Torso and Limb Tracking Harness for VR Immersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer interaction methods primarily focus on hand-based input, neglecting the potential of the torso and limbs for interaction and immersion in virtual reality environments, and lack the ability to provide physical feedback to users.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a body harness with tethers and integrated sensors that track the movement of the torso and limbs, providing input to computer systems and offering fall safety support, while also enabling haptic feedback to enhance immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-based input devices are used for computer interaction, then the interaction method is simple and well-established, but the immersion and naturalness in virtual reality environments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the body into multiple trackable components (torso, limbs, hands) and assigns different interaction functions to each segment. The torso and limbs serve as primary input devices for navigation and manipulation, while hands retain fine motor control capabilities. This segmentation allows natural whole-body interaction while maintaining operational simplicity through distributed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional hand-based input to three-dimensional whole-body input by tracking the position and orientation of the torso and limbs in 3D space. This dimensional expansion enables more intuitive and immersive virtual reality interaction, allowing users to leverage their entire body as an input device rather than being constrained to hand movements.
2Device complexity
If traditional control arrangements are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to provide physical feedback to users is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges tracking functionality and haptic feedback capability into the existing exercise equipment structure. Sensors are integrated into the equipment to track user movements, while the equipment's mechanical components serve dual purposes as both exercise resistance mechanisms and haptic feedback actuators. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex control systems while enabling rich physical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise equipment is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as physical exercise equipment and as a virtual reality interaction system with haptic feedback. The same mechanical components that provide exercise resistance also provide force feedback during virtual reality interactions, maximizing resource utilization and reducing system complexity.
3Reliability
If VR helmets or visors are used to block user vision, then the virtual reality experience is enhanced, but the user's awareness of real-world position and safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preliminary safety measures by implementing fall detection sensors and safety protocols before accidents occur. The sensors continuously monitor user position and movement patterns to detect potential falls, and the system can trigger safety mechanisms or alert users before a fall occurs, maintaining both VR experience quality and physical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor user position, orientation, and movement in real-time, and this information is used to adjust the virtual environment and provide haptic feedback that enhances spatial awareness. This feedback mechanism helps users maintain awareness of their real-world position even while immersed in VR, reducing fall risk.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for natural torso and limbs tracking and feedback for electronic interaction with fall safety support. The apparatus comprises a body harness worn on the body of a user, a support structure designed to bear the weight of the user in the event of a stumble, trip, or fall, and a plurality of tethers attached at one end to the harness and at the other end to the support structure. One or more sensors are integrated into the system to measure aspects of the user's movement and used as input to control a computer system. In the event of stumble, trip, or fall, all of, or a portion of, the user's body weight is borne by the tethers as a safety mechanism to prevent injury. The system is designed to be used with virtual reality systems wherein the user's vision is blocked or obscured by a virtual reality visor.