Shared VR Play Area Control for Multi-Group Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality systems limit users to a single fixed physical environment for interaction, requiring them to travel to a specific location, which restricts versatility and immersion.
Innovation Solution
A system that divides a configurable virtual reality play area into multiple areas, allowing different player groups to occupy and transition between them, using modular panels and a transport area to enable flexible configuration and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed physical environment is used for virtual reality interaction, then users can experience immersive VR, but the system is limited to a single location and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The physical environment is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently configured and arranged to create different virtual reality spaces. Each panel represents a discrete unit that can be assembled in various configurations, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed environment to a dynamic reconfigurable environment where panels can be moved, added, or removed based on training or gaming requirements. This dynamic configuration capability allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and adapt to changing operational needs.
2Productivity
If multiple player groups share a single virtual reality play area, then resource utilization improves, but player safety and experience quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual reality play area is segmented into multiple distinct zones or rooms, each capable of hosting a separate player group simultaneously. This spatial segmentation allows multiple groups to engage in different training scenarios or games without interfering with each other, maintaining safety while maximizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual walls and environmental boundaries act as intermediaries that separate different player groups within the shared physical space. These virtual barriers prevent accidental interactions between groups while allowing each group to experience their own immersive environment, thus maintaining both safety and throughput.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed virtual reality map is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide varied training scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual reality environment transitions from a static map to a dynamic, reconfigurable space where panel arrangements can be changed to create different training scenarios. The same physical panels can be configured to represent different environments (e.g., classroom, hallway, office) depending on training requirements, providing scenario variety without adding complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panels serve multiple functions: they define physical boundaries, create virtual environments, control player movement between zones, and provide contextual information for training scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single set of panels to support diverse training requirements, from classroom instruction to emergency response scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling player movement within a fixed virtual reality play area includes a plurality of panels defining an X by Y virtual reality play area, a transport area associated with the X by Y virtual reality play area and a virtual reality system. The virtual reality system displays a virtual reality environment to players. The virtual reality system divides the X by Y virtual reality play area defined by the plurality of panels into a plurality of virtual reality environment play areas. Each of the plurality of virtual reality environment areas comprises a portion of the virtual reality play area. The virtual reality system associates a first virtual reality player group with a first virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas and associates a second virtual reality player group with a second virtual reality environment play area of the plurality of virtual reality environment play areas. The first and second virtual reality player groups include at least one player member. The virtual reality system determines if the second virtual reality environment play area has been vacated by the second virtual reality player group. If the second virtual reality player group has not vacated the second virtual reality environment play area, the virtual reality system prevents entry of the first virtual reality player group into the second virtual reality environment play area from the first virtual reality environment play area. If the second virtual reality player group has vacated the second virtual reality environment play area, the virtual reality system enables entry of the first virtual reality player group into the second virtual reality environment play area from the first virtual reality environment play area.