TECHNIQUES FOR IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCES

Number: 20200035026
Published: 2020-01-30
Filed: 2018-07-30
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: DEMIRCHIAN; Hambartsoum, PITALE; Madhura, HOGLEN; Isaaca Seychelle Graetz
CPC: H04N21/235; H04N21/4312; H04N21/2393; G06T19/006; H04N21/8586; H04N21/4126; H04N21/2353; H04N21/4755; H04N21/816; H04N21/6547; G06T19/20; H04N21/435; H04N21/44218; H04N21/8146
Verdict: Set aside VR content streaming/delivery, plumbing
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

Abstract

Various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein provide techniques for generating a three-dimensional virtual environment. A 3D object/effects generator executing on a client device receives a media content item. The 3D object/effects generator receives content metadata associated with the media content item. The 3D object/effects generator generates at least a portion of a 3D virtual environment based on the content metadata. The 3D object/effects generator displays the media content item and the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment on a display associated with a virtual reality device.

Background

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to virtual reality systems and, more specifically, to techniques for immersive virtual reality experiences.Description of the Related Art

Virtual reality (VR) is a rapidly growing form of media entertainment. In a VR system, a user experiences an artificial three-dimensional (3D) environment generated by a computer. The user views the VR environment via a display apparatus, such as VR glasses or a VR headset. The display apparatus may be fitted with speakers or other auditory devices to generate sounds. Further, the display apparatus may be fitted with haptic feedback devices to generate tactile and kinesthetic stimulus. The virtual reality system also may include various sensors, such as cameras, microphones, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, in order to receive oral, physical, and visual inputs from the user. In this manner, the user is able to navigate through a simulated 3D environment complete with sight, sound, and touch.

In some applications, a user can view two-dimensional (2D) media content, such as movies, television programs, or other video sources, while experiencing the virtual 3D environment. In such cases, the VR system typically generates a fixed 3D environment, such as a living room, and projects the 2D media content onto a virtual display screen that is present in the fixed 3D environment. The user then views the 2D media content on the virtual display s

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment, the method comprising: receiving a media content item; receiving content metadata associated with the media content item, wherein the content metadata specifies a movie buddy effect in which a movie buddy watches the media content item and interacts with a user in at least a portion of a 3D virtual environment; generating the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment based on the content metadata; and displaying the media content item and the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment on a display associated with a virtual reality device. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment, by performing the steps of: receiving a media content item; receiving content metadata associated with the media content item, wherein the content metadata specifies a movie buddy effect in which a movie buddy watches the media content item and interacts with a user in at least a portion of a 3D virtual environment; generating the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment based on the content metadata; and displaying the media content item and the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment on a display associated with a virtual reality device. 19. A computing device, comprising: a memory that includes a three-dimensional (3D) object/effects generator; and a processor that is coupled to the memory and, when executing the 3D object/effects generator, is configured to: receive a media content item from a content management server; receive, from the content management server, content metadata associated with the media content item, wherein the content metadata specifies a movie buddy effect in which a movie buddy watches the media content item and interacts with a user in at least a portion of a 3D virtual environment; and generate the at least a portion of the 3D virtual environment based on the content metadata.