PlayStation
PS VR2 development in 7 prototypes that look like pure science fiction
PlayStation reveals the prototypes that shaped PS VR2 during its development since 2016.
The 7 prototypes that shaped PS VR2
PS VR2 through its prototypes
Yasuo Takahashi, PS VR2 product manager, is the ringmaster who takes us through all the prototypes the device went through during its development. Takahashi-san reveals that Sony's R&D team started working on the new generation of its virtual reality shortly after the launch of the first model in 2016. A year later, the team was already working on the first prototype that would guide the rest over the years.
Outside In/ See through prototype:
“The first prototype of would become PS VR2 featured IR LEDs for outside-in tracking, and a see-through view camera on the front and center part of the headset.”
Outside In prototype.
“A second prototype was created in parallel with the Outside-in/See-through Prototype. This one featured multiple IR LEDs for outside-in tracking placed on the front of the headset to test out tracking capabilities. A second prototype was created in parallel with the Outside-in/See-through Prototype.”
Inside Out prototype.
“This prototype was equipped with four cameras for inside-out tracking, and was created to evaluate the headset’s new tracking capabilities.”
Tracking camera positioning prototype
“Prototype used for considering the position and angles of the four cameras. Using a dial, the position and angle of each camera could be finely adjusted.”
Tracking system prototype
“Prototype for testing the four cameras on the front of the headset by connecting them to an evaluation board. This was performed prior to the production of the SoC (system-on-chip), which is responsible for integrating all components.”
Eye tracking evaluation prototype 2
“Testers were asked to look at different screens to test the eye tracking. The sides of the device can be opened, so that the developers can visually check the distance between the lens and the eyes. This was done because without visual confirmation, it was difficult to know if the device was being worn at the correct lens distance.”
Skeleton prototype
“This is a prototype that allows the internal structure of the headset to be visible from the outside.”