Haptic VR Simulation Device with U-Shaped Control Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current haptic VR simulation devices lack an intuitive and immersive way for users to interactively walk or cycle through virtual environments, particularly for rehabilitation and study purposes, as they fail to accurately simulate natural body movements and weight displacement.
Innovation Solution
A haptic VR simulation device combining a treadmill with a VR headset, utilizing a control member shaped like a horizontal U, coupled with rotational and transverse pressure sensors, to control both the treadmill and virtual environment, creating a realistic illusion of movement by translating user input into corresponding movements of the treadmill and VR image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional VR simulation device is used, then the user can view a virtual environment, but the user cannot intuitively interact with the virtual environment through natural body movements
Solution Approach 1:
A control member is introduced as an intermediary device between the user and the virtual environment. This control member detects user body movements and translates them into commands for the VR system, enabling intuitive interaction without requiring complex direct control interfaces. The control member acts as a mediator that converts natural physical actions into digital signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using physical switches or buttons, the system uses pressure sensors and other detection means to sense user movements, substituting mechanical interaction with a more intuitive sensor-driven approach that responds to natural body motions.
2Reliability
If the treadmill moves forward to simulate walking, then the user experiences forward movement, but the user must manually turn the VR image to the left or right which breaks the illusion of natural movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by detecting the user's actual body movements through the control member and automatically adjusting the VR image orientation accordingly. When the user walks forward, the system detects this movement and automatically rotates the VR view to match, creating a consistent feedback loop that maintains the simulation illusion without requiring manual user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The VR system performs self-adjustment by automatically orienting the virtual environment based on the user's detected movements. Instead of requiring the user to manually rotate the view, the system serves itself by using the control member's detection data to automatically update the VR display, making the interaction more intuitive and maintaining immersion.
3Ease of operation
If pressure sensors are added to detect user movements, then the interaction becomes more intuitive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a sensor interface. By integrating pressure sensors into the control member that the user naturally holds or interacts with, the system achieves multi-functionality, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensors and minimizing overall device complexity.
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 device provides an immersive experience by accurately simulating walking and cycling movements, enhancing rehabilitation and study by creating a natural interaction with virtual environments, where user inputs directly influence the treadmill and VR image, maintaining consistent speed and orientation, thus enhancing the sense of presence in virtual spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a rotational pressure sensor arranged for detecting rotational pressure on the control member counter clockwise or clockwise around a substantially vertical axis of rotation of the control member
Implementation Method 2
one or more transverse pressure sensors, which are arranged to detect transverse pressure on the control member forward or rearward and/or in other directions transverse to the substantially vertical axis of rotation of the control member
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Haptic simulation device that allows a user, by means of natural body movements, to move through a virtual environment displayed by a VR control system (1) and display means (2), using a treadmill with a unidirectional (5) movable running deck (6). The detection means comprise a control member (7) with a shape such, that the control member extends in front of and/or at least partly to the side of the user, during use of the device when the user is on the treadmill. The control member is coupled to a rotational pressure sensor (8) and one or more transverse pressure sensors (10). The rotational and transverse pressure sensors are coupled to the VR control system and the treadmill control system such that (a) if the user exerts forward or rearward pressure to the control member, the running deck moves rearward and forward, respectively, and (b) if the user additionally exerts a rotational pressure and/or a transverse pressure on the control member, the VR control system moves the virtual environment displayed in the VR display means to the left or the right respectively.