Mobile Computing Device as VR Controller via IR Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality (VR) systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate mobile computing devices as controllers or objects within the VR space, limiting user interaction and immersion.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that couples a mobile computing device with a VR headset, allowing the mobile device to execute VR applications and provide content for display, with position and orientation detection using IR LEDs or cameras, enabling the device to be rendered as an object or controller within the VR environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile computing device is integrated with a VR headset to execute VR applications and provide content, then user interaction and immersion are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mobile computing device with a VR headset into an integrated system where the mobile device executes VR applications and provides content while the headset delivers the visual experience. This merging allows the mobile device's processing capabilities to enhance VR interaction without requiring a completely separate complex VR system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile computing device serves multiple functions within the VR system: it executes VR applications, provides content, and enables user interaction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated specialized components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Measurement precision
If position and orientation detection using IR LEDs or cameras is implemented, then rendering accuracy in VR space is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses IR LEDs as intermediary elements that emit infrared light detectable by cameras. This intermediary approach enables position and orientation detection without requiring complex direct sensing mechanisms, as the IR LEDs serve as visible markers for the camera to track.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation (copy) of the mobile device's position and orientation in the VR space based on detection data from cameras tracking IR LEDs. This copying approach allows accurate rendering without requiring complex real-time transformation of physical detection data.
3Measurement precision
If a tethered wired connection with shape sensing cable is used to determine device position, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shape sensing cables with optical detection methods using cameras and IR LEDs. This substitution eliminates the need for physical tethered connections while maintaining position detection accuracy through visual tracking, thereby improving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user interaction and immersion by allowing mobile devices to function as controllers or objects within the VR space, providing real-time position and orientation data for accurate rendering and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The position detection device can be an Infrared (IR) sensor configured to detect output from a plurality of IR light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
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AI summary
In one general aspect, a system for providing a virtual reality (VR) space can include a mobile computing device, and a VR headset operatively coupled to the mobile computing device and including a screen. The mobile computing device can be configured to execute a VR application, and provide content for display on the screen of the VR headset in the VR space.