VR Platform Levitation Film Motion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual reality systems limit natural movement, such as walking or running, to an optical representation and do not allow for free movement within the virtual environment.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a stationary base, a movable platform levitated using actuators, and a surrounding film that moves to compensate for user movements, allowing for free movement within a virtual reality environment while maintaining the user's position on the platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a person moves freely on the platform, then natural movement in virtual reality is enabled, but the person's position on the platform changes which breaks immersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural movement capabilityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Motion sensors detect the person's movements on the platform and provide feedback to the controller, which then actuates the film to compensate for the movements and maintain the person's position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The film acts as an intermediary between the person and the platform, moving in response to detected movements to compensate for position changes and maintain immersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the platform is fixed on the base, then structural stability is achieved, but space is required for mechanical support structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidsystem footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical support structure is replaced with a magnetic field-based levitation system using magnets on both the base and platform, eliminating the need for physical mechanical supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform transitions from a fixed mechanical connection to a controllable magnetic field connection, allowing the stability parameter to be maintained while changing the spatial configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 immersive and unrestricted natural movement within a virtual reality environment, enhancing the user experience by providing a space-saving solution for simulating free movement without physical constraints.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one levitation actuator is designed as an electromagnetic actuator which puts the platform into the desired levitation state with the aid of electromagnetic forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The at least one motion sensor can include a camera that optically captures the motion(s) of a person located on the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3452885B1System for creating a virtual reality environment
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3452885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3452885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3452885B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (2) for creating a virtual reality environment, comprising a stationary base (4); a platform (6) which is movably arranged with respect to the stationary base (4) and is enclosed by a film (14) which is movable relative to the platform (6); at least one floating actuator (10) which allows to put the platform (6) into a contactless floating state with respect to the base (4) and to keep it in this state; and at least one motion actuator (16a, 16b, 16c) which is designed to move the film (14) relative to the platform (6).