Diver-X HalfDive
| Diver-X HalfDive | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | PC VR (Bed-Mounted Display) |
| Platform | Windows, SteamVR |
| Creator | Diver-X |
| Price | $750-$4,000 (Kickstarter tiers, discontinued) |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | 2 x LCD binocular |
| Resolution | 1600 x 1440 per eye (3200 x 1440 combined) |
| Image | |
| Optics | |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 4.5DoF head tracking, 6DoF controllers |
| Audio | |
| Connectivity | |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, USB-A 3.0 |
| Device | |
| Input | 6DoF controllers, foot-mounted controllers |
The Diver-X HalfDive was a cancelled virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Diver-X, a Japanese technology company. Announced in 2021 and inspired by the anime series Sword Art Online, the HalfDive was notable for being the first VR device specifically optimized for use while lying in bed, marketed as a "Bed-Mounted Display" (BMD).[1]
History and Development
Concept and Inspiration
The Diver-X HalfDive was directly inspired by the "NerveGear" device depicted in the popular anime and light novel series Sword Art Online. The developers aimed to create an immersive VR experience that users could enjoy while lying down, representing a departure from traditional standing or seated VR experiences.[2]
Kickstarter Campaign
The HalfDive launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in late 2021. The campaign successfully reached its funding goal in January 2022. However, the development team subsequently made the decision to cancel the campaign and return all funds to backers.[3]
Cancellation
Despite the successful funding, Diver-X determined that the HalfDive was too niche a product to deliver at a small production scale. The company chose to cancel the project and refocus their efforts on other VR accessories, subsequently launching a Kickstarter campaign for VR haptic gloves called "ContactGlove."[4]
Design and Hardware
Bed-Mounted Form Factor
The HalfDive was designed to be mounted to a bed frame or similar structure, allowing users to lie down while using VR. This unique form factor eliminated concerns about cable management and headset weight that affect traditional VR usage.
Display System
The headset featured a dual LCD display configuration with a resolution of 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye (3200 x 1440 combined). The display operated at a 90 Hz refresh rate.
Optical System
The HalfDive utilized a complex 10-element aspherical lens stack to achieve its 134-degree diagonal field of view, significantly wider than most consumer VR headsets of its era.
IPD Adjustment
The headset offered hardware-adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) ranging from 58mm to 82mm, accommodating a wider range of users than most VR headsets.
Tracking System
The HalfDive employed a unique 4.5DoF tracking system for head movement, detecting rotation and limited positional movement optimized for the lying-down use case. The included controllers featured full 6DoF tracking.
Haptic Feedback Systems
One of the most innovative aspects of the HalfDive was its comprehensive haptic feedback system:
Wire-Based Force Feedback
The device incorporated a wire-based force feedback system designed to provide users with a sense of touch and friction when interacting with virtual objects in games.
Wind Feedback
Two fans positioned on each side of the headset provided directional wind feedback, enhancing immersion in scenarios involving wind or movement.
Vibration Feedback
A vibration feedback system created realistic sensations from in-game events such as footsteps, gunshots, and environmental effects.
Audio System
The HalfDive featured a four-speaker surround sound configuration positioned around the user's head, providing spatial audio without the need for separate headphones. A 3.5mm audio jack was also available for users who preferred personal headphones.
Input Devices
Standard Controllers
The system included 6DoF motion controllers for hand-based input and interaction.
Foot Controllers
Uniquely, the HalfDive system included foot-mounted controllers that derived input from the degrees of tilt of the user's ankles, allowing for movement control while lying down.
Connectivity
The HalfDive connected to a PC via:
- DisplayPort 1.2 for video
- USB-A 3.0 for data and tracking
Software Compatibility
SteamVR
The headset was designed to be fully compatible with SteamVR through OpenVR integration, providing access to the extensive library of PC VR games and applications.
Pricing
The Kickstarter campaign offered several tiers:
- HalfDive Minimum Model: $750
- HalfDive Basic Model: $1,050
- Variable-Function-Focus Model: $4,000
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | 2 x LCD |
| Resolution | 1600 x 1440 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Field of View | 134° diagonal |
| Lens Design | 10 aspherical lens stack |
| IPD Range | 58-82 mm |
| Head Tracking | 4.5DoF |
| Controller Tracking | 6DoF |
| Audio | 4-speaker surround |
| Video Connection | DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Data Connection | USB-A 3.0 |
See Also
References
- ↑ "Diver-X launches HalfDive - the first VR device optimised for in-bed use". KitGuru. 2021. https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/featured-tech-news/joao-silva/diver-x-launches-halfdive-the-first-vr-device-optimised-for-in-bed-use/.
- ↑ "'Sword Art Online' Inspired VR Headset Kickstarter Delayed". Road to VR. 2021. https://www.roadtovr.com/halfdive-vr-headset-kickstarter-sao-nervegear/.
- ↑ "A Sword Art Online-Inspired VR Headset Is Now LIVE On Kickstarter". Gfinity Esports. 2021. https://www.gfinityesports.com/article/sword-art-online-vr-halfdive-headset-release-date-specs-price.
- ↑ "Startup Behind Ambitious HalfDive VR Headset Launches New Kickstarter for VR Haptic Gloves". Road to VR. 2022. https://www.roadtovr.com/diver-x-vr-haptic-gloves-kickstarter/.