or more of the body or the physical object has connectivity to a computer having a processor. The method also includes detecting a contact position between the physical object and the body. The method further includes setting a function of the physical object based on the contact position. The method additionally includes generating a virtual representation of the physical object and the body in a virtual reality viewable by way of a display associated with the computer. Generation of the virtual representation of the physical object and the body includes orienting a virtual version of the physical object with respect to a virtual version of the body based on the contact position. The method also includes causing the virtual version of the physical object to be usable in accordance with the function of the physical object.