VAIR requires a smartphone and a positional tracking sensor. The most accurate sensor we use is a HTC VIVE Controller combined with gun-shaped attachments of aluminum alloy and wood. By changing the upper attachment, VAIR can use any smartphone. In the mobile VR that VAIR provides, a player sees not only a VR space but also a real space. Because the feel and appearance of the controller are important, VAIR imitates the real shape and texture of a hand gun. When the player pulls its trigger, he or she can shoot a virtual bullet in any direction in a virtual space.

VAIR corresponds to multiple controllers and shares VR space, so it recognizes bullets shot by all controllers. Therefore, VAIR provides various playing modes; for example, a player can play alone with two guns, cooperatively with more people, or against them. Moreover, by inputting data of a real object’s position and scale to the VAIR, the object can be used as an obstacle in VR space. When a player hides behind the object, he or she can hide behind the obstacle in VR space and can play in a gun fight using realistic tactics. Since the real space is clearly visible in the mobile VR, a player can safely run around, which is impossible with a HMD. Therefore, the VAIR will enable players to move in a sports-like way more freely than VR using a HMD.

We call VAIR using the HTC VIVE “VAIR 1”, which is very simple. VAIR 1 connects a HMD to the server PC (even though this HMD does not have to be used) and registers paring information of the controller and its above smartphone. The server transmits information such as the controller’s position, angle, and trigger to the smartphone. The server and the controller communicate only their coordinate information, so the communication load is small.
All the images are rendered on the smartphone.