VR Spectating Portal-Mediated Catch-Up for Disorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR) spectating methods for video games are limited in navigability, usability, and comfort, particularly in following or catching up with a target player, leading to disorientation and discomfort for spectators using head-mounted displays (HMDs).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of portal-mediated transitions and follow-assist functions, such as rubber-banding and catch-up functions, which allow spectators to seamlessly follow a target player by providing dynamic bands and portal views that move the spectator's vantage point closer to the player while maintaining a stable field of view, reducing disorientation and enhancing the spectating experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spectator manually navigates the game environment to follow a target player, then the spectator can view the game action, but the navigation becomes difficult and disorienting when the target player moves beyond a certain distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portal as an intermediary element that mediates between the spectator's current position and the target player's location. The portal displays a view from near the target player and transports the spectator to that location when activated, serving as a mediator that bridges the spatial gap without requiring complex manual navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical navigation system (manual controller input for moving the spectator) with a portal-based transport system. Instead of continuously controlling movement through the game environment, the spectator activates a portal that automatically transports them to the target location, substituting complex mechanical control with a simpler activation mechanism
2Measurement precision
If the spectator's field of view continuously adjusts to track the target player, then the spectator maintains focus on the player, but the continuous adjustment causes disorientation and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the portal at the target player's location and pre-rendering the view from that position. When the spectator activates the portal, the transition is seamless because the destination view is already prepared, avoiding the disorientation that would result from continuous real-time field of view adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the portal's visibility and accessibility dynamic rather than static. The portal appears and disappears based on the spectator's distance from the target player and the player's movement, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without requiring continuous field of view tracking
3Loss of information
If the portal remains visible throughout the transport, then the spectator can see the transition, but the portal blocks the view of the surrounding game environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly transitioning the spectator through the portal rather than allowing a slow, visible crawl through the portal structure. The transport happens quickly enough that the portal briefly blocks the view, but the spectator immediately emerges in the destination environment, minimizing the loss of environmental context
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for spectating a live video game are presented. In one embodiment, a method for performing an automated catch-up to a player is provided. The method includes providing an interface for presenting a first view of a video game on a client device where the first view has a first vantage point and includes a game player. The method includes an operation for providing a portal within the interface for presenting a second view of the game object, the second view having a second vantage point. The method further includes an operation for moving the second vantage point toward the game object within the portal. Additionally, the method provides an operation for removing the portal.