Foot-Operated Spherical Controller for VR Locomotion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR and AR control methods are limited by room size for room-scale movement and are unnatural or imprecise for users, especially those with mobility issues, as they rely on hand-held controllers or application-specific foot pedals, which are not versatile for general application control.
Innovation Solution
A foot-operated controller with a spherical control ball that allows users to control applications with intuitive, precise movements, using rotary motion encoders or image-based motion encoders, and providing force feedback, allowing for general-purpose control inputs in VR and AR environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If room-scale movement control is used, then users can move freely in VR/AR programs, but the control is limited by the size of the user's room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spherical control ball as an intermediary device between the user and the VR/AR system. This ball, operated by foot, serves as a mediator that enables unlimited virtual movement without requiring physical space. The spherical geometry allows rotation in all directions, providing omnidirectional control capability that transcends physical room boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual copy of physical movement through the spherical controller. Instead of requiring actual physical displacement in the real world, the system captures rotational movements of the ball and translates them into corresponding virtual movements within the VR/AR environment, effectively copying physical locomotion patterns in a virtual space.
2Measurement precision
If hand-held controllers with joysticks or directional pads are used, then users can control movement in VR/AR programs, but the control may seem unnatural or imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional control paradigm by switching from hand-held controllers to foot-operated control. This inversion allows users to control VR/AR movement using their feet, which can provide more stable and precise input while sitting or standing, particularly benefiting users with hand mobility limitations. The foot-operated spherical controller offers an alternative control modality that can enhance both precision and naturalness for certain users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific foot operated pedals are used, then control is available for specific applications like racing games, but the inputs are not usable for general application control
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical control ball is designed as a universal controller that can be adapted to various VR/AR applications. Unlike application-specific pedals, this single device can handle multiple types of control needs through its spherical geometry and foot-operated interface. The system can map different rotational movements and pressure inputs to various control functions across different applications, making it a multi-functional solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates dynamic characteristics through the movable spherical ball that can be manipulated in multiple directions and with varying pressure. This dynamic design allows the same physical device to provide different types of input signals depending on how the user moves or presses the ball, enabling it to serve multiple control functions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The foot-operated controller offers a compact, intuitive, and precise control solution that overcomes the limitations of existing methods, enabling users to control VR and AR applications with natural foot movements, providing a versatile input option for users with limited arm or hand mobility.
Implementation Method 1
A first rotary motion encoder may be used to detect a rotational displacement of the first spherical control ball with respect to a first axis. A second rotary motion encoder may be used to detect a rotational displacement of the first spherical control ball with respect to a second axis
Implementation Method 2
A first image-based motion encoder may be used to detect movement of the first spherical control ball. A second image-based motion encoder may be used to detect movement of the second spherical control ball
Implementation Method 3
The spherical control ball may include ferromagnetic elements that interact with one or more electromagnetic braking elements to generate an electromagnetic force that provides force feedback to the spherical control ball
Data Source
AI summary
A controller apparatus includes two or more balls having a size sufficient for a human to manipulate with a single foot. Three or more bearings support at least one of the balls from below and permit rotation with respect to at least two axes. One or more position encoders are disposed proximate a surface of each of the two or more balls. The encoders are configured to determine a rotational displacement of each of the two or more balls with respect to two or more axes.