VIVE Location-Based Software Suite (LBSS)

The HTC VIVE Focus 3 is currently one of the most commonly used VR headsets in LBE environments (VR arcades). Thanks to its powerful hardware and rich software ecosystem, the VIVE Focus 3 is flexible to deploy and easy to implement on a larger scale. The VIVE Focus 3 offers 5K image resolution, 90 Hz refresh rate, can receive WiFi 6 and 6E, and has a built-in battery that can be swapped during gameplay

The battery of the Focus 3 is 'hot-swappable'. This means that the battery can be detached and replaced by a new one while using the headset. During the swap, the headset stays on, so the player never runs out of power. The Focus 3 can also be paired with the HTC VIVE Wrist Tracker for specific games where the use of hands or other attributes (such as a tennis racket or baseball bat) need to be brought into the digital world

The Focus 3 comes standard with the HTC VIVE Business Warranty. This business warranty ensures that companies can use the headset without issues in a commercial environment. Extra services such as direct HTC support, expedited RMA repair, and a device management system are included. Additionally, the VIVE Focus 3 works with an open platform, making it easy to connect to external MDM systems, like ArborXR.

As the demand for additional features from the VR market is increasing (also from the art and culture sector), the software of LBE is renamed to Location Based Software Suite (LBSS). The new LBSS entails the following:

Map Sharing means that multiple users are on one play area. The room configuration of 1 headset can be shared with multiple headsets, making the room quicker to configure and players can get started faster. This is ideal for LBE locations that use the VIVE Focus 3 in a free-roam multiplayer environment (for example, Cops vs. Robbers). It is possible to store multiple types of room settings on the glasses. This way, it is easy to switch between different spaces and headsets do not have to be configured individually each time

This makes it easier to get users directly into the VR experience. With Visual Odometry (VO), the headset determines the position and orientation in which it is located in the room. Normally this is an extensive configuration that a user has to perform in his or her room each time. But with the VO mode, users can bypass the standard environment setup process, so they are directly in the correct environment as soon as they put on the headset

LBE Hybrid Mode ensures a seamless transition between the VO and LBE mode so that users can immediately put on the headset and get started. By using the VO mode, users can start in VR while they are still in the preparation area, where they can set everything up and get used to the headset. After they have entered the designated play area, they can immediately switch to the LBE mode for the full experience. This smooth transition ensures that users can swap even faster

The Simulator Mode is a unique solution where the type of tracking in the headset can be indicated. In some environments, you want a realistic experience where the VR glasses move with the user (for example, in a VR training or other demo). But in other cases, you want the user to only look around and not have to move around, even in low light spaces (for example, a car cabin or a cinema). In that case, the 3 DOF mode can come in handy

Like QR codes, ArUco codes are easily reproducible visual trackers that provide unique ID points and additional position information to VR glasses in real-time. ArUco codes can provide additional tracking points to reduce positional drift, and they can serve as unique markers to align virtual objects with real environments for more immersive experiences

With ArUco markers, the VIVE Focus 3 can instantly detect and align the coordination in a shared space. Marker-based location sharing is ideal for eliminating the typical cumbersome setup processes associated with multi-user VR experiences, such as calibrating each headset from a specific starting point in the play area

We (and HTC VIVE) are happy to think along with solutions for LBE environments. Is there a functionality needed that is not yet included in the LBSS system? Then it is possible to contact us to see what is possible together! Our team of specialists is always ready to give the best advice and think about a good solution to the problem. And if we can't figure it out together? Then we would be happy to put you or your company in contact with the right people within the HTC VIVE team. Contact us to discuss further possibilities or visit our consultancy page for more information.