Sedentary Virtual Reality Mode Switching for Longer Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual reality systems cause user discomfort due to mismatches in motion perception, insufficient refresh rates, and lack of real-world context, limiting their usability and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A sedentary virtual reality system with a head-mounted display that includes a camera, position sensor, and computer processors to switch between virtual-reality, augmented-reality, and real-world viewing modes, providing real-world cues and control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted displays are used to provide immersive virtual reality environment, then user immersion in virtual world is improved, but user discomfort increases and duration of use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between virtual reality mode and augmented reality mode based on user needs. The head-mounted display can transition from providing full virtual immersion to showing real-world environmental cues, thereby extending comfortable usage duration while maintaining adaptability to different situational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of visual information presentation by switching between different display modes (virtual reality vs. augmented reality). This allows the system to adjust the level of virtual immersion based on situational context, reducing discomfort during extended use while preserving immersion capability when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If head-mounted displays are used to recreate virtual environments, then virtual world immersion is improved, but real-world context awareness is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between virtual reality mode (blocking real-world view) and augmented reality mode (showing real-world view through camera). This allows users to access real-world context information when needed while maintaining the ability to immerse in virtual environments when appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary that captures and displays real-world environmental cues to the user. When switched to augmented reality mode, the camera feed provides real-world context information, mediating between the virtual environment and physical surroundings
3Weight of moving object
If mobile devices are used as display apparatus in head-mounted systems, then device portability is improved, but resolution and frame rate decrease increasing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the display functionality by using the mobile device screen for augmented reality mode (where lower resolution is acceptable since it overlays on real-world view) and relying on the high-resolution VR display lenses for virtual reality mode. This allows the mobile device to remain portable while maintaining high visual quality when needed
Data Source
AI summary
Method and devices for creating a sedentary virtual-reality system are provided. A user interface is provided that allows for the intuitive navigation of the sedentary virtual-reality system based on the position of the users head. The sedentary virtual-reality system can render a desktop computing environment. The user can switch the virtual-reality system into an augmented reality viewing mode or a real-world viewing mode that allow the user to control and manipulate the rendered sedentary environment. The modes can also change to allow the user greater situational awareness and a longer duration of use.