Anti-motion-sickness Visual Reference in VR Headsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices, such as virtual and augmented reality masks, often cause motion sickness due to a mismatch between visual and inertial perceptions, as they lack sufficient external visual cues for spatial orientation, and peripheral screen solutions are not always feasible.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to superimpose a three-dimensional visual cue on the displayed image, using motion sensors to adjust frames and vanishing lines relative to the user's rotational and translational movements, enhancing spatial orientation by integrating inertial information into the central and peripheral vision fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If screens mask all or part of the user's field of vision in virtual or augmented reality, then immersive visual experience is improved, but motion sickness increases due to lack of external visual cues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmersive visual experienceVSAvoidmotion sickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension to the visual display by superimposing 3D inertial reference information (frames and vanishing lines) onto the 2D displayed image. This dimensional enhancement provides spatial orientation cues that help resolve the motion sickness problem while maintaining immersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary visual reference system (the superimposed 3D inertial reference) that mediates between the conflicting visual and inertial perceptions. This intermediary provides the missing spatial context that reconciles the contradiction between immersive display and motion comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If side screens are used to provide inertial information in peripheral vision, then motion sickness is reduced, but device complexity and feasibility decrease for virtual and augmented reality masks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sicknessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of providing inertial reference information with the existing central display screen. Instead of adding separate peripheral screens, the inertial reference is superimposed on the same display, combining multiple functions into a single component and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen serves multiple functions: it provides the primary immersive visual content and simultaneously displays the inertial reference information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated peripheral screens while maintaining the motion sickness mitigation benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If visual information is superimposed on the displayed image to provide spatial orientation, then user comfort is improved, but visual clarity and immersion may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidvisual clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different visual qualities to different regions of the display. The inertial reference information is displayed with subtle, non-intrusive characteristics in specific areas, while the main visual content maintains its full quality and clarity. This local differentiation ensures both comfort and visual fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The superimposed inertial reference uses asymmetric positioning and styling to distinguish itself from the main content without competing for attention. The reference elements are placed and designed to complement rather than compete with the primary visual information, preserving immersion while providing orientation cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This approach improves user comfort by aligning visual and inertial perceptions, allowing users to better locate themselves in space, reducing motion sickness and enhancing visual stability.

Implementation Method 1

The method comprises the steps of: defining a virtual tube around a central vision axis of the user... The three-dimensional image is modified in response to the measurement of a rotational movement by the at least one motion sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion sensing:

Implementation Method 2

displaying said three-dimensional image superimposed on the displayed image in order to have a visual reference in the displayed image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVisual perception:

Data Source

PatentEP4473382B1Method for displaying a comfort-increasing and especially Anti-motion-sickness visual reference
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 BOARDING RING
  • EP4473382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4473382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4473382B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying a visual reference in an image displayed by a viewing device masking all or some of the field of view of a user (100), said viewing device further comprising at least one movement sensor. The method defines a virtual tube (200) around a viewing axis (130) of the user (100), the walls of the tube (200) corresponding to the peripheral visual field (120) of the user (200). The visual reference comprises at least one frame (300) and lines (310), the lines being placed on the walls of the tube (200). In response to a measurement of a rotational movement, the lines (310) are modified to make a rotational movement about the viewing axis (130) that is opposite the measured rotational movement and the frame (300) is modified to make a rotational movement perpendicular to the viewing axis (130) also opposite the measured rotational movement.