A Segmented Redirection Mapping Method for Roadmaps of Large Constrained Virtual Environments.

Area of Science:

• Virtual Reality
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Robotics

Background:

• Redirected walking (RDW) is crucial for exploring large virtual environments within limited physical spaces.
• Minimizing physical collisions and user-perceived redirection are key challenges in RDW.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel segmented redirection mapping method for RDW.
• To reduce physical collisions and improve the user experience in virtual environment exploration.

Main Methods:

• A Voronoi-based pruning method extracts virtual space roadmaps.
• A divide-and-conquer and dynamic planning strategy subdivides and maps virtual roadmaps.
• Reset and redirection gains are optimized to minimize path curving and resets.

Main Results:

• The proposed method effectively maps complex virtual spaces, including those with obstacles and loops.
• Experiments demonstrate significant reduction in physical boundary collisions.
• The method maintains a positive user experience for virtual roaming.

Conclusions:

• The segmented redirection mapping method offers an effective solution for RDW in large virtual spaces.
• The approach is flexible, adaptable to different real-world space constraints.
• This technique enhances the practicality and immersion of virtual reality experiences.