A development kit that allows you to develop custom controllers etc for license free VR headset "HTC Vive"

VR headset "HTC Vive"By installing two base stations in the corner of the room you can track the position and movement of the VR headset and the two Vive controllers in the play area and you can grab or throw objects in the virtual reality space It enables intuitive operation. A partnership program has been released that allows 3D production of Vive's 3D tracking technology to be offered royalty-free and allows third party manufacturers to create new hardware that works in conjunction with Vive.

Welcome to Steamworks
https://partner.steamgames.com/vrtracking/

"Steam VR Tracking" which recognizes three-dimensional objects in VR space is used in "VR game platform" VR game platform which provides VR game playable with VR headset such as HTC Vive. The exact location where Vive's hand controller is in VR space is because SteamVR Tracking is tracking the position of the controller accurately. Valve, which runs the game platform · Steam, decided to release SteamVR Tracking's technology license-free to other companies. This will enable the development of new VR hardware / software.

SteamVR Tracking works with three combinations of "base station", "sensor" and "host". The base station is a multi-axis laser emitter installed to recognize objects in the play area, and by combining two base stations it is possible to track 360 degrees objects. Up to 32 sensors can be installed, and objects attached with sensors can be recognized in VR space with no cable.


The provided development kit includes hardware such as 40 sensors, 2 base stations, and a software kit that assists the operation of optical sensors.


Since the Vive main unit is not attached, it seems possible to build a VR system that operates without a VR headset, but even if you develop custom hardware etc. to cooperate with Vive OK. Recognize in the VR space up to the movement of the finger alreadyGlobe type controllerAlthough it is on sale,Hacker NewsBy attaching sensors to "Beer · Coogee" (cloth which keeps beer) and "Pet clothes", it is expected to be able to grasp the position of surrounding beer and pet in VR space even while Vive is playing I will.

In starting SteamVR Tracking's partnership, Valve needs face-to-face training with at least one licensee company. To receive the face-to-face training program, you need 3000 dollars (about 300,000 yen) per trainee, and the first training schedule is scheduled for September 2016. In the future there is a possibility that the face-to-face training program will not be essential. Participation in the partnership can be done from the following page.

Welcome to Steamworks
https://partner.steamgames.com/vrtracking/