Algorithm

Algorithm: Physiology of Google Cardboard

From a mental, experience oriented perspective, the successful implementation and use of Google Cardboard depends on a number of factors. Primarily, the user must have unimpaired vision and the ability to process images and the concepts behind those images. If those factors are present and fully functional, the algorithm revolves mainly around the user’s personal preference in terms of what images to view and how to view them. Some innovations are underway to help Google Cardboard simulate the Doppler Effect via spacial audio effects, yet those changes are not available as of right now, so the algorithm cannot officially include them. This description of the algorithm begins after the assembly of the Google Cardboard, as those steps would be included in the mechanical or app-oriented algorithm.

The physiological algorithm of Google Cardboard is composed the following processes: First, users align their faces and eyes to the exact, designated location of the concave slots in the center of the cardboard device. If the user does not have the mental and physical/visual capacity to see, process and understand the images as Google Cardboard intends them to be perceived, the device cannot be used in a conventional way or at the least in the way that it was intended to be used. If the user has the mental and physical/visual capacity to see, process and understand the images, the lenses are used to portray images from a manipulated, 3D perspective. The user then uses the magnetic installments located on the side of Google Cardboard to control the flow, duration and order or images. If the viewer wishes to continue to view the images or video, the algorithm repeats indefinitely; if the viewer does not wish to continue to view the images or video, the algorithm concludes after this step.

Algorithm: Technological Perspective

From this perspective, the input component of this process is the idea behind the scenes that are created for the app.  Moving on from the part, the ideas must be made into images.  The images on apps for Google Cardboard are formatted in a slightly different way than those designed for other, more conventional photo viewing apps.  The main difference occurs in the form of a splint in the image into two similar pictures in order to create a 3 Dimensional effect in a human’s mind.  The two images invoke different perspective in a human’s left and right eye.  Designers must create optics for the images so that users can focus on the specific points on the mobile device being used in Google Cardboard.  Finally, the images should be adjusted to track and react to a user’s head movements, allowing designers to create the illusion of depth and perspective to make the images seem infinite and sensationalized.

Algorithm: Mechanical Processes

The mechanical algorithm of Google Cardboard (GC) comprises the following steps: First, the user places their smartphone onto the GC dock. If the dock contains an NFC chip that automatically launches the GC app on the smartphone, the can lock the smartphone in place using the Velcro add-ons if needed. If there is no NFC chip, the user will need to launch the GC app on their smartphone manually, and then proceed to locking the smartphone in place. Next, the user places the GC against their forehead with the groove facing them and the lenses facing outward. Finally, the user manipulates the magnet located at the side of the GC to move through images.
Once completed, the user unlocks their smartphone from the dock and closes the GC app if necessary.

If you prefer a PDF viewing experience:  Flow Chart-How does Google Cardboard work