Mobile Device as VR Controller via Intermediary Signal Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual Reality (VR) systems face challenges with expensive dedicated controllers that are difficult for users to become comfortable with, adding complexity and hardware requirements, necessitating a more intuitive and cost-effective solution for controlling VR content.

Innovation Solution

Establishing communication between a computer system, a VR head-mounted display (HMD), and a mobile device to receive user inputs for controlling VR content, utilizing intuitive controls like touch, bezel, motion, and in-air interactions on devices users are already familiar with, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dedicated VR controllers are used to control VR content, then control functionality is provided, but hardware cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidhardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mobile device as an intermediary controller between the user and the VR system. The mobile device receives user inputs through familiar interfaces (touchscreen, motion sensors) and transmits control signals to the VR head-mounted display, eliminating the need for dedicated VR controllers while maintaining control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a controller for VR content, provides a familiar user interface, and leverages existing hardware capabilities (accelerometer, gyroscope, touchscreen) to deliver control functionality across different VR applications without requiring specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If dedicated VR controllers are used to control VR content, then control functionality is provided, but user comfort and familiarity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoiduser difficulty in becoming comfortable

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device leverages its own existing interface and control mechanisms (touchscreen, motion sensors, familiar layout) to provide VR control functionality. Users interact with the VR system through the mobile device's self-familiar interface, eliminating the learning curve associated with dedicated VR controllers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional VR hardware is added to the system, then control capabilities are enhanced, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol optionsVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the mobile device as a copy of a controller interface that users already possess and understand. Instead of creating new hardware, the system repurposes the existing mobile device interface to provide VR control capabilities, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining control versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11393171B2Mobile device based VR content control

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to controlling virtual reality (VR) content displayed on a VR head mounted display (HMD). Communication can be established between a computer system, a VR HMD, and a mobile device. A user input configured to control VR content displayed on a display of the VR HMD can be received on the mobile device. The VR content displayed on the VR HMD can then be controlled based on the user input received on the mobile device.