Method and Apparatus for Operatively Controlling a Virtual Reality Scenario with an Isometric Exercise System

Abstract

An interface, in the form of an isometric exercise system, according to the present invention includes an effector with at least one sensor, a platform and control circuitry including a processor. The platform accommodates a user in a standing position and includes the effector attached thereto. The sensor measures at least one force applied by a user lower body portion to the effector and causing a measurable strain on the effector. An additional effector with at least one sensor and a game controller or other input device may further be attached to the platform. The sensor measures at least one force applied by a user upper body portion to the additional effector and causing a measurable strain on that effector. The processor receives and processes data corresponding to applied force information for transference to the host computer system to update a virtual reality scenario.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 350,284, entitled “Isometric Exercise System and Method of Facilitating User Exercise During Video Game Play” and filed Feb. 9, 2006 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0217243), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 975,185, entitled “Configurable Game Controller and Method of Selectively Assigning Game Functions to Controller Input Devices” and filed Oct. 28, 2004 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0130742), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 806,280, entitled “Game Controller Support Structure and Isometric Exercise System and Method of Facilitating User Exercise During Game Interaction” and filed Mar. 23, 2004 (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0180719), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 309,565, entitled “Computer I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] The present invention provides several advantages. In particular, the isometric interaction inverts the paradigm utilized by the related art devices (such as the CyberForce and the Treadport). In contrast to that paradigm (e.g., allowing the user to move freely and apply unrealistic forces), the isometric interaction of the present invention enables the user to exert realistic forces, while constraining the motion. The ramifications are considerable and include attaining the desired effect without moving parts and the associated high cost and mechanical complexity. Further, reaction times are immediate since there is no lag required for some mechanism to reflect the new state of the simulated world. Moreover, the user may apply forces equivalent to those the user appli...

Problems solved by technology

However, if the soldier has been trained in an environment where the physical component of the activity has not been taken into account, the soldier can possibly commit to a course of action that the soldier is physically incapable of performing (e.g., sprinting up to a roof with a heavy pack and calmly engage in sniper activity, etc.).

However, problems exist with respect to including physical interfaces in dismounted soldier type simulations.

These problems relate to technology and cost.

In particular, interfacing with the human body is an extremely challenging problem.

The mechanical complexity of the interface rises sharply with the number of axes along which the soldier can move.

On the other hand, the Treadport is capable of supporting motion in the X and Y axes along with up to thirty degrees of slope, but is extremely impractical and uneconomical.

Further to the cost and complexity of these systems, robotic force type feedback systems are limited and can only apply a small portion of the opposing force that the systems are capable of producing.

Since a trivial malfunction of hardware and/or software results in a maximum force being applied, the machine motors of these systems are restricted to prevent injury to the user.

The restricted operation prevents the systems from applying sufficient force to simulate hard, impenetrable surfaces in the virtual environment.

This lack of sufficient exercise may contribute to a growing population of overweight people or even an epidemic of obesity.

As a result, the subject can only play the game by performing certain isometric exercises.

However, th...

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