Play Area Setup (PICO)

Introduction #

The Play Area is an essential safety feature that creates virtual boundaries to prevent collisions with real-world objects. This guide will walk you through setting up and managing your PICO play space effectively.

Before You Begin

• Clear the intended play area of all obstacles, furniture, and trip hazards
• Ensure adequate lighting in the room (avoid dim lighting or direct sunlight)
• Remove pets from the play area
• Check for overhead obstacles like ceiling fans or light fixtures
• Keep at least arm’s length distance from walls, furniture, and windows
• Make sure your PICO controllers are charged and paired

Initial Play Space Setup #

When you first boot your PICO headset, it will automatically enter play space setup mode. You’ll see your real-world environment through the headset’s RGB cameras (pass-through mode).

Quick Setup Option (Stationary)

1. Select “Stationary” from the menu
2. Choose your play style:
   • Sitting: For seated VR experiences
   • Standing: For standing experiences with minimal movement
3. Define your space size:
   • The PICO will create a circular boundary around your current position
   • Use the controllers to adjust the circle’s diameter
   • Press the trigger to confirm the boundary

Custom Setup Option (Room-Scale)

1. Select “Room-Scale” from the menu
2. Define your space:
   • Point your PICO controller at the ground
   • Hold the trigger and trace the outline of your desired play area
   • Connect the outline to your starting point to complete the boundary
3. The system will verify if your space meets PICO’s minimum size requirements
4. Adjust the boundary if needed
5. Confirm the setup with the controller trigger

PICO Play Space Features

• Boundary Visualization: A blue grid appears when you approach the edge of your play space
• Pass-through Mode: Automatically activates when you exit your defined boundary
• Visual Warnings: Increasing intensity of boundary visibility based on proximity
• Floor Boundary: Visible indication of your defined floor level

Space Memory Feature

• PICO headsets remember previously defined play spaces
• When returning to a familiar location:
  1. The system will scan the environment
  2. If recognized, it will automatically load the saved Guardian boundary
  3. You’ll be prompted to verify the boundary is still clear and safe
  4. Confirm or adjust the boundary as needed

Adjusting Play Space Settings

• Access Guardian settings through your PICO’s main menu:
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Select Play Space
  3. Available options include:
     • Reset Play Space
     • Adjust sensitivity
     • Toggle visibility options
     • Enable/disable floor boundary
     • Switch between Room-Scale and Stationary modes

Best Practices for PICO Devices #

1. Regular Verification:
   • Check your play space setup before each session
   • Verify the play space is still clear of obstacles
   • Update boundaries if room layout has changed
2. Safety Considerations:
   • Always start in the center of your play space
   • Keep others informed when you’re using VR
   • Consider placing a non-slip mat in the center of your play space
   • Keep your PICO controllers within the play space boundaries
3. Space Requirements:
   • Minimum recommended space for Room-Scale: 6.5 x 6.5 feet (2 x 2 meters)
   • Ideal space: 12 x 12 feet (3.5 x 3.5 meters)
   • Height clearance: 8 feet (2.4 meters)
   • Stationary: 3.3 x 3.3 feet (1 x 1 meter) minimum
4. Environmental Factors:
   • Maintain consistent room lighting
   • Avoid highly reflective surfaces in play area
   • Keep windows covered to prevent sunlight interference
   • Ensure tracking cameras are clean and unobstructed

Troubleshooting PICO Play Space Issues #

If Guardian detection fails:

1. Environment Checks:
   • Ensure adequate room lighting
   • Clean the headset’s tracking cameras
   • Remove reflective objects
   • Check for infrared interference
2. System Solutions:
   • Restart your PICO headset
   • Try manual boundary setup
   • Reset Play Space settings
   • Update PICO system software if available
3. Common Issues:
   • Play space disappearing: Usually due to tracking loss, check lighting and cameras
   • Boundary shift: Reset play space and recreate boundary
   • Pass-through not activating: Check play space sensitivity settings