VR Manager Predicts User Motion to Prevent Physical Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-user working environments, physical and auditory interferences occur due to the proximity of co-located individuals engaged in different activities, leading to potential collisions and distractions in both physical and virtual spaces.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a VR manager that predicts user movements and identifies necessary physical space, preventing interference by generating a secondary virtual environment to guide users away from potential collision zones, employing IoT and 5G technologies to track movements and reduce auditory interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple users work in close proximity in a co-located space, then collaboration and productivity are improved, but physical interference and collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual dimension overlaying the physical workspace. Virtual boundaries and spatial indicators are projected into the users' field of view, adding a layer of information that guides physical movement without occupying physical space. This allows multiple users to maintain close physical proximity for collaboration while the virtual dimension prevents physical interference by showing them where not to step.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual reality displays and spatial indicators as intermediaries between users' intended movements and actual physical actions. These visual cues mediate the interaction by providing advance warning of potential collisions, allowing users to adjust their movements voluntarily while maintaining natural face-to-face interaction.
2Productivity
If users are engaged in different activities in close proximity, then task diversity and productivity are improved, but auditory interference and distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared physical space into virtual zones corresponding to different user activities. Each user's workspace is delineated by virtual boundaries that are visible to all users, creating visual privacy zones. This allows users to engage in different activities simultaneously while the segmented virtual spaces reduce auditory and visual distractions by clearly defining where each user's activity is appropriate.
3Productivity
If virtual reality systems are used to create virtual environments, then user immersion and task performance are improved, but physical space awareness and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the virtual environment with the physical workspace by projecting virtual boundaries and spatial indicators directly into the users' physical field of view. Rather than creating a completely immersive virtual world that isolates users from physical reality, the system combines both realities, allowing users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings while experiencing enhanced virtual task performance through augmented visual information.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method prevents physical interference between co-located users in virtual environments. The method includes identifying a first user associated with a first virtual reality (VR) system and a second user associated with a second VR system. The method also includes predicting a future movement of the first user to perform a first task in a primary virtual environment. The method further includes identifying, in response to the predicting the future movement of the first user, a first physical space needed for the first user. The method includes determining, in response to identifying the first physical space, a likely interference in a first physical location of the first user. The method also includes preventing the likely interference.