Systems and methods for automatic configuration of a virtual reality play area and physical harm avoidance

1. A method for configuring a virtual reality play area, the method comprising:

performing depth sensing measurements of an area in all directions surrounding a user;

identifying, based on the depth sensing measurements, (a) a horizontal plane of the area, and (b) a plurality of obstructions in the area;

generating a three-dimensional shape representing a maximum volume of contiguous open space in the area based on the horizontal plane and the plurality of obstructions;

truncating the three-dimensional shape to create a maximally sized convex shape; and

constructing the largest possible play area using the convex shape.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

capturing one or more images of the area in all directions surrounding the user; and

augmenting the depth sensing measurements using the captured one or more images.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying a horizontal plane of the area further comprises:

detecting a plurality of horizontal planes in the area;

determining a height of the user; and

selecting, based on the height of the user, a first horizontal plane of the plurality of horizontal planes.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein determining a height of the user further comprises retrieving, from a user profile associated with the user, the height of the user.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein determining a height of the user further comprises:

detecting, using image recognition, a foot of the user; and

determining a distance to the foot of the user.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

calculating a first dimension of the play area and a second dimension of the play area, wherein a first axis of the first dimension is substantially perpendicular to a second axis of the second dimension;

identifying a predicted movement pattern of the user;

determining, based on the predicted movement pattern, a direction in which the user is likely to make a majority of movements; and

setting an orientation of the play area such that the direction in which the user is likely to make a majority of movements is aligned with the larger of the first dimension and the second dimension.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising generating for display to the user a representation of the play area.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving a user input to modify the play area; and

adjusting a boundary of the play area based on the user input.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

calculating a centroid of the play area; and

establishing, based on the centroid, a center position of the play area.

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising generating for display to the user a visual indicator to guide the user to the center position of the play area.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

detecting movement of the user;

in response to detecting the movement, comparing a position of the user with a boundary of the play area;

in response to determining, based on the comparing, that the user is within a threshold distance of the boundary, pausing output of virtual reality content;

detecting a second movement of the user;

comparing a second position of the user with the center of the play area; and

in response to determining, based on the comparing, that the user is within a threshold distance of a center of the play area, resuming output of the virtual reality content.

12. A system for configuring a virtual reality play area, the system comprising:

a depth sensor; and

control circuitry configured to:

perform depth sensing measurements, using the depth sensor, of an area in all directions surrounding a user;

identify, based on the depth sensing measurements, (a) a horizontal plane of the area, and (b) a plurality of obstructions in the area;

generate a three-dimensional shape representing a maximum volume of contiguous open space in the area based on the horizontal plane and the plurality of obstructions;

truncate the three-dimensional shape to create a maximally sized convex shape; and

construct the largest possible play area using the convex shape.

13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising:

an imaging sensor;

wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

capture, using the imaging sensor, one or more images of the area in all directions surrounding the user; and

augment the depth sensing measurements using the captured one or more images.

14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry configured to identify a horizontal plane of the area is further configured to:

detect a plurality of horizontal planes in the area;

determine a height of the user; and

select, based on the height of the user, a first horizontal plane of the plurality of horizontal planes.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the control circuitry configured to determine a height of the user is further configured to retrieve, from a user profile associated with the user, the height of the user.

16. The system of claim 14 , wherein the control circuitry configured to determine a height of the user is further configured to:

detect, using image recognition, a foot of the user; and

determine a distance to the foot of the user.

17. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

calculate a first dimension of the play area and a second dimension of the play area, wherein a first axis of the first dimension is substantially perpendicular to a second axis of the second dimension;

identify a predicted movement pattern of the user;

determine, based on the predicted movement pattern, a direction in which the user is likely to make a majority of movements; and

set an orientation of the play area such that the direction in which the user is likely to make a majority of movements is aligned with the larger of the first dimension and the second dimension.

18. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to generate for display to the user a representation of the play area.

19. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

receive a user input to modify the play area; and

adjust a boundary of the play area based on the user input.

20. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

calculate a centroid of the play area; and

establish, based on the centroid, a center position of the play area.

21. The system of claim 20 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to generate for display to the user a visual indicator to guide the user to the center position of the play area.

22. The system of claim 12 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to:

detect movement of the user;

in response to detecting the movement, compare a position of the user with a boundary of the play area;

in response to determining, based on the comparing, that the user is within a threshold distance of the boundary, pause output of virtual reality content;

detect a second movement of the user;

compare a second position of the user with the center of the play area; and

in response to determining, based on the comparing, that the user is within a threshold distance of a center of the play area, resume output of the virtual reality content.