Foot-Sensing Haptic Platform for Intuitive VR Locomotion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing VR locomotion solutions lack seamless and intuitive interaction methods that are applicable to a wide variety of VR uses, leading to practical limitations and user discomfort such as motion sickness.

Innovation Solution

A human-computer interaction device with inner and outer zones that provide tactile input and haptic feedback, using sensors and actuators to mimic natural movement in VR, allowing users to step and feel directional movement through haptic patterns and feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional VR locomotion solutions are used, then VR experiences can be provided, but user comfort deteriorates due to motion sickness and practical limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVR experience stabilityVSAvoidmotion sickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides haptic feedback through the sensing platform in response to detected foot movement, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that enhances user awareness of virtual locomotion and reduces motion sickness by aligning tactile sensations with visual feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locomotion systems (treadmills, motion platforms) with a sensing platform that uses sensors and haptic feedback to simulate movement, eliminating the need for large physical spaces while maintaining immersive VR experiences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If large open spaces are required for VR locomotion, then natural movement is possible, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural movementVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing platform creates a virtual copy of natural locomotion through haptic feedback patterns that simulate the sensation of walking, running, or other movements, allowing users to experience natural movement sensations within a compact physical footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from physical spatial movement to tactile feedback dimension, where movement is experienced through haptic sensations rather than actual displacement, enabling natural-feeling locomotion in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If haptic feedback is added to the sensing platform, then user interaction is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing platform integrates multiple functions including movement detection, haptic feedback delivery, and directional control within a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing interaction versatility through multi-functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances VR interaction by providing seamless and intuitive locomotion, reducing motion sickness and expanding VR's applicability to various scenarios without requiring large open spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The outer zone can comprise light sensing touch technology or pressure or force sensing technology. The pressure or force sensing technology can comprise resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave or infrared detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

The haptic feedback can be provided by springs, inflatable bladders or compliant materials, solenoids, magneto resistive fluids, rotational motors or actuators, linear motors or actuators, pneumatic actuators, piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric actuation: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

The haptic feedback can be provided by vibrotactile feedback, electrical stimulation, wave focusing, state or form changes via jamming, skin stretching, force feedback, or resistive surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250271939A1Human computer interaction devices

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 LAZARIDES STEFANOS

AI summary

Various examples are provided related to devices for human-computer interactions. In one example, a human computer interaction device includes a sensing platform with at least one inner zone and an outer zone. The sensing platform can provide control inputs to a computing device in response to detecting movement of a foot of a user on the sensing platform and can provide haptic feedback to the user in response to the detected movement. The haptic feedback can be provided via the at least one inner zone, the outer zone or a combination thereof.