While the first generation virtual reality headsets are still settling in the potential markets, Samsung is gearing up for its Next Generation Samsung Gear VR.
Samsung had filed a patent for a Next Generation Samsung Gear VR in May 2016. But, the patent got published recently, reported SAM Mobile. Their report suggested that the Next Generation Samsung Gear VR would be able to recognize the wearer's facial expressions and eye moment along with tracking the headset's position.
The current generation Gear VR lack position tracking facility when compared to non-mobile virtual reality headsets. Thus, Samsung has come up with a fix for it. A patent application titled "Image Processing for Head Mounted Display Devices" has been published in South Korea, which throws light on the design and functionality of a Gear VR with position tracking.
However, the patent filed does limit itself to position tracking for Gear VR. The patent for Next Generation Samsung Gear VR has proposed to place sensors in order to "model the user's face," The Android Authority reported.
The website further stated that the Next Generation Samsung Gear VR could enable the users to walk through 3D virtual environments without any controller to enrich the viewing experience. The Gear VR would employ a series of LED lights in addition to an external camera to capture the user's facial expressions and the surroundings, while internal cameras would monitor the wearer's eye moment.
At the moment, it is difficult to comprehend the real purpose behind introducing facial expression monitoring and eye monitoring features in the Next Generation Samsung Gear VR. Nevertheless, The Android Authority highlights that the Eye tracking feature could be used for advanced accurate foveated rendering, while the facial expression monitoring could enrich virtual social interaction.
In the meantime, it may be worthwhile to note that a patent application does not imply that Samsung would be implementing these features in its Next Generation Samsung Gear VR. However, it provides an insight into the technologies that the tech giant is focusing on.
