Elliptical Trainer VR Integration via Whole-Body Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack integration with smart devices for immersive interaction, primarily focusing on hand and head movements, neglecting the potential of whole-body movements for interaction and data collection during virtual and mixed reality experiences.
Innovation Solution
A virtual and mixed-reality enhanced elliptical exercise trainer system that includes a body joystick with sensors and haptic feedback, allowing users to interact with virtual environments using whole-body movements and receiving feedback, while transmitting data to and receiving instructions from connected smart devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hand and head movement tracking is used for VR interaction during exercise, then interaction capability is provided, but user engagement and immersion are insufficient due to neglecting whole-body movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from tracking only hand and head movements (limited dimensions) to tracking whole-body movements including torso, arms, and legs (expanded dimensions). This dimensional expansion allows users to interact with VR environments using natural full-body gestures, significantly improving immersion and engagement while maintaining interaction capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart devices are used separately for media consumption during exercise, then media playback is provided, but integration and immersive interaction are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the exercise machine, smart device, and VR system into an integrated unified system. The exercise machine's computer system communicates with the smart device to control media playback, while the VR system receives input from body movement sensors. This consolidation allows seamless interaction where exercise movements directly control VR experiences and media playback, enhancing immersion without requiring separate device management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional exercise machines are used, then exercise function is provided, but immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a traditional exercise machine into a multi-functional system that simultaneously provides exercise, VR interaction, and media playback capabilities. By integrating body movement sensors, a computer system with communication interfaces, and VR display equipment, the machine serves multiple purposes: physical exercise through the exercise mechanism, interaction with virtual environments through body tracking, and media consumption through the integrated smart device connection, all within a single unified platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a virtual and mixed-reality enhanced elliptical exercise trainer that allows a user to exercise while interacting with a virtual reality or mixed reality environment using whole body movements and positioning, and receiving haptic feedback associated with the user's interaction with the virtual reality or mixed reality environment, while on an elliptical exercise training machine.