Apparatus for simulating motion in a virtual environment

• US 9,056,240 B2
• Filed: 03/09/2012
• Issued: 06/16/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Matthew Carrell
• Original Assignee: Matthew Carrell
• Inventors: Carrell, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): CROW, STEPHEN R
• Application Number:
  US13/417,153
• Publication Number:
  US 20130237378A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,194 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482 51- 54
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 an adjustable user support system;

wherein rotational movement of the human user is accommodated by rotation of the adjustable user support system within the constraining structure;

a stationary friction reducing platform proximate the constraining structure;

a foot platform configured to be worn on a foot of a human user;

wherein the foot platform is configured to engage the stationary friction reducing platform to simulate motion;

a motion simulating device, proximate a foot of the human user;

wherein the motion simulating device 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;

wherein the constraining structure is a hubless wheel further comprising a fixed outer race and an ambulatory inner race;

wherein the ambulatory inner race rotates freely within the fixed outer race.

2. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the constraining structure is mechanically coupled to a vertical pole;

wherein the vertical pole is mechanically coupled to the stationary friction reducing platform.

3. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the foot platform includes motion simulating footwear that further comprises a wheel framework mechanically coupled to a first omnidirectional wheel, a second omnidirectional wheel;

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

4. The apparatus of claim 1,

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

and

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

5. The apparatus of claim 1,

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

and

wherein the electronic foot speed measurement device further comprises an accelerometer positioned proximate the foot of the human user.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable user support system further comprises a belt system, configured to wrap around a waist of a human user.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising connecting devices attached to the belt system and the ambulatory inner race;

wherein the connecting devices enable movement of the belt system to move the ambulatory inner race without moving the fixed outer race.