VR Peripheral Import Hub With Reach-Based Interaction Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality systems face challenges in improving user interaction with physical interface devices, especially for productivity-based tasks, as they lack effective methods for integrating and enhancing the use of peripheral devices within virtual environments.
Innovation Solution
A hub device that includes a transceiver, sensors, and processors to detect the physical environment, define interaction zones, and communicate with a display system to enhance user interaction with virtual displays, allowing physical peripherals to be integrated seamlessly with virtual environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical interface devices are used in virtual reality environments, then users can perform complex operations, but the interaction becomes less intuitive and efficient for productivity-based tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces zone definitions as an intermediary layer between physical devices and virtual environments. The hub device detects physical devices and defines zones around them, creating a spatial mapping that mediates interaction. This allows physical keyboards, mice, or other peripherals to be automatically recognized and integrated into VR workflows, improving both intuitiveness and productivity by eliminating the need for complex manual configuration.
2Productivity
If physical peripheral devices are integrated into virtual environments, then interaction efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub device performs self-service by automatically detecting physical peripherals and defining interaction zones without requiring manual configuration or complex setup procedures. The system autonomously maps physical devices to virtual environments, reducing the burden on users while maintaining high integration efficiency. This self-organizing approach improves productivity without proportionally increasing user-facing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub device serves multiple functions: it detects physical devices, defines zones, communicates with display systems, and coordinates interactions between physical and virtual elements. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single universal component rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby improving integration efficiency while managing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If zones are defined based on physical environment detection, then user reachability is aligned, but the detection and measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with sensor-based detection. Instead of using physical measuring tools or complex mechanical sensors, the hub device uses optical, electromagnetic, or ultrasound sensors to detect the physical environment and define zones. This substitution maintains accurate reachability alignment while significantly reducing the complexity of detection and measurement infrastructure.
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
Enables more intuitive and efficient interaction between physical peripherals and virtual displays by defining zones based on the physical environment, aligning with user reachability and enhancing the user's experience in virtual reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more sensors may include an optical, electromagnetic, or ultrasound imager to detect the aspects of the physical environment
Implementation Method 2
The one or more sensors may include an optical, electromagnetic, or ultrasound imager to detect the aspects of the physical environment
Implementation Method 3
The one or more sensors may include an optical, electromagnetic, or ultrasound imager to detect the aspects of the physical environment
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a sensing and tracking system detects objects, such as user input devices or peripherals, and user interactions with them. A representation of the objects and user interactions are then injected into the virtual reality environment. The representation can be an actual reality, augmented reality, virtual representation or any combination. For example, an actual keyboard can be injected, but with the keys pressed being enlarged and lighted.