Mobile Computer-Tethered VR System Using Phone as Controller
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Stationary computer-tethered VR/AR systems are limited by unwieldy cables and location-dependent use due to their connection requirements, lacking the portability and simplicity of standalone systems while also requiring additional controllers or accessories.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computer-tethered VR/AR system that integrates a mobile computer with a HMD, equipped with sensors such as touch, tracking, and 3D depth sensors, allowing for user input and image generation without additional controllers, and optionally connecting with remote servers for distributed processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a stationary computer is used to tether the HMD, then fast processing capability and interoperability with external servers are achieved, but unwieldy long cables and location-limited use occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the computing function into two parts: a mobile computer that provides fast processing capability and is carried by the user, and a simplified HMD that only needs to display content. This segmentation allows the heavy processing to occur on the mobile device while the HMD remains lightweight and portable, eliminating the need for long cables connecting to a stationary computer.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a computing device for generating VR/AR images, a controller for receiving user inputs through its sensors, and a portable platform that eliminates the need for stationary computer connections. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating processing power and portability into a single device.
2Power
If a stationary computer is used to tether the HMD, then fast processing capability is achieved, but the system becomes complex requiring additional controllers or accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the stationary computer, VR/AR controller, and accessory devices into a single mobile computer. The mobile computer's sensors (touch sensor, tracking sensor, 3D depth sensor) replace the need for separate controllers, while its processing capability matches or exceeds that of stationary computers. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining fast processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computer is designed to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices: it generates VR/AR images, receives user inputs through various sensors, and interfaces with the HMD. This universality eliminates the need for additional controllers or accessories, resolving the contradiction between processing capability and system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If standalone HMD is used, then portability and simplicity are achieved, but fast processing capability and external server interoperability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computer provides universal functionality by serving as both a portable platform and a powerful processing device. It maintains the portability of standalone HMDs while incorporating the fast processing capability of stationary computers, and adds the ability to interface with external servers through wireless communication, thus resolving all three contradictions simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) system comprising a mobile computer and a head mount display (HMD) tethered to the mobile computer. In the VR/AR system, the mobile computer is used not only as a computing device for generating VR/AR images but also a VR/AR controller for controlling a VR/AR service provided in the system. User inputs for such controlling is generated by sensors installed in the mobile computer, including a touch sensor, a tracking sensor and/or a 3D depth sensor.