Vehicle Air Conditioner Wind Simulation for VR Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing experience systems fail to provide presence through visual information in virtual or augmented reality spaces, as users do not experience a sense of immersion due to the absence of environmental cues like wind and external conditions.
Innovation Solution
An experience system that includes an air conditioner capable of blowing wind and a processor that generates a virtual image of an open roof with a sky and landscape, synchronizing the wind blowing with the display of this image to create a realistic experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual space is provided to the user using head mounted display, then the user can immerse themselves in the virtual space even during avoidance operations, but the user cannot obtain presence according to visual information
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the environmental information into multiple sensory channels: visual information through head mounted display showing virtual space, and tactile information through wind blowing devices providing physical wind sensation. This segmentation allows each channel to contribute different aspects of presence, with the tactile channel compensating for limitations in the visual channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges virtual visual information from the head mounted display with real physical wind information from wind blowing devices. By combining these two different types of information (virtual visual + real tactile), the system creates a more complete and convincing presence experience that overcomes the limitations of using either channel alone.
2Reliability
If the roof of the moving body is opened to provide natural environment experience, then the user can experience real wind and sky, but the moving body structure is compromised and cannot be used during driving
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the actual roof to provide environmental experience, the system creates a virtual copy of the open roof environment using head mounted display. The display shows sky and surrounding landscape as if the roof were open, providing a visual replica of the desired environment without physically modifying the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces wind blowing devices as an intermediary between the user and the external environment. These devices generate artificial wind that mimics the sensation of open-air driving, mediating the environmental experience without requiring actual structural changes to the moving body.
3Loss of information
If wind blowing devices are added to provide tactile feedback, then the user can experience presence through wind sensation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner system is given a dual function: it continues to provide traditional climate control while also serving as a wind blowing device for virtual reality enhancement. By making the air conditioner multi-functional, the system adds tactile feedback capability without requiring completely separate dedicated wind generation equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity.
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
The system effectively allows users to experience presence by simulating wind, temperature, and humidity, enhancing immersion in virtual or augmented reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
an air conditioner (14) configured to blow a wind into a space inside a moving body (10)
Data Source
AI summary
An experience system includes: an air conditioner configured to blow a wind into a space inside a moving body; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to generate a virtual image in which at least a part of a roof of the moving body is opened, the virtual image including sky above the moving body and a surrounding landscape of the moving body, output the virtual image to a display device, and control wind-blowing of the air conditioner in conjunction with a display of the virtual image on the display device.