VR rig

Creator: strages Status: working on it Born On: 21:26, 21 August 2013 (CDT) Last Updated: 16:51, 20 December 2014 (CDT)

Overview

The VR rig we've always wanted but never had. Hackerspaces allow folks access to all kinds of new things. Why not VR?

The basics

• Head mounted display
  • head tracking
    • computer vision
    • gyro

The extras

• haptic feedback
• omni-directional treadmill
  • actual moving treadmill
    • rotating platform with traditional rollers or tread
    • bed of bearings
  • slippery bowl
    • slick shoes with a little bit of grip on the toe
  • human hampster ball

Attempt #1

Stumbled upon a headmounted display at Essex right after reading Ready Player One and decided it was fate so I bought it. --strages (talk) 21:26, 21 August 2013 (CDT)

Headmounted display

• Sony HMZ T1 (strages)
  • dual screen (one per eye)
    • 720p per eye
  • HDMI input with HDMI pass through for an additional screen
  • Supports 3D
    • Blu-ray
    • split screen stereoscopic
  • 5.1 surround sound via headphones
  • Cost: ~$190

Notes

• I need to move the screens closer to the eyes to better fill the field of view for better immersion. Right now it's like a 150" display 8' away. --strages (talk) 21:32, 21 August 2013 (CDT)

Head tracking

• Gyration Airmouse Go Plus
  • came with a wireless keyboard
  • requires trigger on mouse to be depressed to use in the air
  • Cost: ~$65

Notes

• Tested out using the gyro mouse for head tracking and it worked well but had to turn up the mouse speed in Portal 2 to have it keep up with how fast I was moving my head. --strages (talk) 23:16, 12 October 2013 (CDT)

Hand tracking

• Wiimote (accelerometer) with the Motion Plus addon (gyro) x2
  • 6dof
  • Cost: ~$50

Notes

• I have a nunchuck to go with the wiimote which has it's own accelerometer but I'm not sure if I can work it into this setup in place of a second wiimote. --strages (talk) 17:58, 27 September 2013 (CDT)

Attempt #2

Google Cardboard kits came out after Google I/O conference in 2014. Since they've flooded the market.

Headmounted display

• Google Cardboard kit
  • HTC One phone
    • Coast: ~$100

References

• strages's pinterest board on VR