Virtual Wearable Collision Avoidance via Dynamic Content Modification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual wearable computing devices, such as VR goggles, pose a hazard as users may collide with physical obstructions while immersed in virtual applications due to their inability to see their surroundings, leading to potential injuries and damage.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors the user's proximity to physical obstructions using multiple cameras for a 360-degree view, detects hazardous conditions, and modifies virtual content to prevent collisions by adjusting the user's anticipated travel path and movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual wearable computing devices display immersive virtual content to users, then user engagement and immersion in virtual applications is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to inability to see physical surroundings leading to collision hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser engagementVSAvoidcollision hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the user's physical environment using cameras and sensors, detecting obstacles and hazards in real-time. This feedback is processed to determine proximity to dangerous objects, and the virtual content is dynamically modified based on this feedback to prevent collisions while maintaining immersion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the virtual content - a safety monitoring system that acts as a mediator. This intermediary detects physical hazards and communicates with the virtual content rendering system to adjust or block content that would lead to unsafe actions, without completely breaking the immersive experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the system modifies virtual content to prevent collisions, then user safety is improved, but immersion and engagement in virtual applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoiduser engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies content modification locally and selectively rather than globally. Only specific portions of virtual content that would lead to hazardous actions are modified or blocked, while the rest of the immersive experience remains intact. This allows safety interventions to be applied precisely where needed without degrading overall engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by modifying only the necessary portions of virtual content rather than completely shutting down the immersive experience. It applies just enough content modification to prevent hazards while maintaining the majority of the engaging virtual application functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the system continuously monitors user proximity to physical obstructions, then collision prevention is improved, but computational resources and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multi-functional sensors and cameras that serve both immersive virtual reality functions and safety monitoring functions. The same hardware components used for tracking user movement and rendering virtual content are also utilized for detecting physical obstacles, reducing the need for additional dedicated safety sensors and simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10691945B2Altering virtual content based on the presence of hazardous physical obstructions

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer-implemented method includes: detecting, by a virtual wearable computing device, a hazardous condition based on monitoring a proximity of a user wearing the virtual wearable computing device to a physical obstruction; and alerting, by the virtual wearable computing device, the user regarding the detection of the hazardous condition.