Directed wind effect for AR/VR experience

Number: 10898798
Published: 2021-01-26
Filed: 2017-12-26
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Chapman; Steven M., Soto; Javier, Patel; Mehul, Popp; Joseph, Agyemang; Calis
CPC: A63F13/50; A63F13/28
Verdict: Low Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Directed-wind environmental show-effect hardware for AR/VR.

Abstract

An air flow generator may be implemented on an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) controller or head-mounted display (HMD) through which an AR or VR experience is presented. Based on content upon which the AR or VR experience is based, air flow effects can be provided by the air flow generator. In particular, desired air flow effect parameters based on or obtained from the content, can be used to enhance the AR or VR experience through generating air flow directed at a user of the HMD. The air flow generated by the air flow generator can be further enhanced by the addition of liquid and/or scented additives.

Background

TECHNICAL FIELD (1) The present disclosure relates generally to augmented and/or virtual reality presentations or experiences. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART (2) Virtual reality (VR) can refer to the creation of a fully immersive virtual world/space experience that users may interact with. For example, computer-generated graphics may be used to create a simulated world or experience with which a user can interact. Augmented reality (AR) can refer to the blending of VR elements and real life. For example, AR may involve providing a live displayed experience of a physical, real-world environment in which the real-world elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input. Oftentimes, AR/VR worlds or environments may be experienced using head-mounted displays (HMDs). BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE (3) In accordance with one embodiment, a method may comprise determining desired air flow effect parameters, and determining at least one of position and orientation of a head-mounted display (HMD) presenting an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experience to a user. The method may further comprise determining at least one of position and orientation of an air flow generator relative to the HMD. The air flow generator can be actuated to aim the air flow generator in accordance with the desired air flow effect parameters and the at least one of the position and orientation relative to the HMD. Additionally, a desired air flow effect on the user of the HMD is generate

Claims

1. A method, comprising: providing augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR) content to a head-mounted display (HMD); determining an air flow effect parameter based on the AR/VR content; receiving a user input from a controller to control an aspect of the AR/VR content, wherein the controller includes an air flow generator; determining position information based on a position of the HMD; transmitting the position information to the controller; directing a portion of the air flow generator based on a relative position of the air flow generator to the HMD based on the position information; and actuating the air flow generator to generate an air flow effect based on the air flow effect parameter, wherein the air flow effect enhances the AR/VR content. || 11. A system, comprising: a head-mounted display (HMD) configured to display an augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR) experience; a controller configured to control an aspect of the AR/VR experience, wherein the controller includes an air flow generator; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor cause the system to: provide the AR/VR experience to the HMD; determine an air flow effect parameter configured to enhance the AR/VR experience, wherein the air flow effect parameter is based on the AR/VR experience; determine position information based on a position of the HMD; transmit the position information to the controller; direct a portion of the air flow generator based on a relative position of the air flow generator to the HMD based on the position information; and actuate the air flow generator to generate an air flow effect based on the air flow effect parameter.