VR Safe Area Update Using Laser Radar and Depth Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Virtual Reality (VR) experiences, users cannot see the real world around them, leading to potential safety hazards due to body displacement and undetected obstacles, especially when obstacles are behind the user.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for updating the virtual reality experience safe area, which includes a safe area setting module, an obstacle detecting module using laser radar and depth camera, and a safe area updating module to dynamically adjust the safe area based on detected obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VR equipment provides immersive virtual reality experience, then user immersion and VR experience quality are improved, but user safety deteriorates due to inability to see real world obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary obstacle detection system (including laser radar and depth camera) that mediates between the VR immersive experience and real-world safety. This intermediary system detects obstacles and provides feedback to adjust the safe area, allowing users to maintain immersion while safety is protected through indirect monitoring and control mechanisms.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If obstacle detection is added to ensure safety, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system is segmented into multiple independent components: laser radar for distance measurement, depth camera for environmental mapping, and separate processing modules. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing the complexity burden on any single element of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality where the laser radar and depth camera can serve multiple purposes: obstacle detection, safe area calculation, boundary definition, and real-time monitoring. This universality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safe area is dynamically updated based on obstacles, then safety is improved, but calculation and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating safe areas based on initial obstacle detection and establishing baseline safety zones before user movement begins. This allows the system to have safety parameters ready in advance, reducing the need for extensive real-time calculations during critical movement phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection and safe area updating operate continuously rather than intermittently, maintaining constant monitoring of the environment. This continuous action ensures that safety updates are timely and seamless, preventing safety gaps while avoiding the need for repeated intensive batch processing that would increase overall processing time.
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
Ensures the safety of the user by dynamically updating the safe area in real-time, preventing collisions with obstacles and enhancing the overall VR experience by reducing blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
A laser radar module, which is configured to take a user as a centre, emit a laser signal towards 360° around the user, and receive the reflected laser signal
Implementation Method 2
emit a laser signal towards 360° around the user, and receive the reflected laser signal
Implementation Method 3
a depth camera arranged on the VR headset of the VR device, configured to photograph the environment in the direction faced by the VR headset
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual reality experience safe area updating method and apparatus are provided. belonging to a Virtual Reality technical field. Virtual reality experience safe area update unit, including: A safe area setting module configured to set an initial safe area; obstacle detecting module, configured to detect obstacle around the user; the safe area update module is configured to update the range of the safe area according to the detected obstacle.