Passive Locators for VR Headset Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual reality (VR) systems rely on active devices like light emitting diodes for tracking headset position, increasing design and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A VR system utilizing passive locators on a headset with unique reflectance configurations, illuminated by a source device and captured by an imaging device, allows the VR console to determine the headset's position based on the reflectance patterns, eliminating the need for active tracking components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active devices like light emitting diodes are used for tracking headset position, then tracking capability is achieved, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using active light-emitting devices to generate tracking signals, the patent inverts the approach by using passive reflective markers that reflect ambient or projected light back to the imaging device. This eliminates the need for active components in the headset while maintaining tracking capability through the reflective properties of the markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary light source (projector or ambient light) that illuminates the passive reflective markers on the headset. This intermediary provides the light necessary for tracking without requiring active components in the headset itself, thus reducing complexity while maintaining tracking functionality.
2Device complexity
If passive locators with unique reflectance configurations are used, then design complexity is reduced, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each marker group a unique reflectance configuration specific to its location on the headset. Different marker groups have different reflectance properties (e.g., different colors, patterns, or materials) that allow the system to distinguish between markers at different positions, maintaining measurement precision without requiring complex active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and reflectance variations as the identifying characteristic of different marker groups. By assigning unique reflectance configurations (different colors, patterns, or reflective properties) to markers at different locations, the system can accurately determine headset position through optical detection without needing complex electronics.
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
Simplifies VR headset design and manufacturing by using passive locators to track position, reducing complexity and potentially improving accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each marker group on a VR headset has a unique reflectance configuration. The reflectance configuration of a marker group describes a spatial configuration (e.g., a number and arrangement of passive locators) of passive locators within the marker group and describes a reflectance type for each of the passive locators within the marker group.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual reality (VR) headset includes a plurality of marker groups each corresponding to a different location on the VR headset. Each marker group includes one or more passive locators having positions relative to each other. Passive locators included in a marker group are configured to reflect one or more bands of light emitted by a source device. A VR system determines positions of passive locators relative to each other in a marker group and bands of light reflected by the passive locators included in the marker group to determine a location on the VR headset. Based on the location on the VR headset, the VR system determines a position of the VR headset and identifies content to provide to the VR headset.