Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) headsets typically limit a user's field of view, restricting situational awareness to what is directly in front of them. This makes it difficult to monitor the surrounding environment for events or motion occurring outside the primary viewing area. This disclosure describes a method for conditionally displaying a panoramic, 360-degree view within a VR headset. The panoramic view can be triggered by events, such as the detection of motion in the user's periphery or rear. Upon detection, the standard forward-facing view is temporarily replaced or augmented with a compressed 360-degree visualization of the environment. This technique enhances the user's situational awareness by providing a complete environmental view only when necessary, mitigating potential disorientation or motion sickness associated with a constant panoramic display.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Alexander Graehl, "Situational Awareness in Virtual Reality by Providing a Wide Field of View", Technical Disclosure Commons, (October 27, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8788