Multiple Oculus Rift in used at desktop workstations in a computer lab

[jonathanhook]

Hi,

I’m currently in the process of deciding on a VR platform to acquire for an undergraduate degree course. One of our requirements is that multiple students should be able to develop using the device in close proximity (i.e. sitting at neighbouring workstations in a computer lab). Therefore, I’d be really grateful if anyone with experience of using the oculus could answer the following questions:

1) I’ve seen 0.5m mentioned as the minimum range of the position tracking (http://imgm.24liveblog.com/2014/03/20/m_5329e14e84308_s.jpg). With this range, would it be feasible to develop at a desktop workstation in a relatively cramped computer lab (i.e. where you couldn’t walk back from the PC very far because of seats behind)?

2) Can multiple rift devices operate with position tracking in the same space, or would they interfere with eachother?

Thanks very much for your help in advance,

Jon Hook

[Kalec84]

1: No idea o_o

2: Yes, you can have multiple oculus in one room at the contition that each camera is pointing to only one rift and every rift have it's own computer.

[RobHermans · Accepted solution]

I don't have a Rift headset yet, so not an expert opinion by any means. 😉

1. From what I understand, the tracking sensor has a conical field, so it will work at the 0.5m minimum, but it will restrict the area in which tracking is optimal. You will lose tracking more easily than if you are closer to the midpoint of that 0.5m to 2.5m range.

2. I agree with @Kalec84 , make sure each HMD will not interfere with another system's sensor...perhaps arrange seats in a circle so that the sensors are facing outwards?

EDIT: btw, the image you linked to pertains to the DK2 sensor, which was based on different technology. The CV1 sensor's specifications could be different.

[jonathanhook]

Thank you very much for your replies, they are really helpful.

It might not be possible to arrange the room so that all cameras are pointing at one device. Therefore, do you know if it'd be possible to turn off the positional tracking and just have the students develop using the IMU pose tracking while seated at their desks (I.e. like Gear and Cardboard)?

[RobHermans]

Thanks for accepting my previous answer. 🙂

Imo, without positional tracking you drop THE most essential thing about the experience. If you go that route, you may as well get a bunch of GearVR units instead. What about some kind of partition screen to separate one unit's area from another next to it?