APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING MOTION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT

• US 20130237378A1
• Filed: 03/09/2012
• Published: 09/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Matthew Carrell
• Original Assignee: Matthew Carrell
• Inventors: Carrell, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 9,056,240 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/51
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 17/00 Roller skates; Skate-boards
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 17/061 with relative movement of sub-parts on the chassis
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 17/1436 contacting the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 2203/18 Measuring a physical parameter, e.g. speed, distance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/012 Walk-in-place systems for allowing a user to walk in a virtual environment while constraining him to a given position in the physical environment
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00

Abstract

This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that simulate motion in a virtual environment. The invention comprising a constraining element and footwear that allow the user freedom of movement while limiting one to a circumscribed area. As the user moves within the circumscribed area ones movements are continuously recreated in virtual space simulating similar movements through the virtual space which are then displayed for the user.

Claims

1. An apparatus for simulating motion in a virtual environment, comprising

a constraining structure mechanically coupled to a friction reducing platform and a movement mechanism;

where the movement mechanism is mechanically coupled to a user and the user is mechanically coupled to a motion simulating footwear;

where the user is communicatively coupled to an electronic foot speed measurement device and an electronic measurement device; and

a measurement system communicatively coupled to the electronic measurement device and the electronic foot speed measurement device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the movement mechanism further comprises,

a user support and constraining device mechanically coupled to a hubless wheel;

and

where the hubless wheel is mechanically coupled to the constraining structure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 where the movement mechanism further comprises,

a user support and constraining device mechanically coupled to a vertical pole;

and

where the vertical pole is mechanically coupled to the friction reducing platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 where the movement mechanism further comprises,

a user support and constraining device mechanically coupled to a telescoping support device;

and

where the telescoping support device is mechanically coupled to the constraining structure.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, where the motion simulating footwear further comprises a wheel framework which is

mechanically coupled to a first omnidirectional wheel, a second omnidirectional wheel;

and

where the electronic measurement device further comprises an infrared LED, and a slotted disk mechanically coupled to the wheel framework.

6. The apparatus of claim 1,

where the motion simulating footwear further comprises a foot platform mechanically coupled to a friction reducing device;

and

where the electronic foot speed measurement device further comprises light emitting diodes and photo-diodes located inside in the motion simulating footwear.