Independent Pedal VR Walking Mechanism for Realistic Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current VR walking mechanisms fail to accurately simulate the experience of walking, leading to an unnatural feeling due to their slippery surfaces and limited size, which compromises user safety and immersion.
Innovation Solution
A VR walking mechanism featuring independently driven pedals with sensing devices and motors that mimic real walking by tracking foot positions and movements, allowing for precise control and safety through a safety rope, enhancing the sense of reality and user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a smooth concave platform is used for VR walking, then the device structure is simple, but the surface is slippery causing unnatural walking feeling and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independent pedal units (first pedal, second pedal, etc.) that can move independently. Each pedal is equipped with its own driving mechanism and sensing device, allowing segmented control of foot positions to simulate realistic walking patterns while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedals are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with each pedal capable of independent displacement along the moving direction. The driving mechanisms dynamically adjust pedal positions based on sensing device feedback, creating a dynamic walking simulation that prevents slipping while maintaining safety.
2Volume of moving object
If the VR walking mechanism size is limited, then the device fits space constraints, but the walking simulation accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from simulating walking on a fixed 2D plane to controlling multiple pedals that move independently along the moving direction in 3D space. This dimensional transformation allows accurate foot position tracking within a compact volume by utilizing vertical and lateral pedal movements rather than requiring a large horizontal platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical walking simulation mechanisms with an integrated system combining sensing devices and driving mechanisms for each pedal. This substitution enables precise control of pedal positions through electronic actuation rather than complex mechanical linkages, achieving high simulation accuracy within limited space.
3Measurement precision
If independently driven pedals with sensing devices are used, then walking simulation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pedal unit is designed as a universal module that integrates multiple functions: sensing device for position detection, driving mechanism for movement control, and structural support. This modular universal design allows the same configuration to be replicated across multiple pedals, reducing overall system complexity through standardization while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a VR walking mechanism, which includes a first pedal, a second pedal, a sensing device, a control device and a driving device. The first pedal and the second pedal are connected to the driving device, respectively. The sensing device is configured to obtain motion information of a first object and/or a second object and send the motion information to the control device. The control device determines a predicted landing point of the first object and/or the second object based on the motion information and controls the driving device according to the predicted landing point so as to drive the first pedal and/or the second pedal to move to the corresponding position. The first pedal and/or the second pedal resets after sensing that the first object and/or the second object has stepped thereon. The present invention further provides a VR walking method corresponding to the VR walking mechanism.