Virtual Controller Visualization in VR Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users interacting with virtual reality environments using physical controllers face challenges in finding and understanding the functions of control elements, as existing solutions are often inaccurate or hard-coded and lack context-specific information.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses optical positional tracking and sensors to create a realistic virtual representation of physical controllers, providing context-specific information and interactive element labeling, and allows for dynamic augmentation based on the virtual environment and user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical controller is used in virtual reality, then interaction capability is improved, but user ability to find and understand control elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the physical controller that is displayed within the virtual reality environment. This virtual copy mirrors the physical controller's appearance and control elements, allowing users to see and understand the controller's layout and functions while maintaining natural physical interaction. The virtual representation is generated by capturing images of the physical controller and rendering them in the VR environment, providing a visual guide that enhances usability without adding physical complexity.
2Productivity
If generic controller shapes are used, then development time is reduced, but accuracy of control mapping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the virtual controller representation to match the specific physical controller being used. Instead of relying on hard-coded generic mappings, the system captures images of the actual physical controller and uses these to generate an accurate virtual representation in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to work with any physical controller without requiring pre-programmed knowledge of specific controller layouts, achieving both flexibility and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically captures images of the physical controller using the VR headset's camera or external imaging devices, then processes these images to generate the virtual representation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or hard-coding of controller-specific mappings, allowing the system to adapt to different controllers automatically without requiring programming intervention for each controller type.
3Ease of manufacture
If hard-coded controller representations are used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different controllers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal solution that works with any physical controller by using image capture and processing rather than hard-coded mappings. The virtual representation system is designed to be controller-agnostic, automatically adapting to different controller types, layouts, and configurations through image-based recognition. This universal approach maintains implementation simplicity while achieving broad adaptability across different controller designs.
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 by providing accurate and context-aware virtual representations of physical controllers, improving immersion and usability in virtual reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
Exemplary transmitters contain two orthogonal rotors that each emit a fan-shaped laser beam
Implementation Method 2
EP3218736A1 and WO2016077401 disclose optical positional tracking systems that may be used in virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR) applications
Implementation Method 3
Exemplary systems determine position by measuring the time at which each swept beam crosses each receiver/detector
Data Source
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AI summary
Controller visualization systems and methods for use in virtual/augmented reality environments such as walk-around virtual reality environments are described. The virtual representation of a physical control device may be altered based on the context of the virtual environment. Certain embodiments combine the virtual rendering of the tracked control device with a real-time video representation of part of the operating space. In certain embodiments, the display of additional information relating to the function of interactive elements may be displayed based on context, such as when a specific action is required from a user in the virtual space.