Virtual Reality Communication System for Immersive Remote Collaboration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional virtual reality and augmented reality devices and methods lack immersive imagery for remote collaboration, restricting users' ability to work simultaneously on projects and limiting hand-free operation.

Innovation Solution

A virtual reality communication system comprising connected computing devices with cameras, image processors, and synchronizing modules that generate and synchronize three-dimensional images and stereoscopic videos, allowing remote users to collaborate and interact with immersive visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional virtual reality devices are used, then users can experience virtual reality, but the devices lack immersive imagery for remote collaboration and do not allow hands-free operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmersive collaboration capabilityVSAvoidhands-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted device integrates multiple functions including virtual reality display, augmented reality display, and video communication capabilities into a single device. The device can switch between VR mode, AR mode, and video call mode, allowing users to perform multiple tasks without needing separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures real-world images through cameras and creates stereoscopic video representations that are displayed in the virtual environment. This allows remote users to see and interact with realistic copies of physical objects and environments, enabling immersive remote collaboration without physical presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If head mount devices are used for virtual reality, then users can experience VR, but the same device cannot be used for augmented reality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-reality capabilityVSAvoiddevice configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted device dynamically switches between different operational modes (VR, AR, video communication) based on user needs. The display system can transition between showing purely virtual content, purely real-world content, or combined AR content, making the device adaptable to different scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines VR display components, AR display components, and video communication components into a single integrated head-mounted device. This merging of previously separate functions into one device reduces the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining all capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tablet based augmented reality collaboration is used, then users can collaborate remotely, but users' hands are not free to do work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote collaboration capabilityVSAvoidhands freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions collaboration from a 2D tablet interface to a 3D immersive environment. By displaying stereoscopic video and virtual objects in three-dimensional space, users can interact with collaborative content using natural hand movements and gestures rather than being constrained to touch a flat screen, freeing their hands for actual work tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing virtual reality methods are used, then users can communicate remotely, but the imagery lacks immersion and makes it difficult for remote users to work simultaneously on the same project

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous collaboration capabilityVSAvoidimmersive imagery quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional 2D video conferencing with stereoscopic 3D video transmission. By capturing and transmitting depth information through multiple cameras and processing them into stereoscopic pairs, the system provides immersive spatial awareness that allows remote users to perceive and interact with virtual objects as if physically present, enabling more effective simultaneous collaboration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10154247B2Virtual reality communication systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 DARVIS INC

AI summary

A virtual reality communication system includes a first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device includes a first camera configured to capture at least one image, and a connector. The second computing device includes a second camera configured to capture the at least one image, a docking connector configured to receive the connector of the first computing device, an image processor configured to combine the at least one image of the first camera with the at least one image of the second camera by correcting color to generate a three dimensional image, and a synchronizing module configured to synchronize the at least one image captured by the first camera with the at least one image captured by the second camera and adjust an intraocular distance between the first camera and the second camera.