VR See-Through Window for Boundary Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional VR systems disrupt user experience by suddenly switching from a virtual reality environment to the real-world scene when the user approaches a boundary, causing a jarring transition.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically displays a see-through window in the VR content when the user is within a specific distance range from the virtual scene boundary, allowing a gradual transition and displaying the real-world scene, with the window size adjusting based on proximity to the boundary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the VR system stops presenting VR content and displays the real-world scene when the user approaches the boundary, then the user safety is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to sudden transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying a see-through window showing the real-world scene before the user actually reaches the boundary. This early warning mechanism allows the user to gradually become aware of their proximity to the boundary and adjust their movement accordingly, avoiding the sudden jarring transition that occurs when the VR content is completely stopped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The see-through window acts as an intermediary element between the virtual reality content and the real-world scene. Instead of directly switching from full VR immersion to full real-world view, the semi-transparent window provides a gradual transition, allowing users to perceive both the virtual environment and hints of the real-world boundary area simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the see-through window is displayed only when the user is very close to the boundary, then the user experience is improved by maintaining immersion, but the warning effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidboundary awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system triggers the see-through window display at a predetermined distance threshold before the user reaches the actual boundary. This preliminary warning allows sufficient time for the user to notice the real-world scene through the window and adjust their movement, preventing accidental collisions while maintaining VR immersion for most of the experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11493764B2Method for dynamically displaying real-world scene, electronic device, and computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 HTC CORP

AI summary

The invention provides a method for dynamically displaying real-world scene, an electronic device and a computer readable medium. The method includes: obtaining a virtual scene boundary of a virtual reality environment; monitoring a specific distance between a specific element in a virtual reality system and the virtual scene boundary; in response to determining that the specific distance ranges between a first threshold and a second threshold, displaying a see-through window in a virtual reality content of the virtual reality environment, wherein the see-through window displays a real-world scene.