room-scale

{{Short description|Room-scale VR: Free movement in virtual reality using 360-degree tracking}}

Room-scale is a design paradigm for virtual reality (VR) experiences which allows users to freely walk around a play area, with their real-life motion reflected in the VR environment. Using 360 degree tracking equipment such as infrared sensors, the VR system monitors the user's movement in all directions, and translates this into the virtual world in real-time.{{Cite web |last=Fadelli |first=Ingrid |last2=Xplore |first2=Tech |title=RoomShift: A room-scale haptic and dynamic environment for VR applications |url=https://techxplore.com/news/2020-09-roomshift-room-scale-haptic-dynamic-environment.html |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=techxplore.com |language=en}} This allows the player to perform tasks, such as walking across a room and picking up a key from a table, using natural movements. In contrast, a stationary VR experience might have the player navigate across the room using a joystick or other input device,{{Cite web |last=Porges |first=Seth |title=Why 'Roomscale' Is The Most Important Concept In VR |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sethporges/2016/10/21/why-roomscale-is-the-most-important-concept-in-vr/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Forbes |language=en}} which may cause motion sickness.

The HTC Vive virtual-reality system incorporates room-scale tracking in its core design, using two infrared tracking stations located in opposite corners of the room to monitor the movement of the player.{{cite web|author=Paul James |url=http://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-review-room-scale-vr-mesmerising-vr-especially-if-you-have-the-space-steamvr/ |title=HTC Vive Review: A Mesmerising VR Experience, if You Have the Space |publisher=Road to VR |date= 5 April 2016|access-date=2016-12-15}} Its SteamVR tracking technology is developed by Valve and allows areas up to 10 m x 10 m.{{Cite web |title=Base Stations |url=https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/index/base-stations |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Valve Corporation}}

The Oculus Rift VR system was introduced primarily for front facing 180 degree experiences. However, Oculus now supports two sensor diagonal placement roomscale or users can purchase a third sensor to enable more robust room-scale tracking,{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/06/an-extra-79-turns-the-oculus-into-a-room-scale-vr-system/ |title=An extra $79 turns the Oculus into a room-scale VR system |website=Engadget.com |date=2016-10-06 |access-date=2016-12-15}}