Modular VR Floor Tiles for Multi-User Collision-Free Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR) systems fail to provide multiple users with the sensation of walking freely in any direction without collisions, as existing solutions like omnidirectional treadmills and spherical cages are mechanically complex, noisy, and limited to single users, while previous vibrating surface technologies are impractical for multiple participants.
Innovation Solution
A modular floor system composed of active tiles that use preferential friction and rapid vibrations to independently control the movement of multiple users, allowing them to walk in any direction by selectively switching friction forces and synchronizing tile movements with ultrasonic transducers or piezoelectric elements to avoid collisions and create a sense of infinite space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large multi-directional treadmills with crossing belts are used, then users can walk in multiple directions, but the device becomes mechanically complex and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The floor is divided into multiple independent active tiles that can be individually controlled. Each tile contains its own drive system with vibration-inducing assembly and preferential friction assembly, allowing distributed control across the floor surface without requiring a single complex mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical belt systems with a combination of vibration-induced motion and preferential friction control. Ultrasonic transducers or piezoelectric elements create rapid vibrations that, when combined with selective friction modulation, produce controlled movement without the need for large mechanical treadmills
2Adaptability or versatility
If single omnidirectional treadmill is used, then a user can walk in any direction, but it is limited to a single user
Solution Approach 1:
The floor surface is segmented into multiple independently controllable active tiles. This segmentation allows different regions of the floor to be controlled separately, enabling multiple users to move independently in different directions simultaneously without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
Each active tile is designed with universal functionality to support any type of movement (forward, backward, lateral, rotational) for any user. The same tile mechanism that enables single-user omnidirectional movement also supports multi-user independent movement when controlled in coordination
3Productivity
If modular floor with active tiles is used, then multiple users can move independently, but each tile requires complex drive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-inducing assembly and preferential friction assembly are merged into an integrated drive system for each tile. This combination allows the tile to achieve controlled movement through a coordinated action of vibration and friction modulation rather than requiring separate mechanical systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces preferential friction as an intermediary mechanism between the vibration source and the user's footwear. The friction assembly acts as a mediator that translates vibration energy into controlled linear motion by selectively engaging and disengaging friction forces in response to control signals
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
Enables multiple users to move freely and independently within a VR environment without collisions, providing a realistic walking experience while maintaining a quiet and safe environment, and allowing for the perception of vast spaces without physical boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the tile assemblies includes: (a) a planar tile with an upper surface for supporting the first and second objects; and (b) a drive system. The drive system includes a vibration-inducing assembly operable to oscillate the planar tile in a horizontal plane.
Implementation Method 2
synchronizing tile movements with ultrasonic transducers or piezoelectric elements
Implementation Method 3
The drive system includes a vibration-inducing assembly operable to oscillate the planar tile in a horizontal plane
Implementation Method 4
The drive system includes a preferential friction assembly operable to selectively reduce friction between the upper surface and any object supported upon the upper surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A motion system for moving objects in a space, e.g., for moving virtual reality (VR) participants about space used to provide a VR environment. The system includes a controller and a position monitoring assembly. The system has a modular floor including a plurality of tile assemblies defining a support surface for a first and a second object. Each of the tile assemblies includes: (a) a planar tile with an upper surface for supporting the first and second objects; and (b) a drive system. The drive system includes a vibration-inducing assembly operable to oscillate the planar tile in a horizontal plane and further includes a preferential friction assembly operable to selectively reduce friction between the upper surface and any supported object. The controller generates control signals, based on position information, to independently control the tile assemblies of the modular floor to move the first and second objects on the support surface.