VR Headset External Sensor Collision Alert System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) often hinder users' awareness of objects in their vicinity, posing a risk of unexpected interactions during immersive virtual reality experiences.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an external sensor system with a head-mounted display that detects characteristics of objects around the user and displays alerts on an internal display if predefined criteria are met, allowing users to be aware of their surroundings and preventing collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a head mounted display places display screens in front of the user's eyes to present a pseudo-stereo view of a 3D scene, then the user can experience immersive virtual reality, but the user's awareness of objects in the vicinity is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmersive virtual reality experienceVSAvoidawareness of real-world objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the user's visual attention by providing separate information channels: the HMD displays virtual reality content while external sensors independently detect real-world objects and provide alerts through alternative modalities (visual, auditory, haptic). This segmentation allows the user to maintain immersion in VR while receiving discrete warnings about real-world obstacles without breaking the virtual experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

External sensors act as intermediaries between the user and the real world. These sensors detect objects in the vicinity and translate their presence into alerts that the user can perceive through multiple modalities. The sensors mediate the conflict between VR immersion and real-world awareness by providing translated warning signals that don't directly compete with the VR display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an HMD blocks the user's view of the real world, then the user can focus on virtual content, but the user may collide with or interact unexpectedly with objects in the vicinity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus on virtual contentVSAvoidsafety from unexpected interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external sensors perform preliminary detection of objects in the user's path before the user can potentially collide with them. The system proactively identifies obstacles and triggers alerts in advance, allowing the user to react before a collision occurs. This preliminary action maintains the user's focus on virtual content while ensuring safety through提前 warning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where external sensors continuously monitor the user's surroundings and provide real-time alerts based on detected objects. This feedback mechanism ensures that the user is informed of real-world hazards without requiring the user to visually process the real world, maintaining both focus and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the HMD provides immersive virtual reality experience, then the user can engage with virtual content, but the user cannot perceive real-world objects that may physically interact with the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual reality engagementVSAvoidphysical interaction with real-world objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

External sensors serve as intermediaries that detect real-world objects and translate their presence into multi-modal alerts. These sensors bridge the gap between the virtual VR experience and physical reality, allowing the user to engage with virtual content while being warned of potential physical interactions with real objects through visual, auditory, and haptic signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the user's mechanical visual perception of the real world with an electronic sensing and alert system. Instead of relying on the user to visually detect and process real-world objects, the system uses external sensors to detect objects and substitutes the user's visual processing with electronic detection and multi-modal alert delivery, preserving VR immersion while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10474411B2System and method for alerting VR headset user to real-world objects

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A system and method are presented for alerting a head mounted display (HMD) user to real-world objects. The HMD includes a controller, an internal display, and an external sensor. One or more characteristics of an object in a vicinity of the user are detected, using the external sensor. It is determined whether a detected characteristic matches a predefined criterion, and, if so, an alert is displayed to the user on the internal display.