WALK SIMULATION APPARATUS FOR EXERCISE AND VIRTUAL REALITY
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A locomotion platform device permitting a user to walk, run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to the area of the device, the device comprising:
- a platform including an upward facing, parabolic, concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions; and
means for reducing friction of a portion of the user'"'"'s footwear or feet contacting the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion;
wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet.
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Abstract
A locomotion platform device enables a user to perform a simulation of various motions including walking and running. The device comprises a locomotion platform having a concave upward facing surface. The platform and/or the user'"'"'s footwear incorporate a mechanism to reduce friction between the user and the surface of the platform in order to allow the user'"'"'s feet to move freely.
104 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A locomotion platform device permitting a user to walk, run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to the area of the device, the device comprising:
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a platform including an upward facing, parabolic, concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions; and means for reducing friction of a portion of the user'"'"'s footwear or feet contacting the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion;
wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A locomotion platform device lacking handles or anything for a user to grasp onto with hands that permits the user to walk, or run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to a central area of the device, the device comprising:
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a stand-alone, stationary, dish-shaped platform having an upward facing, essentially spherically concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions, the surface comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wax, polish, lubricant and polytetrafluoroethylene; said concave surface of the platform comprising a low friction, fixed surface, firm enough to support a user'"'"'s weight without substantial deformation; and means for reducing contact friction between feet of the user and the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion;
wherein the friction reducing means includes a low friction interface engaging the feet, disposed between the feet and the surface of the platform;
wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet.
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15. A simulation system comprising:
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a locomotion platform permitting a user to walk, run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to the area of the device, where the platform includes an upward facing, parabolic, concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions; means for reducing friction of a portion of the user'"'"'s footwear or feet contacting the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion;
wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet;a screen at least partially surrounding the platform wherein background images are projected onto the screen; and a camera disposed between the screen and the platform. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification