Difference between revisions of "FOVE"

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{{HeadMountedDisplay|
 
{{HeadMountedDisplay|
 
name_of_device=FOVE|
 
name_of_device=FOVE|
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category=VR device|
 
category=VR device|
 
developer=FOVE, Inc.|
 
developer=FOVE, Inc.|
 
 
announced=December 2014|
 
announced=December 2014|
announced_commentary=<ref>http://https://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-price-specs-release-date-1157</ref>|
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announced_commentary=<ref name="lamkin">LAMKIN, Paul. Fove eye-tracking VR headset redesigned ahead of launch. Wareable [online]. 2016, Jul 28. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-price-specs-release-date-1157 (Retrieved 12th December, 2016).</ref>|
 
developer_release=19 May 2015|
 
developer_release=19 May 2015|
developer_release_commentary=<ref>http://https://https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality</ref>|
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developer_release_commentary=<ref name="sectionUpdates">FOVE. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/updates (Retrieved 13th February,2017)</ref>|
consumers_release=January 2017|
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consumers_release=2017|
 
 
 
price=|
 
price=|
 
price_commentary=599|
 
price_commentary=599|
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display=OLED|
 
display=OLED|
 
display_commentary=|
 
display_commentary=|
 
 
resolution=2560x1140|
 
resolution=2560x1140|
 
 
field_of_view=100°|
 
field_of_view=100°|
 
 
weight=520|
 
weight=520|
 
controls1=positional tracking|
 
controls1=positional tracking|
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FOVE VR is a [[Virtual Reality Devices|virtual reality]] head-mounted display device developed by the FOVE company. It was announced by the end of 2014 and a Kickstarter project was presented in January 2015.<ref>https://http://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-price-specs-release-date-1157</ref>
+
FOVE VR is a [[Virtual Reality Devices|virtual reality]] developed by the FOVE Company. As a head mounted display, it belongs to the category of wearable devices. It differs from other HMD VR devices (such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, OSVR or Sony PlayStation VR) because a user interacts with the virtual reality via his eyes. The device has a tracking system with integrated infrared sensor that tracks motion of user’s pupil. Due to this system of control, it promises high level of the user’s immersion.<ref name="getfove"/>
 +
 
 +
The FOVE project was announced by the end of 2014 and a Kickstarter project was launched in January 2015.<ref name="lamkin"/> FOVE VR has become the first HMD which is solely controlled by eyes. According to official information, the mass production has already started, however, its release is postponed until fall 2017.<ref name="sectionUpdates"/> For now, it is possible to get developer kit FOVE 0 shipped.<ref name="getfove"> FOVE, Inc. Getfove. Getfove [online]. Available online at: https://www.getfove.com/ (Retrieved 6th December, 2016)</ref>
 +
 
 +
Despite being primarily presented as a game tool that offers users different type of experience in the virtual reality,<ref name="getfove"/> it could help physically challenged, or elderly people, hence the FOVE, Inc. is participating in the ''Eye play the piano'' project<ref name="eyeplaythepiano"/> and ''HUG project''.<ref name="hugproject">HUG project. HUG project [online]. Available online at: http://hugproject.net/index-en.html (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>
 +
 
  
The device features the head-mounted device, an infrared sensor which is monitoring not only a motion of user's eyes but also motion of a head. It differs from Oculus Rift and many other HMD VR devices because it is controlled only by eyes. Due to this specific controling, it offers a complete immersion of user.  
+
== Main Characteristics ==
The mass production has already started however its release had to be postpone until fall 2016.<ref>https://http://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-price-specs-release-date-1157</ref>
+
[[File:Fovekit.png|thumbnail|right|Inner technology of the FOVE]]
 +
FOVE VR is not standalone device and it has to be connected with a PC via USB, as well as many other head mounted displays. Whole headset weighs 520g and it is fixed by adjustable velcro straps.<ref name="getfove"/> In contrast to Oculus Rift<ref>Oculus Rift VR, LLC. Rift. [online]. Available online at: https://www.oculus.com/rift/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref> or HTC Vive<ref>HTC Corporation. Vive. [online]. Available online at: https://www.vive.com/eu/ (Retieved 13th February, 2017)</ref> FOVE VR is consisted only by a headset due to the central idea of controlling without hands. The possibility of “eye-control” is provided by two infrared eye-tracking sensors with tracking accuracy less than one degree and refreshing rate 120 fps. The WQHD OLED display has total resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, which implies that FOVE VR offers 42 percent more pixels than other HMDs. Furthermore, frame rate of the display is 70 fps and screen diagonal of 14.7 cm. Field of view may vary due to distance to the lenses and face structure but it is approximately 100 degree.<ref name="getfove"/>
  
<!-- Very brief description of the technology. This section should contain the main information about the subject. It's good to leave this bit as the last one and use the information provided in greater detail in later sections.-->
+
Tracking system consists of two types of tracking system. The first, orientation tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is monitoring motion of the head. And the other, IR-based position tracking, is monitoring not only motion of user's eyes but also motion of the head.<ref name="getfove"/>
 +
FOVE VR has similar technical requirements like HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. More precisely, it requires no less than operating system Win 8 64-bit or Win 10 64-bit, processor Intel core i5-4590, graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD R9 290 and memory 8 GB.<ref>HTC Corporation. Vive. Section: VIVE READY Computers [online].Available online at: https://www.vive.com/us/ready/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref><ref>Oculus Rift VR, LLC. Rift. Section: Oculus Ready PCs. [online]. Available online at: https://www.oculus.com/oculus-ready-pcs/ (Retrieved 13th Frebruary, 2017)</ref>  
  
== Main characteristics ==
+
Although the company promises high level of immersion thanks to eye-tracking system, FOVE VR has not got integrated headphones or sensors that enable move in virtual reality. It might be a considerable disadvantage in comparison to HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. However, it has to be mentioned that device is still updated and improvements such as addition of audio ports, reduction of weight to the 400g, augmentation of frame rate to the 90 fps and tracking accuracy less than 0.2 degree are projected.<ref name="sectionCampaign"> FOVE. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Campaign. Kickstarter.[online]. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/description (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>
<!-- This section should describe the technology in more detail. Here should be information about the used hardware and software, available features, chemical composition and so on, provided that they are available. Second half of this section should offer information on history of the technology. When it was created, unveiled, developed, announced to the public or when it was available to purchase. Anything related to the technology that can be pinpointed to a certain date should be in this section together with relevant commentary.-->
 
Fove is a head-mounted display with total weight of 520g. Whole headset is fixed by adjustable velcro straps. Hardware of Fove suffers from classical problems connected with HMDs such as weight, differences in eye-distance, or suited-well on face structure, etc. Trying to solve this kinds problems, hardware updates are still in progress. Hardware also features high resolution WQHD OLED display with screen diagonal of 14,7cm. It offers 100 field of view (but it may vary due to distance to the lenses and face structure)and a frame rate of 70 fps. The connection with a PC is via USB. Fove requires Operating system Win 8 64-bit or Win 10 64-bit and processing unit Intel core i5-4590 to this date. Fove is differing from other HMDs by the eye-tracking that is provided by two infrared eye-tracking sensors with error rate less than one degree with frame rate 120fps. Fove is also monitoring motion of head by orientation tracking IMU and IR-based position tracking, as well.
 
  
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
<!-- This is a very short description of the technology's purpose. What will it be doing, for what goal was it created, how it modifies human cognition. Keep this as brief as possible. -->
+
[[File:Team_fove.jpg|thumbnail|right|Team FOVE]]
Although Fove was primarily created as a game tool offering users to express themselves naturally and easily in virtual world </ref>, it could help disabled people, or elderly people as it could be seen in related HUG project and Eye play the piano project. </ref>
+
The FOVE VR is focused on game creators’ and users’ entertainment. In spite of this fact, the FOVE VR can be used for medical purposes, as well.<ref name="getfove"/><ref name="moreimmersive"/>
 +
 
 +
=== Company & People ===
 +
At the beginning FOVE, Inc. was represented by three co-workers:<ref>FOVE. Update 22. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] 2016, Jan 5. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/posts/1459042 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>  
 +
*Yuka Kojima – Co-founder and CEO
 +
*Lochlainn Wilson – Co-founder and CTO
 +
*Scott Harper – Creative director
 +
However the team has been enlarged to 25 co-workers up today.<ref>FOVE. Update 37. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] 2016, Dec 31. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/posts/1774855 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>
  
=== Company & People ===
 
<!-- This is a list of important people behind the technology. Note: It is not necessary to list absolutely everyone. -->
 
At the beginning Fove, Inc. was represented by three co-workers: </ref>
 
*Yuka Kojima – Co-founder and CEO</ref>
 
*Lochlainn Wilson – Co-founder and CTO </ref>
 
*Scott Harper – Creative director </ref>
 
However the team has been enlarged to 25 co-workers up today.
 
  
 
== Important Dates ==
 
== Important Dates ==
<!-- A list of important dates in the development and history of the technology. Use the information provided in the second half of the Main characteristics section and make it into a short, unnumbered list. -->
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* 12<sup>th</sup> May 2014 - Foundation<ref name="getfove"/>
 +
* July 2014 - Supported by Microsoft Ventures Accelerator London
 +
* February 2015 - Supported by Rothenberg Ventures River VR Accelerator
 +
* 19<sup>th</sup> May 2015 - Kickstarter project
 +
* 4<sup>th</sup> July 2015 - End of a kickstarter project
 +
* November 2015 - cooperation with Project HUG<ref name="hugproject"/>
 +
* Spring 2016 - Shipping of developer kits has started<ref name="sectionUpdates"/>
  
* 12<sup>th</sup> May 2014 - Foundation<ref>getfove.com</ref>
+
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
* 19<sup>th</sup> May 2015 - Kickstarter project 19th May 2015
+
[[File:Eyetrackingchorde.jpg|thumbnail|right|Playing the "Universal piano" via eye-tracking]]
* July 4<sup>th</sup> July 2015 - end of a kickstarter project
+
FOVE VR provides simulation of reality that means it can be used in various areas such as gaming, health care, movies, education, social communication and development like many other head mounted displays. Today, it cannot be clearly said whether it is primarily aimed at gaming or not. Due to eye-tracking, FOVE VR can effectively help in cases of physically challenged, elderly people or people with restricted use of their hands. For example, quadriplegics would be able to control their PC with minimal assistance.<ref name="moreimmersive"> SHU, Cathrine. FOVE Uses Eye Tracking To Make Virtual Reality More Immersive. TechCrunch [online]. 2014, Sep 9. Available online at: https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/09/fove/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017).</ref>
* November 2015 - cooperation with Project HUG
 
  
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
+
In December 2014, the ''Eye play the piano'' project was presented and there was also demonstrated a great potential of eye-tracking and 4th prototype of FOVE VR.<ref name="sectionCampaign"/> The HUG project is a collaborative project of Creative Orca, Fove, Inc. and Keio Media Design and it is primarily aimed at elderly people that cannot be in distant places. It is a technical cooperation between personal robot ''Pepper'' and eye-tracking headset FOVE. A person could be “present” via ''Pepper'' the robot in distant places. While the person is sitting at home with headset FOVE VR, ''Pepper'' the robot is moving in distant places.<ref name="hugproject"/>
<!-- Describe in detail whether the technology aims to enhance human cognition, i.e. to improve human abilities beyond what is considered normal, and/or if it is also applicable as a form of treatment or therapy, i.e. it can serve to cure patients or restore abilities that do not perform as they would in a healthy person -->
+
 
As was mentioned above despite not being primarily created for medical treatment, Fove can effectively help in cases of disabled people (Eye play the piano project) or elderly people (HUG project). However, according to experience and enormous possibility of using virtual reality in cases of ADHD or treatment of alcoholism, Fove could be used in that cases as well.
+
Taking into consideration the enormous possibilities of virtual reality in treatment (e.g. ADHD, mental disorder, autism, Asperger syndrome or treatment of alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.), FOVE VR could be used there as well.<ref name="moreimmersive"/>
  
 
== Ethical & Health Issues ==
 
== Ethical & Health Issues ==
In general, there are no ethical issues directly connected with FOVE. However, there can be applicable the ethical issues connected with head mounted displays and virtual reality. Especially, Fove, inc. promises high degree of immersion - “A full sense of presence in the virtual world” <ref>http://www.getfove.com</ref> due to eye-tracking controlling but high immersion was clasified as a risk factor for addiction. <ref>http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162513001923</ref>
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In general, there are no ethical issues directly connected with the FOVE VR. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into consideration the ethical issues that are connected with head mounted displays and virtual reality. FOVE, Inc. promises high degree of immersion due to eye-tracking. As it is mentioned on the official website: “A full sense of presence in the virtual world.”.<ref name="getfove"/> However, high immersion was classified as a risk factor for addiction.<ref>BARNES, Stuart J. and Andrew D. PRESSEY. Caught in the Web?: Addictive behavior in cyberspace and the role of goal-orientation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change [online]. 2013, (86), 93-109. Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162513001923 (Retrieved 12th December, 2016)</ref>  
Taking into consideration eye-tracking, in fact, the human eye is able to protect itself against optical radiation such as ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. The infrared rays used in most eye trackers are not harmful, in general. However, there can be indentified  some possible radiant hazards depending on wavelength of the infrared radiation. In the context of the eye trackers it could be thermal injury of the retina (wavelengths from 400 nm to 1400 nm) and near-infrared thermal hazards to the lens (wavelengths between 800 nm and 3000 nm). <ref>http://www.academia.edu/245642/An_Exploration_of_Safety_Issues_in_Eye_Tracking</ref>
+
 
The FOVE, inc. presented that they use dim light causing no discomfort, drying or damage to the eyes, even if the product is overused. Nevertheless, they also recommended to use FOVE 30 minutes and not recommended to the children younger than 13 years old. <ref>http://www.getfove.com</ref>
+
Taking into consideration eye-tracking, human eyes are able to protect themselves against optical radiation such as ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. The infrared rays used in most eye trackers are not harmful, in general. However, it depends on wavelength of the infrared radiation. In the context of the eye trackers, the thermal injury of the retina (wavelengths from 400 nm to 1400 nm). And near-infrared thermal hazards to the lens (wavelengths between 800 nm and 3000 nm) must be taking into consideration.<ref>MULVEY, Fiona, et al. An Exploration of Safety Issues in Eye Tracking. Academia. [Online] 2008, Apr 15. Available online at: http://www.academia.edu/245642/An_Exploration_of_Safety_Issues_in_Eye_Tracking. (Retrieved 14th February, 2017)</ref> The FOVE, Inc. stated that they use dim light causing no discomfort, drying or damage to the eyes, even if the product is overused. They also recommend to use FOVE VR 30 minutes and not it is recommended to the children younger than 13 years old.<ref>FOVE, Inc. Getfove. Getfove. Section:FAQs [online]. Available online at:http://www.getfove.com/faqs (Retreived 11 November, 2016)</ref>
However, this recommended time sequence is not only due to infrared light but also because of well known cybersickness which is connected with head mounted displays VR wearables, in general (e.g. Oculus Rift). It must be also mentioned the weight which may cause potential problems with cervical spine.
+
 
<!-- Provide detailed information (if possible or if available) about any ethical risks and related ethical topics, and also related health issues, be it already discovered and covered in literature, or just speculative ones, should be described and properly cited in this section. -->
+
It must be also mentioned typical problems connected with HMD’s in general. The recommended time sequence is not only due to infrared light but also because of well-known cyber sickness which is connected with head mounted displays (e.g. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive). Moreover, the weight may cause potential problems with cervical spine or headache, differences in eye-distance may cause nausea or headache, etc.
  
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
There are considerably large amount of articles about FOVE. It might be said that all of the articles are positive in general. Well-marked advantage, except eye-tracking, is that FOVE is not presented only as a game tool but also as a helper for disabled persons, persons suffers from Asperger syndrome or autism. <ref>https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/20/fove-kickstarter/</ref> This market strategy eliminates potential negative aspects such as price. Furthermore, the company itself admitted possible negative aspects and justifying them. Another advantage is the fact that FOVE are the first HMD VR device in mass production which offers controlling strictly by eyes. Taking into consideration that FOVE still might be only pre-order and still the product is not physically available at the market, customers’ reviews are not available, as well.
+
There is quite a few articles about FOVE VR. It might be said that all of them are quite positive. However, these articles are mostly aimed at eye-tracking and its great potential. As it was written by Hugh Langley in his article ''Eyes on with Fove's VR headset: Less virtual, more reality'': <blockquote>“Eye tracking is no gimmick; it's where virtual reality has to go, and Fove can proudly say it was first out of the gate.<ref name="eyesonfove">LANGLEY, Hugh.Eyes on with Fove's VR headset: Less virtual, more reality. Wereable [online]. 2016, Nov 2. Available online at: https://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-review (Retrieved 12th December, 2016)</ref></blockquote>
<!-- Provide information about the impact the technology had on the public and how the technology is presented in the media or literature. If there was anything in the news regarding this technology, it should be noted and properly cited here. -->
+
 
 +
Although articles are predominantly full of expectation, due to fact that FOVE VR is still only a developer kit, reviews and opinions are mostly full of disappointment. Surprisingly, the price is not criticised. Nonetheless, users miss motion controllers and audio ports; low refresh rate of images is also criticized. Higher tiredness of eyes was mentioned, as well.<ref>Abedeus and killkill85.[Collaboration illustration] Sword art Online x FOVE. Reddit [online]. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/5pwgf1/collaboration_illustration_sword_art_online_x_fove/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref> For example, user Im794 wrote in discussion about ''FOVE Launches Pre-Orders For Eye-Tracking VR Headset FOVE 0, Starting at $549'' on reddit.com: <blockquote>”That sounds... bad? 70hz display. A single IR camera for tracking with no rear tracking. And... no audio ports? It really just doesn't sound that great, certainly not worth downgrading to just for the sake of eye tracking. Not to mention, you then have to hope that the experiences you want to play even support the eye tracking feature. I don't see this lasting.”<ref> Im794. FOVE Launches Pre-Orders For Eye-Tracking VR Headset FOVE 0, Starting at $549. Reddit [online]. 2016, Nov 2. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Vive/comments/5aqebh/fove_launches_preorders_for_eyetracking_vr/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref> </blockquote>
 +
 
 +
In comparison with HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, FOVE VR offers a user only eye tracking and it is evidently not enough for game players who want to move freely in virtual reality. For all that, eye tracking is still well-marked advantage and FOVE VR is considered to be a third horse in the race between HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.<ref name="eyesonfove"/>  
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==
<!-- Information related to any regulations (law, patents, ISOs, government recommendations and so on.) -->
+
Eye-tracking system was registred as a patent US 7391887 in 2008 but it is also published as CA2457090A1, CA2457090C, EP1417645A1, US20040196433, WO2003017203A1.<ref> DURNELL, Laurence. Eye tracking systems. United States Patent. [online]. Available online at: https://www.google.com/patents/US7391887 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>
Eye-tracking system was registred as a patent US 7391887 in 2008 but it is also published as CA2457090A1, CA2457090C, EP1417645A1, US20040196433, WO2003017203A1.<ref>https://www.google.com/patents/US7391887</ref>
+
 
 +
== Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research ==
 +
FOVE, Inc. collaborates with Khronos group, Microsoft and N-ix on project Xenko which is supported by Silicon Studio Corp. Xenko is an open source game engine. Its main idea is to create realistic games as much as possible (FOVE, Inc. has the same idea.).  Furthermore, FOVE, Inc. collaborates with Unity Technologies, Epic games, Steam VR and OSVR. They uses popular game engine plugins such as Unity (from Unity Technologies), Unreal Engine (from Epic games) and Cryengine, however, they are still preparing drivers of Steam VR and OSVR.<ref name="getfove"/>
 +
[[File:Hugproject.jpg|thumbnail|right|Hug project: Personal Robot - Pepper]]
 +
Now, it is possible to try function of eye-tracking on project ''Judgment'' and ''Project Falcon''. In January 2017, a collaborative project ''Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale'' was launched.  Main character of SAO Asuna demonstrates the function of FOVE VR (especially eye-tracking) in practice. According to ''Anime News Network'' Asuna should respond to different levels of eye contact, e.g. if a user stares at her, she will feel embarrassed, or if a user do not look at her while she speaks, she will get angry.<ref>PINEDA,Rafael Antonio. FOVE 0 Eye-Tracking VR Headset Collaborates With Sword Art Online Movie. Anime News Network. [online]. 2016, Mar 11. Available online at: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-11-03/fove-0-eye-tracking-vr-headset-collaborates-with-sword-art-online-movie/.108413 (Retrieved 8th February, 2017)</ref>  
  
== Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research ==
+
Moreover, FOVE, Inc. collaborates with the University of Tsukuba on project ''Eye play the piano''. This project is aimed at physically challenged and it was developed “the Universal piano” that can be played through the eye-tracking headset without using hands.<ref name="eyeplaythepiano"> Eye play the piano. Eye play the piano [online]. Section: About. Available online at: http://eyeplaythepiano.com/en/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)</ref>
<!-- If there is any scientific research conducted or being conducted that is closely connected to this technology, it should be properly cited here. --> Researches which are proceeding in Japan, they are aiming at benefits for people suffering from autism, Asperger syndrome and also people with limited motor control. Today, Fove, Inc. also collaborates with London company which is aim at quadripledics.<ref>https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/09/fove/</ref>
+
The ''HUG project'' is another collaborative project aimed at health care. It has been created in cooperation with Creative Orca, FOVE, Inc. and Keio Media Design. To sum up, researchers are mainly running in Japan, they are aimed at benefits for people suffering from autism, Asperger syndrome and also people with limited motor control. Today, FOVE, Inc. also collaborates with London Company which is aimed at quadriplegics.<ref name="moreimmersive"/>
  
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== References ==
  
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]
 
[[Category:External Hardware or Software]]
 
[[Category:Electronic and Other Devices]]
 
[[Category:Electronic and Other Devices]]
 
[[Category:Wearables]]
 
[[Category:Wearables]]
[[Category:Head Mounted Devices]]
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[[Category:Head-mounted_Devices]]
 
[[Category:Head Mounted Displays]]
 
[[Category:Head Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
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[[Category:Virtual_Reality_Devices]]

Latest revision as of 11:56, 14 July 2017

FOVE
Fove.jpg
Category VR device
Developer FOVE, Inc.
Announced December 2014 [1]
Released Developers: 19 May 2015 [2]
Consumers: 2017
Price USD 599
Operating system Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Display OLED
Resolution 2560x1140
Field of view 100°
Weight 520 g
Controls

positional tracking, eye-tracking

Data available fair
Risk factor unknown
Not Standalone
https://www.getfove.com

FOVE VR is a virtual reality developed by the FOVE Company. As a head mounted display, it belongs to the category of wearable devices. It differs from other HMD VR devices (such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, OSVR or Sony PlayStation VR) because a user interacts with the virtual reality via his eyes. The device has a tracking system with integrated infrared sensor that tracks motion of user’s pupil. Due to this system of control, it promises high level of the user’s immersion.[3]

The FOVE project was announced by the end of 2014 and a Kickstarter project was launched in January 2015.[1] FOVE VR has become the first HMD which is solely controlled by eyes. According to official information, the mass production has already started, however, its release is postponed until fall 2017.[2] For now, it is possible to get developer kit FOVE 0 shipped.[3]

Despite being primarily presented as a game tool that offers users different type of experience in the virtual reality,[3] it could help physically challenged, or elderly people, hence the FOVE, Inc. is participating in the Eye play the piano project[4] and HUG project.[5]


Main Characteristics

Inner technology of the FOVE

FOVE VR is not standalone device and it has to be connected with a PC via USB, as well as many other head mounted displays. Whole headset weighs 520g and it is fixed by adjustable velcro straps.[3] In contrast to Oculus Rift[6] or HTC Vive[7] FOVE VR is consisted only by a headset due to the central idea of controlling without hands. The possibility of “eye-control” is provided by two infrared eye-tracking sensors with tracking accuracy less than one degree and refreshing rate 120 fps. The WQHD OLED display has total resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, which implies that FOVE VR offers 42 percent more pixels than other HMDs. Furthermore, frame rate of the display is 70 fps and screen diagonal of 14.7 cm. Field of view may vary due to distance to the lenses and face structure but it is approximately 100 degree.[3]

Tracking system consists of two types of tracking system. The first, orientation tracking IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is monitoring motion of the head. And the other, IR-based position tracking, is monitoring not only motion of user's eyes but also motion of the head.[3] FOVE VR has similar technical requirements like HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. More precisely, it requires no less than operating system Win 8 64-bit or Win 10 64-bit, processor Intel core i5-4590, graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / AMD R9 290 and memory 8 GB.[8][9]

Although the company promises high level of immersion thanks to eye-tracking system, FOVE VR has not got integrated headphones or sensors that enable move in virtual reality. It might be a considerable disadvantage in comparison to HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. However, it has to be mentioned that device is still updated and improvements such as addition of audio ports, reduction of weight to the 400g, augmentation of frame rate to the 90 fps and tracking accuracy less than 0.2 degree are projected.[10]

Purpose

Team FOVE

The FOVE VR is focused on game creators’ and users’ entertainment. In spite of this fact, the FOVE VR can be used for medical purposes, as well.[3][11]

Company & People

At the beginning FOVE, Inc. was represented by three co-workers:[12]

  • Yuka Kojima – Co-founder and CEO
  • Lochlainn Wilson – Co-founder and CTO
  • Scott Harper – Creative director

However the team has been enlarged to 25 co-workers up today.[13]


Important Dates

  • 12th May 2014 - Foundation[3]
  • July 2014 - Supported by Microsoft Ventures Accelerator London
  • February 2015 - Supported by Rothenberg Ventures River VR Accelerator
  • 19th May 2015 - Kickstarter project
  • 4th July 2015 - End of a kickstarter project
  • November 2015 - cooperation with Project HUG[5]
  • Spring 2016 - Shipping of developer kits has started[2]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Playing the "Universal piano" via eye-tracking

FOVE VR provides simulation of reality that means it can be used in various areas such as gaming, health care, movies, education, social communication and development like many other head mounted displays. Today, it cannot be clearly said whether it is primarily aimed at gaming or not. Due to eye-tracking, FOVE VR can effectively help in cases of physically challenged, elderly people or people with restricted use of their hands. For example, quadriplegics would be able to control their PC with minimal assistance.[11]

In December 2014, the Eye play the piano project was presented and there was also demonstrated a great potential of eye-tracking and 4th prototype of FOVE VR.[10] The HUG project is a collaborative project of Creative Orca, Fove, Inc. and Keio Media Design and it is primarily aimed at elderly people that cannot be in distant places. It is a technical cooperation between personal robot Pepper and eye-tracking headset FOVE. A person could be “present” via Pepper the robot in distant places. While the person is sitting at home with headset FOVE VR, Pepper the robot is moving in distant places.[5]

Taking into consideration the enormous possibilities of virtual reality in treatment (e.g. ADHD, mental disorder, autism, Asperger syndrome or treatment of alcoholism, drug addiction, etc.), FOVE VR could be used there as well.[11]

Ethical & Health Issues

In general, there are no ethical issues directly connected with the FOVE VR. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into consideration the ethical issues that are connected with head mounted displays and virtual reality. FOVE, Inc. promises high degree of immersion due to eye-tracking. As it is mentioned on the official website: “A full sense of presence in the virtual world.”.[3] However, high immersion was classified as a risk factor for addiction.[14]

Taking into consideration eye-tracking, human eyes are able to protect themselves against optical radiation such as ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation. The infrared rays used in most eye trackers are not harmful, in general. However, it depends on wavelength of the infrared radiation. In the context of the eye trackers, the thermal injury of the retina (wavelengths from 400 nm to 1400 nm). And near-infrared thermal hazards to the lens (wavelengths between 800 nm and 3000 nm) must be taking into consideration.[15] The FOVE, Inc. stated that they use dim light causing no discomfort, drying or damage to the eyes, even if the product is overused. They also recommend to use FOVE VR 30 minutes and not it is recommended to the children younger than 13 years old.[16]

It must be also mentioned typical problems connected with HMD’s in general. The recommended time sequence is not only due to infrared light but also because of well-known cyber sickness which is connected with head mounted displays (e.g. Oculus Rift, HTC Vive). Moreover, the weight may cause potential problems with cervical spine or headache, differences in eye-distance may cause nausea or headache, etc.

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

There is quite a few articles about FOVE VR. It might be said that all of them are quite positive. However, these articles are mostly aimed at eye-tracking and its great potential. As it was written by Hugh Langley in his article Eyes on with Fove's VR headset: Less virtual, more reality:

“Eye tracking is no gimmick; it's where virtual reality has to go, and Fove can proudly say it was first out of the gate.”[17]

Although articles are predominantly full of expectation, due to fact that FOVE VR is still only a developer kit, reviews and opinions are mostly full of disappointment. Surprisingly, the price is not criticised. Nonetheless, users miss motion controllers and audio ports; low refresh rate of images is also criticized. Higher tiredness of eyes was mentioned, as well.[18] For example, user Im794 wrote in discussion about FOVE Launches Pre-Orders For Eye-Tracking VR Headset FOVE 0, Starting at $549 on reddit.com:

”That sounds... bad? 70hz display. A single IR camera for tracking with no rear tracking. And... no audio ports? It really just doesn't sound that great, certainly not worth downgrading to just for the sake of eye tracking. Not to mention, you then have to hope that the experiences you want to play even support the eye tracking feature. I don't see this lasting.”[19]

In comparison with HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, FOVE VR offers a user only eye tracking and it is evidently not enough for game players who want to move freely in virtual reality. For all that, eye tracking is still well-marked advantage and FOVE VR is considered to be a third horse in the race between HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.[17]

Public Policy

Eye-tracking system was registred as a patent US 7391887 in 2008 but it is also published as CA2457090A1, CA2457090C, EP1417645A1, US20040196433, WO2003017203A1.[20]

Related Technologies, Projects, or Scientific Research

FOVE, Inc. collaborates with Khronos group, Microsoft and N-ix on project Xenko which is supported by Silicon Studio Corp. Xenko is an open source game engine. Its main idea is to create realistic games as much as possible (FOVE, Inc. has the same idea.). Furthermore, FOVE, Inc. collaborates with Unity Technologies, Epic games, Steam VR and OSVR. They uses popular game engine plugins such as Unity (from Unity Technologies), Unreal Engine (from Epic games) and Cryengine, however, they are still preparing drivers of Steam VR and OSVR.[3]

Hug project: Personal Robot - Pepper

Now, it is possible to try function of eye-tracking on project Judgment and Project Falcon. In January 2017, a collaborative project Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale was launched. Main character of SAO Asuna demonstrates the function of FOVE VR (especially eye-tracking) in practice. According to Anime News Network Asuna should respond to different levels of eye contact, e.g. if a user stares at her, she will feel embarrassed, or if a user do not look at her while she speaks, she will get angry.[21]

Moreover, FOVE, Inc. collaborates with the University of Tsukuba on project Eye play the piano. This project is aimed at physically challenged and it was developed “the Universal piano” that can be played through the eye-tracking headset without using hands.[4] The HUG project is another collaborative project aimed at health care. It has been created in cooperation with Creative Orca, FOVE, Inc. and Keio Media Design. To sum up, researchers are mainly running in Japan, they are aimed at benefits for people suffering from autism, Asperger syndrome and also people with limited motor control. Today, FOVE, Inc. also collaborates with London Company which is aimed at quadriplegics.[11]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 LAMKIN, Paul. Fove eye-tracking VR headset redesigned ahead of launch. Wareable [online]. 2016, Jul 28. Available online at: http://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-eye-tracking-vr-headset-price-specs-release-date-1157 (Retrieved 12th December, 2016).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 FOVE. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/updates (Retrieved 13th February,2017)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 FOVE, Inc. Getfove. Getfove [online]. Available online at: https://www.getfove.com/ (Retrieved 6th December, 2016)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Eye play the piano. Eye play the piano [online]. Section: About. Available online at: http://eyeplaythepiano.com/en/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 HUG project. HUG project [online]. Available online at: http://hugproject.net/index-en.html (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  6. Oculus Rift VR, LLC. Rift. [online]. Available online at: https://www.oculus.com/rift/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  7. HTC Corporation. Vive. [online]. Available online at: https://www.vive.com/eu/ (Retieved 13th February, 2017)
  8. HTC Corporation. Vive. Section: VIVE READY Computers [online].Available online at: https://www.vive.com/us/ready/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  9. Oculus Rift VR, LLC. Rift. Section: Oculus Ready PCs. [online]. Available online at: https://www.oculus.com/oculus-ready-pcs/ (Retrieved 13th Frebruary, 2017)
  10. 10.0 10.1 FOVE. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Campaign. Kickstarter.[online]. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/description (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 SHU, Cathrine. FOVE Uses Eye Tracking To Make Virtual Reality More Immersive. TechCrunch [online]. 2014, Sep 9. Available online at: https://techcrunch.com/2014/09/09/fove/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017).
  12. FOVE. Update 22. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] 2016, Jan 5. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/posts/1459042 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  13. FOVE. Update 37. FOVE: The World's First Eye Tracking Virtual Reality Headset. Section: Updates. Kickstarter.[online] 2016, Dec 31. Available online at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fove/fove-the-worlds-first-eye-tracking-virtual-reality/posts/1774855 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  14. BARNES, Stuart J. and Andrew D. PRESSEY. Caught in the Web?: Addictive behavior in cyberspace and the role of goal-orientation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change [online]. 2013, (86), 93-109. Available online at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162513001923 (Retrieved 12th December, 2016)
  15. MULVEY, Fiona, et al. An Exploration of Safety Issues in Eye Tracking. Academia. [Online] 2008, Apr 15. Available online at: http://www.academia.edu/245642/An_Exploration_of_Safety_Issues_in_Eye_Tracking. (Retrieved 14th February, 2017)
  16. FOVE, Inc. Getfove. Getfove. Section:FAQs [online]. Available online at:http://www.getfove.com/faqs (Retreived 11 November, 2016)
  17. 17.0 17.1 LANGLEY, Hugh.Eyes on with Fove's VR headset: Less virtual, more reality. Wereable [online]. 2016, Nov 2. Available online at: https://www.wareable.com/vr/fove-review (Retrieved 12th December, 2016)
  18. Abedeus and killkill85.[Collaboration illustration] Sword art Online x FOVE. Reddit [online]. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/5pwgf1/collaboration_illustration_sword_art_online_x_fove/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  19. Im794. FOVE Launches Pre-Orders For Eye-Tracking VR Headset FOVE 0, Starting at $549. Reddit [online]. 2016, Nov 2. Available online at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Vive/comments/5aqebh/fove_launches_preorders_for_eyetracking_vr/ (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  20. DURNELL, Laurence. Eye tracking systems. United States Patent. [online]. Available online at: https://www.google.com/patents/US7391887 (Retrieved 13th February, 2017)
  21. PINEDA,Rafael Antonio. FOVE 0 Eye-Tracking VR Headset Collaborates With Sword Art Online Movie. Anime News Network. [online]. 2016, Mar 11. Available online at: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-11-03/fove-0-eye-tracking-vr-headset-collaborates-with-sword-art-online-movie/.108413 (Retrieved 8th February, 2017)