VIRTUAL REALITY GAME EXPERIENCE IN SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE

Smart overview of the Invention

A virtual reality (VR) system designed for self-driving vehicles introduces a new dimension of entertainment by integrating VR gaming with vehicular dynamics. This system utilizes a schedule of predicted accelerations to synchronize the VR experience with the vehicle's movements. By aligning the virtual game environment with real-world vehicular motion, the system aims to enhance user experience and mitigate issues like motion sickness that arise from misalignment between virtual and physical sensations.

Technical Field

The innovation is situated at the intersection of automotive technology and VR gaming, specifically targeting self-driving vehicles categorized under SAE levels 4 and 5. These levels represent advanced automation where vehicles can operate autonomously under various conditions. By leveraging this automation, the VR system transforms vehicles into mobile entertainment hubs, potentially redefining passenger experiences during travel.

Challenges and Solutions

Current entertainment systems in autonomous vehicles face challenges such as road noise and vehicle acceleration affecting user comfort. The proposed VR system addresses these by dynamically adjusting VR game play based on predicted vehicle accelerations. This proactive approach ensures that virtual experiences remain immersive and comfortable, even when external conditions change unexpectedly.

Methodology

The method involves receiving and processing predicted acceleration schedules from the vehicle's systems, allowing the VR game to adjust accordingly. In some scenarios, the VR system can request specific accelerations to enhance gameplay, which the vehicle evaluates for safety before execution. This bidirectional communication between the VR system and vehicle ensures that both virtual and real-world dynamics are harmonized.

Innovative Aspects

Unlike traditional approaches that react to immediate vehicular data, this system uses predictive modeling over future time periods to synchronize VR experiences with vehicular motion. It innovatively combines vehicle dynamics with gaming requirements without additional hardware, utilizing existing vehicular components to achieve desired accelerations. This integration offers a seamless blend of real-world motion and virtual interaction, setting a new standard for in-vehicle entertainment.