The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued guiding opinions to accelerate the development of the virtual reality industry
Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Accelerating the Development of the Virtual Reality Industry (MIIT Electronics [2018] No. 276)
To the competent departments of industry and information technology of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and cities with independent planning status, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant industry organizations, and relevant units:
Virtual reality (including augmented reality and mixed reality, referred to as VR) integrates and applies technologies from multiple fields such as multimedia, sensors, new displays, the Internet and artificial intelligence. It can expand human perception, change product forms and service models, and have a profound impact on the economy, science and technology, culture, military, life and other fields. The global virtual reality industry is moving from its initial incubation period to a period of rapid development. my country faces a rare opportunity to participate in international technological and industrial innovation. However, there are also problems such as insufficient supply of key technologies and high-end products, relatively scarce content and services, an imperfect innovation support system, and an imperfect application ecosystem. In order to accelerate the development of my country's virtual reality industry, promote innovation in virtual reality applications, and cultivate new growth points and new momentum for the information industry, the following opinions are put forward:
I. General requirements
(1) Guiding ideology
Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will fully implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, seize the development opportunities of new-generation information technologies such as virtual reality, adhere to market-led, application-driven, innovation-driven, and coordinated development, strengthen the research and development of technological products and enrich the supply of content services, and support them by optimizing the development environment, establishing standards and norms, and strengthening public services. We will enhance the industry's innovation and development capabilities, promote the widespread application of new technologies, new products, new business forms, and new models in various fields, promote the high-quality development of my country's information industry, and provide new impetus for my country's economic and social development.
(2) Development goals
By 2020, my country's virtual reality industry chain will be basically sound, its application in important economic and social industries will be deepened, a number of industrial technology innovation centers will be built, significant breakthroughs will be made in core key technology innovation, a number of replicable, popularizable and effective typical demonstration applications and industry application solutions will be created, a number of distinctive virtual reality industry innovation bases will be established, and a development pattern of coordinated advancement of technology, products, services and applications will be initially formed.
By 2025, the overall strength of my country's virtual reality industry will be among the best in the world. It will master key core patents and standards for virtual reality, form a number of virtual reality backbone enterprises with strong international competitiveness, significantly enhance innovation capabilities, greatly improve the level of application service supply, achieve a leap in the comprehensive development strength of the industry, and significantly enhance virtual reality application capabilities, promoting a significant improvement in the quality and efficiency of development in all areas of the economy and society.
II. Key Tasks
(1) Breakthroughs in key core technologies
Strengthen collaborative cooperation between industry, academia, research, and application to promote research in basic theories, common technologies, and applied technologies related to virtual reality. Adhere to the overall machine-driven and system-driven approach, focusing on key aspects such as virtual reality modeling, display, sensing, and interaction. Strengthen key technology research and development in dynamic environment modeling, real-time 3D graphics generation, multivariate data processing, real-time motion capture, real-time positioning and tracking, and fast rendering processing. Accelerate the research and development and industrialization of virtual reality visual graphics processors (GPUs), physical processing units (PPUs), high-performance sensor processors, and new near-eye display devices.
-- Near-eye display technology. Achieve mass production of new display devices and supporting driver chips with 30 PPD (pixels per degree) per-eye resolution, refresh rates exceeding 100 Hz, and millisecond response times. Develop human-friendly optical systems to address dizziness caused by convergence adjustment conflicts and low image quality. Accelerate the industrialization and development of micro-display technologies such as organic light-emitting diodes on silicon (OLEDoS), microLEDs (MicroLEDs), and light field displays, promoting the development of near-eye displays toward high resolution, low latency, low power consumption, wide viewing angles, variable depth of field, and lightweight and miniaturized designs.
-- Perceptual interaction technology. Accelerate the research and development and industrialization of six-axis and higher-GHz inertial sensors, 3D cameras, and other technologies. Develop robust, millimeter-level precision inside-out tracking and positioning equipment and motion capture devices. Accelerate the innovative development of technologies such as immersive sound fields, voice interaction, eye tracking, tactile feedback, expression recognition, and brain-to-brain interaction. Optimize sensor fusion algorithms and promote the development of perceptual interaction towards high precision, naturalness, mobility, multi-channel, and low power consumption.
Rendering processing technology. Develop rendering optimization algorithms based on visual characteristics and head-motion interaction, and accelerate the research and development and industrialization of latency optimization algorithms for high-performance GPUs. Achieve breakthroughs in key technologies such as next-generation graphics interfaces, dedicated hardware acceleration chips for rendering, cloud rendering, light field rendering, and retinal rendering, and promote the development of rendering processing technology towards high image quality, low latency, and low power consumption.
-- Content production technology. Develop image capture technologies such as full-view 12K resolution, 60 frames per second, high dynamic range (HDR), multi-camera synchronization and independent exposure, and wireless real-time preview. Focus on breakthroughs in high-quality panoramic 3D real-time stitching algorithms, achieving universality and consistency across development engines, software, peripherals, and head-mounted display platforms.
(2) Enriching the effective supply of products
In response to the needs of information consumption upgrades and industry application needs, we will accelerate the research and development and industrialization of virtual reality equipment, perception and interaction equipment, content acquisition and production equipment, development tool software, industry solutions, and distribution platforms, and enrich the effective supply of virtual reality products.
Complete VR equipment. Develop low-cost, high-performance VR complete equipment that conforms to the physiological characteristics of the human eye, including console-based, mobile-based, all-in-one, vehicle-mounted, cave-based, and contact lens-based devices. Research and develop VR industry terminal equipment for key industries and specific application scenarios, such as manufacturing, education, culture, health, and commerce.
Perceptual interaction devices. Developed from inside-out tracking and positioning devices, high-performance 3D cameras, high-precision interactive handles, data gloves, eye tracking devices, data clothing, force feedback devices, brain-computer interfaces, and other perceptual interaction devices.
-- Content acquisition and production equipment. Accelerate the research, development, and industrialization of content acquisition and production equipment, including motion capture, panoramic cameras, immersive sound field acquisition equipment, and 3D scanners, to meet the content production needs of different application levels, including film, television, online media, and self-media.
-- Development tool software. Develop VR machine operating systems, 3D development engines, content creation software, as well as development tool software for sensory interaction, rendering processing, and other areas, to enhance the system integration and integrated innovation capabilities of VR software and hardware products.
-- Industry solutions. Develop integrated solutions for virtual R&D and design, virtual assembly and manufacturing, virtual inspection and maintenance, virtual training, and virtual product display for typical applications in key industry sectors.
Distribution platform. Develop a cloud-based, end-to-end virtual reality network distribution and application service aggregation platform (CloudVR), and promote the establishment of an efficient and secure virtual reality content and application payment platform and distribution channels.
(3) Promote application in key industries
Guide and support the development of "VR+", promote the application of virtual reality technology products in manufacturing, education, culture, health, commerce and other industries, innovate integrated development paths, cultivate new models and new business formats, and expand the application space of virtual reality.
-- VR+Manufacturing. Promote the application of virtual reality technology in manufacturing R&D, design, testing and maintenance, operator training, process management, marketing and display, and other aspects to enhance the design-assisted capabilities and manufacturing service levels of manufacturing enterprises. Promote the integration of virtual reality technology with manufacturing data collection and analysis systems to achieve visual management of production site data, improve the precision of manufacturing execution and process control, and promote the development of new manufacturing models such as collaborative manufacturing and remote collaboration. Build an intelligent service platform that combines industrial big data, the industrial internet, and virtual reality to enhance the manufacturing industry's integrated innovation capabilities. Targeting key industries such as automobiles, steel, and high-end equipment manufacturing, promote the application of virtual reality technology in digital workshops and smart workshops.
-- VR+Education. Promote the application of virtual reality technology in higher education, vocational education, and experimental and demonstration courses in physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and other fields. Build virtual classrooms and virtual laboratories, develop new teaching methods such as virtual lesson preparation, virtual lectures, and virtual exams, promote learner-centered personalized learning, and drive the transformation of teaching and learning models. Build virtual training bases, continuously enrich training content, improve professional skills training, and meet the training needs of professional and technical personnel in various fields. Promote the development of virtual reality educational resources, realize large-scale demonstration applications, and promote the integrated development of science popularization, training, teaching, and scientific research.
-- VR + Culture. In the fields of culture, tourism, and cultural heritage preservation, enrich the supply of content that integrates VR experiences, promote the migration of existing digital content to VR content, and meet the people's demand for upgraded cultural consumption. Develop VR film and television productions and live broadcasts, and encourage video platforms to create dedicated VR zones, offering VR video on demand, concerts, sports events, live news broadcasts, and other services. Create virtual cinemas and virtual concert halls, providing multi-sensory experiences and enhancing user experience. Build VR theme parks and VR industry experience centers, innovating cultural communication methods. Promote the application of VR in cultural and artistic fields such as cultural heritage restoration, cultural relic and artwork exhibition, sculpture, and 3D painting, and innovate artistic creation and expression.
-- VR + Health. Accelerate the application of virtual reality technology in medical teaching and training, simulation exercises, surgical planning and navigation, and other aspects, promoting the improvement of the intelligent level of medical services. Promote the application of virtual reality technology in psychological counseling, rehabilitation nursing, and other aspects, explore how virtual reality technology can supplement and improve existing diagnostic and treatment methods, develop virtual reality home-based elderly care, online diagnosis and treatment, and virtual visitation services, and improve the level of telemedicine.
VR+Commerce. Adapting to the trend of scenario-based shopping in e-commerce, home design, and commercial displays, we will develop and apply specialized virtual reality display systems. We will provide personalized, customized virtual design, experience, and trading platforms for real estate, home furnishings, home appliances, interior decoration, and apparel. We will also develop virtual reality shopping systems and innovate business promotion and shopping experience models.
(4) Build a public service platform
Relying on leading industry companies, industry organizations, financial institutions and other third-party institutions, we will build and operate an industry public service platform to meet the development needs of the virtual reality industry, provide services such as technical research, financial support, results transformation, testing and promotion, information exchange, and innovation incubation, promote the construction of a virtual reality ecosystem that integrates large-scale innovation, investment, incubation and operation, and optimize the industry development environment.
Generic Technology Innovation Services. Focusing on the technological innovation needs of the VR industry, with a focus on basic research and R&D support for common key technologies, this service will bring together the resources of key enterprises, renowned universities and research institutes, and innovative institutions such as specialized VR laboratories, research institutes, R&D centers, technology centers, and engineering centers to jointly promote innovation in generic VR technologies. This service will provide guidance and assistance to enterprises and professional institutions in applying for domestic and international patents, ensuring timely intellectual property rights. Furthermore, this service will explore the establishment of a mechanism for the transfer and incentive of VR scientific and technological achievements, promoting cross-industry, cross-sector, and cross-regional transfer of achievements.
--Innovation and entrepreneurship incubation services. Integrate innovation and entrepreneurship resources to provide open, low-cost, and convenient comprehensive services across all factors. Promote the co-construction and sharing of virtual reality innovation resources and provide virtual reality R&D resources. Support various business incubators, makerspaces, and other carriers to build a professional, full-process innovation and entrepreneurship service system for the virtual reality sector, providing startups and innovative teams with entrepreneurial guidance, innovation funding, supporting technologies, legal assistance, education and training, and other services.
Industry exchange and docking services. Gather the service resources of industry organizations and third-party institutions to establish a public service system for information exchange and cooperation in the virtual reality industry. Provide services such as virtual reality industry consulting and training, project docking, application promotion, technology transactions, achievement transformation, intellectual property rights, exhibition business, financial leasing, human resources, and industry research, promote industry information sharing, and drive the development of the industry ecosystem.
(V) Establishing a standard and specification system
Leverage the guiding and supporting role of standards in the industry, establish a collaborative mechanism between industry, academia, research, and application, and improve virtual reality standards and evaluation systems. Strengthen the top-level design of the standards system, focusing on the formulation and revision of national/industry standards for fundamental, public welfare, and key technologies and products to effectively support and serve industrial development. Focus on promoting the internationalization of standards and accelerating my country's international standardization process.
-- Establish a standards and norms system. Research and determine the top-level design for comprehensive virtual reality standardization, build a standardization system for the virtual reality field, and propose a standardization path and timetable. Encourage the development of group standards that play a leading and promoting role, improve the group standard conversion mechanism, and form a new standard system mechanism in which standards formulated by the government and those formulated independently by the market develop and complement each other in a coordinated manner. Actively guide and support domestic enterprises, research institutions, and universities to participate in the development of international standards.
-- Accelerate the development of key standards. Increase efforts to develop basic, security, and application standards, standardize interface data, program interfaces, and interoperability standards, and promote interchange and mutual recognition between different products and application systems. Develop safety and health standards for virtual reality products that align with human visual and auditory habits and meet physiological and psychological health requirements, enhancing the basic safety assurance capabilities of virtual reality products. Improve the development of a content rating system based on different audiences, including children, adolescents, adults, and special populations.
-- Conduct testing and certification work. Research and establish a virtual reality product inspection, testing, and evaluation mechanism, build a testing and evaluation system covering virtual reality technology, products, and services, and support third-party organizations in promoting key virtual reality standards and conducting product quality assessment and testing. Organize and conduct standard compliance testing for mainstream virtual reality products in the market and publish quality analysis reports.
(6) Enhance security capabilities
Strengthen the security protection capabilities of virtual reality system platforms. Research attack monitoring and defense technologies for virtual reality, promote the development of security risk monitoring and early warning capabilities for key virtual reality products, strengthen the sharing of security threat information, promptly release virtual reality security vulnerability risk and early warning information, and promote virtual reality security information sharing and collaborative linkage among governments, industries, and enterprises.
Strengthen the protection of important data and personal information in the virtual reality sector. Implement the requirements of policy documents such as regulations on data security and user personal information protection. Based on the characteristics of virtual reality industry technologies and products, guide companies to standardize the collection, storage, use, and destruction of user personal information, and improve the level of protection of user personal information by companies in the process of conducting virtual reality business.
III. Promotion Measures
(1) Increase policy support. Closely integrate relevant national industrial policies, utilize existing channels, and innovate support methods, focusing on supporting the research and development and industrialization of virtual reality technology. Strengthen the tracking, monitoring, and analysis of industry development. Encourage financial institutions to carry out financing and credit insurance services that are consistent with the characteristics of the virtual reality industry, further broadening industry financing channels.
(2) Leverage the role of local governments. Strengthen guidance and coordination of local work, guide local governments to formulate supporting policies and specific implementation measures based on their actual conditions, support local governments in building public service platforms for industrial development, and promote inter-regional exchanges and cooperation. All regions should increase investment, focus on breakthroughs in key core technologies, enrich product offerings, and actively use virtual reality products and solutions in livelihood and public welfare projects.
(3) Promote the promotion of demonstration applications. Encourage key regions and key industry enterprises to target specialized application needs and accelerate the application of virtual reality application technologies and industry solutions. Support local governments and enterprises in organizing and implementing virtual reality application projects, explore and form scalable and replicable application and business models, and promptly summarize outstanding cases and development experiences for national promotion.
(4) Build industrial development bases. Support qualified areas in establishing virtual reality industry development bases and guide virtual reality enterprises to cluster in these bases. Organize and carry out the identification of distinctive virtual reality industry bases to guide differentiated development directions. Coordinate the development of virtual reality industry platforms and innovation centers to form a networked and coordinated development promotion system.
(5) Strengthen industry brand building. Increase publicity and promotion of outstanding virtual reality companies, products, services, platforms, and application cases to enhance the visibility of Chinese virtual reality brands. Strengthen the promotion of outstanding industrial development bases and industry organizations to stimulate the enthusiasm of all sectors to promote industrial development.
(6) Strengthen professional talent training. Relying on major national talent projects, implement a plan to attract outstanding talent and accelerate the recruitment of a group of high-end, multi-disciplinary virtual reality professionals. Pilot curriculum reforms based on industry development needs. Encourage universities and enterprises to innovate collaborative models, jointly build practical training bases, and actively engage in interactive talent development. Improve the use, evaluation, and incentives for virtual reality talent, and promote the improvement of the talent ecosystem from R&D, commercialization, production, to management.
(7) Promote the development of industry organizations. Support the innovative development of industry alliances, research institutions, and other industry organizations, build platforms to promote industry development, and leverage organizational synergy in technological breakthroughs, standard setting, talent matching, application promotion, investment promotion, brand publicity, and international cooperation. Support industry organizations in carrying out virtual reality-related innovation promotion activities, exhibition and experience activities, and application promotion activities.
(8) Promote international exchange and cooperation. Strengthen international exchange and cooperation in the field of virtual reality, promote the interaction of technology, talent, capital, and other resources, enhance the ability to aggregate global resources, and accelerate the improvement of R&D and innovation capabilities. Support virtual reality companies in increasing their efforts to expand overseas markets, establish a professional and market-oriented overseas market service system, and enhance the industry's international development capabilities.
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
December 21, 2018
