Sensing solutions for AR & VR

From virtual reality (VR) to augmented reality (AR), to mixed reality, the world is awash with new applications: from 3D cinema headsets, to top-level sports training, to virtualized inventory management and virtual car showrooms, to instant sign translation for tourists, or interior design planning, to endless applications in advertising and promotion. Latest since the hype of "Pokémon GO", AR games have found their way into the hearts of many users worldwide. Although AR and VR are still predominantely used in gaming and entertainment, they also offer a multitude of applications in information and learning, maintenance, repair and assembly guidance as well as in orientation and navigation. Especially for VR, only complete immersion creates the desired user experience. In order to achieve immersion and avoid motion-sickness, AR and VR devices need to be highly accurate, capturing movements and gestures without delays. To counter these negative impacts on user experience, Bosch Sensortec's sensing solutions offer high stability and low latency to significantly reduce the motion sickness effect, ensuring a pleasant AR and VR experience.

An immersive and authentic AR and VR experience is based on high sensor accuracy and precise data processing, which eliminate image drifts and deliver a true real-life experience - even in high-fluctuation temperature environments. High-performance AR and VR devices such as headsets and controllers demand extremely sensitive, precise, robust and responsive motion sensors. Bosch Sensortec has developed sensing solutions specifically suited for AR and VR applications. The small-sized MEMS sensor packages are filled with features and provide ultra-precise instantaneous detection of head movements, which reduce time lag to an almost imperceptible minimum. Thus, electronic device manufacturers are able to create a more authentic and immersive VR and AR experience that enables headset users to engage their virtual environments for longer periods without requiring frequent breaks. For example, Bosch Sensortec's inertial measurement units (IMUs) combine an extremely low-drift gyroscope with a low-noise accelerometer to significantly reduce the unpleasant motion sickness effect. Especially in AR applications such as smart glasses, small size and a high level of integration is another key requirement in order to ensure a seamless fit, allowing the user to wear the glasses on a daily basis.