HTC Vive Cosmos Controller

A VR controller that offers a unique light-tracking design and technology
Company: HTC

Overview

Vive Cosmos is a new VR headset released in 2019 under HTC Corporation's virtual reality brand VIVE. Vive Cosmos is a high-end PC-VR headset with a wide field of view (FOV) and six degrees of freedom (6DoF) support. The most significant feature is the use of inside-out tracking technology developed by the in-house team of the HTC Vive. I was responsible for cooperating with engineers to create the emitted light pattern for accurate tracking and design.


My role:

  • Propose pattern design ( Ideation, Sketching, 2D Drawing, 3D modeling )
  • Cooperate with in-house software/hardware teams to develop the new tracking technology
  • Constantly communicating with the project manager, engineering team, and product team to generate good designs
  • Conduct the transformation of a flat pattern design into a three-dimensional and mass-produced form by utilizing CAD techniques
  • Deliver CMF proposals for Vive Cosmos to CTO
  • Work with the product team to conduct CMF solutions and communicate with the manufacturer to drive the development of competitive CMFs


Results:

  • Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards


New, Better Motion Controller

With this new tracking technology, there is no need to set up an external base station, and users can quickly begin virtual reality exploration. At the same time, the lightning pattern on the controller is not just a "gaming style" but helps the headset's cameras to track the controllers' positions. The glows when in active use. The emitted light ensures accurate tracking of the controllers.


Challenge

My main task was to design the controller's illuminated pattern incorporating new tracking technology. In order to make sure emitted light ensures accurate tracking on controllers, I collaborated closely with in-house software & hardware teams to develop the new tracking technology and define the form of the pattern.