Location-based VR Tracking Solution

LPVR Location-based VR Tracking Introduction

NOTE: In case you are looking for our LPVR middleware for automotive and motion simulator applications, please refer to this page.

UPDATE 1: Full SteamVR platform support

UPDATE 2: Customer use case with AUDI and Lightshape

UPDATE 3: Customer use case with Bandai Namco

Consumer virtual reality head mounted display (HMD) systems such as the HTC VIVE support so-called room scale tracking. These systems are able to track head and controller motion of a user not only in a sitting or other stationary position, but support free, room-wide motions. The volume of this room scale tracking is limited to the capabilities of the specific system, usually covering around 5m x 5m x 3m. Whereas for single user games or applications this space may be sufficient, especially multi-user, location-based VR applications such as arcade-style game setups or enterprise applications require larger tracking volumes.

Optical tracking systems such as Optitrack offer tracking volumes of up to 15m x 15m x 3m. Although the positioning accuracy of optical tracking systems are in the sub-millimeter range, especially orientation measurement is often not sufficient to provide an immersive experience to the user. Image processing and signal routing may introduce further latencies.

Our locations-based VR / large room-scale tracking solution solves this problem by combining optical tracking information with inertial measurement data using a special predictive algorithm based on a head motion model.

Compatible HMDs: HTC VIVE, HTC VIVE Pro
Compatible optical tracking systems: Optitrack, VICON, ART, Qualisys, all VRPN-compatible tracking systems
Compatible software: Unity, Unreal, Autodesk VRED, all SteamVR-compatible applications

This location-based VR solution is now available from LP-RESEARCH. Please contact us here for more information or a price quotation.

IMU and Optical Tracker Attachment

The system follows each HMD using a combination of optical and IMU tracking. A special 3D-printed holder is used to attach a high-quality IMU (LPMS-CU2) and optical markers to an HTC VIVE headset.

HTC VIVE with LP holder and IMU attached

To create a perfectly immersive experience for the user, optical information is augmented with data from an inertial measurement unit at a rate of 800Hz. Additionally to the high frequency / low-latency updates, a head motion model is used to predict future movements of the player’s head. This creates an impression of zero latency gameplay.

Overview of solution key functionality

Tracking Camera, HMD and Player Setup

In its current configuration the system can track up to 20 actors simultaneously, each holding a VIVE controller to interact with the environment. Players wear backpack PCs to provide visualization and audio.

Complete location-based VR system setup

Playground and Camera Arrangement

The solution covers an area of 15m x 15m or more. There is an outer border of 1.5m that is out of the detection range of the cameras. This results in an actual, usable playground area of 13.5m x 13.5m. The overall size of the playground is 182.25m². The cameras are grouped around the playground to provide optimum coverage of the complete area.

Location-based VR playground setup

 

Contact us for further information.

New Miniature Sensor In: LPMS-ME1 Maker Edition!

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The LPMS-ME1’s Maker Edition is miniature-sized with just 12 x 12 x 2.6 mm.

We proudly present you our latest development! The LPMS-ME1 is our smallest motion sensor so far, with just 12 x 12 x 2.6 mm it is tiny! Despite its size this powerful 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) has several sensors integrated, for example a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis magnetometer. And this miniature motion sensor certainly comes at low cost.

It is very easy to assemble and can be conveniently embedded in the system of your choice. Due to its size it is perfect for your design ideas and development projects. Just to to give you some inspiration, it can be used for human motion capture or sports performance evaluation, for various sorts of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and can be used to control unmanned aerial vehicles. You can even fly a drone with it!

Have a look at more specifications in our data sheet. This sensor comes with our own LpmsControl utility software and a one-year warranty service.

Get the LPMS-ME1 Maker Edition for your own innovations! Find a distributor of your choice or order online at Zenshin Tech.

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New Distributor: Visit The Zenshin Tech Shop For Our Motion Sensors

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New worldwide distribution by Zenshin Technology Ltd

Getting our IMU sensors online has just become so much easier. Create your own innovations and simply order at our new worldwide distributor: Zenshin Technology Ltd is an online shop operating from Hong Kong. Have a look at our next generation IMUs and explore the optimized features of for example, the LPMS-CURS2 (9-axis motion sensor with USB, CAN bus and UART connectivity) or the LPMSs-CANAL2 (9-axis IMU with CAN connectivity and waterproof housing).

In addition to our distributors in every region, you can get LP-RESEARCH’s IMU sensors now from Zenshin Tech. Order comfortably with worldwide express shipping from here: https://zenshin-tech.com

Our Next Generation of Low-cost IMU Devices Has Arrived

The new LPMS CURS2 sensor

The new LPMS CURS2 sensor

 

We proudly launched the next generation of our LPMS inertial measurement units developed for fast and accurate 3D orientation sensing. LP-RESEARCH supports a variety of communication interfaces and housing options at low cost. Let us tell you more about the optimized features:

  • The new sensors are roughly half the size of the previous production, especially if you take a look at the new LPMS-B2.
  • Performance has been greatly increased in terms of accuracy. The noise level is now one third of the previous version.
  • Higher sampling rate: We were able to bring the sampling rate up to 400Hz.
  • The new sensors feature more types of data output, for example humidity.
  • Both LPMS-CANAL2 and LPMS-RS232AL2 are encased in a rugged aluminum housing and are waterproof up to 1m (IP67).
  • The first generation comprised seven sensors, now we increased the line to nine with greater variety.
  • Finally, thanks to a different manufacturing process, our new generation cost half or even less than half the price of the previous version.

Have a look at our LPMS product site over here.

Collaboration with Omni Instruments Ltd.

We are happy to announce that we are starting a collaboration with Omni Instruments Ltd. in the UK. Omni Instruments Ltd. is developer and distributor of high definition measurement and logging systems. We have started the collaboration with offering two versions of the LPMS sensor system under the Omni Instruments brand. Please see the below links for further information:

LPMS-CU 9-Axis IMU AHRS Motion Sensor with CANbus and USB Connectivity
LPMS-B 9-Axis IMU AHRS Motion Sensor with Bluetooth Connectivity

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