Abstract:
This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that simulate motion in a virtual environment. The invention comprising a constraining element and footwear that allow the user freedom of movement while limiting one to a circumscribed area. As the user moves within the circumscribed area ones movements are continuously recreated in virtual space simulating similar movements through the virtual space which are then displayed for the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the simulation of movement in a virtual environment based on measuring actual movement in a constrained environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Previous devices have either comprised of exercise equipment such as stationary bikes, treadmills, or seats that may be driven by motors to simulate in game movement, confined space that allows very limited walking or running simulation, or have a very unstable walking surface that could prove hazardous for an inexperienced user; such as the concave, low friction platform of Williams&#39; U.S. Pat. No. 7,470,218, or the large spherical apparatus used in Latypov&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,134. Virtual reality devices in particular are very disorienting for some users. The obvious difficulty here is that it is very easy for a person running on an unstable surface to fall or suffer injury. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Methods, systems, and other means are provided for a device that simulates motion in a virtual environment. In accordance with some embodiments there are two critical elements this apparatus would need for allowing a free full range of motion while keeping the user within a circumscribed area: 1) A constraining structure and 2) footwear that enables movement and measurement of that movement. There are three exemplary embodiments that may act as a constraining structure: 1) a hubless wheel; 2) a semi-fixed suspended pole and 3) an anchored pole. There are two varieties of footwear that may work in this environment 1) shoes that have a friction reducing lower surface and 2) shoes that contain multi-directional wheels. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view and perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a side view and perspective view of the motion simulating footwear with a friction reducing lower surface. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the motion simulating footwear with multi-directional wheels. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the top assembly. 
         FIG. 2B  shows the vertical movement mechanism. 
         FIG. 2C  shows the user support and belt system. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the obstacles associated with moving in a full range of motion in a virtual environment, and now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that show some, but not all embodiments of the claimed inventions. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of the invention. CPU  4  is communicatively coupled to head mounted display  2  which gives the user the illusion of immersion in a virtual three-dimensional world. Head mounted display  2  comprises head tracking device  6  that may measure the head&#39;s yaw, pitch and roll and communicate the movements to CPU  4  to recreate said movements in the virtual environment allowing the user to naturally simulate observing their surroundings inside the virtual three-dimensional world. CPU  4  is a measurement system and, can be a computer, gaming system, or other device that uses the information to simulate a similar degree of movement in the virtual environment. 
     Constraining structure  10  comprises user support and belt system  12  mechanically coupled to hubless wheel  14 . Hubless wheel  14  is mechanically coupled to user supporting arm  8 . Preferably, hubless wheel  14  can travel vertically with user supporting arm  8  while allowing the innermost element of hubless wheel  14  to rotate. Hubless wheel  14  is mechanically coupled to user support and belt system  12  by a plurality of connecting devices  16  such that as the user rotates user support and belt system  12  it may also rotate hubless wheel  14 . 
     The user may simulate walking while constrained in constraining structure  10  by using motion simulating footwear  26  which is communicatively coupled to CPU  4 . Motion simulating footwear  26  allows users to move their legs in a full range of motion while communicating that movement to CPU  4  which then recreates that movement into similar movements in a virtual world. As used here, a full range of motion means the ability to pivot 360 degrees and perform jumping, squatting, walking, running, and strafing movements. 
     Here, constraining structure  10  allows a user to complete a full range of motion within a confined space. This full range of motion is possible in part because the user is constrained by user support and belt system  12  that support the user using one or more belts or constraints which are preferably adjustable to accommodate many different body styles. These belts or constraints may preferably constrain the user around the waist, hip, or groin in such a way to allow the user to bend, twist and run unimpeded by the geometrical restraints of constraining structure  10 . User support and belt system  12  is mechanically coupled to hubless wheel  14  such that user support and belt system  12  can tilt and adjust to the user&#39;s position while keeping user support and belt system  12  aligned with hubless wheel  14 . User supporting arm  8  may be mechanically coupled to fixed anchoring device  20  in such a way as to allow the user to jump and squat unimpeded. 
     Fixed anchoring device  20  mechanically couples constraining structure  10  to confined space which allows user supporting arm  8  to move vertically while restricting any lateral movement. Fixed anchoring device  20  should be mechanically coupled to base platform  18 , but it may also be connected to any fixed surface such as the ground, a wall, a pole, doorway, ceiling, or ceiling support. The user may be constrained proximate the center of base platform  18  by user supporting arm  8 , and anchoring device  20 . The weight of the user on base platform  18  can also assist in anchoring constraining structure  10  in one location. 
     Hubless wheel  14  is comprised of a fixed outer race  22 , and an ambulatory inner race  24 . Ambulatory inner race  24  may be positioned within the inner perimeter of fixed outer race  22 . Ambulatory inner race  24  can rotate freely within fixed outer race  22 . Additionally, a bulwark may be mechanically connected to fixed outer race  22  and around the inner perimeter of ambulatory inner race  24  in a way that will not interfere with movement or the connection to the belt system  12  but will prevent warping, jamming, or other complications when the ambulatory inner race is stressed. To minimize friction and allow ambulatory inner race  24  to move easily within fixed outer race  22  there should be very little contact between the two. In other embodiments, pins, rollers, balls, bearings, or other methods may allow ambulatory inner race  24  to revolve freely while keeping it in position. Fixed outer race  22  is mechanically coupled to user supporting arm  8 , which prohibits revolving and lateral movement. Connecting devices  16  are mechanically coupled to the inner perimeter of ambulatory inner race  24  at a series of attachment points. Hubless wheel  14  and user support and belt system  12  should have a large enough circumference to allow user&#39;s with extra-large waist sizes, 48 inches or more, to use it comfortably and may be adjustable to allow user&#39;s with very small waist sizes such as children to use it comfortably as well. 
     All of the parts used to construct constraining structure  10  should be modular to allow for easy disassembly and reassembly, and small enough to be able to carry through a standard size doorway. The parts constraining structure  10  comprises should be made of a material with the size and strength that may support many variations of user&#39;s weight, such as metal, hard plastic, carbon fiber, or wood. In some embodiments, the material will be hollow metal tubing, preferably steel or thick aluminum, that is light enough to transport cheaply, but strong enough to hold over 300 pounds. 
     In one embodiment, base platform  18  is a circular base made of some material that may reduce the amount of friction between motion simulating footwear  26  (described below) and a first surface of base platform  18 . For example wood, hard plastic, carbon fiber, metal, tempered glass, or laminate flooring can be effective. Base platform  18  should be larger than the stride of a regular adult adding extra room to adjust for the displacement caused by the bend in user supporting arm  8 . In one embodiment, a four to five foot diameter would be appropriate for a circular base platform  18 . Base platform  18  may be many different shapes and sizes, such as being bowl shaped, being mechanized to move simulating small hills or inclines, or on an angle from the ground. In some embodiments, base platform  18  may be excluded from constraining structure  10  and walking simulation footwear  26  may contact the floor or ground directly. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention may measure turning, jumping and squatting by using an electronic measurement device within constraining structure  10  and communicatively couple them to CPU  4 . Electronic measurement devices could be slotted disks that measures infrared light that passes through the slots as the disk is moved by the motion of the user in constraining structure  10 . Another method could be a disk with white spots around the perimeter with one or more reflective photo detectors mounted in a way so as to measure the rate and direction the disk turns. A potentiometer connected to a gear may measure rotation as a cog within user supporting arm  8  rotates the potentiometer. These exemplary embodiments may be used with any of the movement detecting mechanisms used for the present invention. Other ways of measuring and converting the measurements into electronic signals which are well known may be used in other embodiments. 
     User support and belt system  12  may connect to the user in many ways. Preferably the user will wear adjustable belt  28  around the waist and affixed in a manner so that it will fit comfortably and not fall off. Other embodiments of user support and belt system  12  may be a plurality of straps, belts, ropes, harnesses, vests, wires, seats, supports or wearable outfits. Adjustable belt  28  is mechanically coupled to ambulatory inner race  24  with a plurality of user support connectors  30 . User support connectors  30  may be straps, belts, elastic cords, rope, and other flexible connectors, or rigid connectors such as poles. In some embodiments, adjustable belt  28  may operate as hubless wheel  14  with the ambulatory inner race  24  being worn on the body as adjustable belt  28  and fixed outer race  22  being connected to user supporting arm  8  using user support connectors  30 . 
       FIG. 1A  shows motion simulating footwear  26  in detail from a side view. Motion simulating footwear  26  comprises a pair of devices further comprising a foot platform  32 , friction reducing device  36 , an electronic foot speed measurement device  34  such that the first device is a mirror image of the second device. Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  should be an accelerometer. Foot platform  32  may be any platform that will constrain the foot on the platform and maintain contact between the foot and platform while the user is running, walking, jumping, or strafing, such as a boot, shoe, sandal, strap, or sock. Foot platform  32  should be a flat platform with a plurality of straps that the user can connect normal footwear to foot platform  32  by employing the plurality of straps. The plurality of straps should be adjustable for different sizes of feet. Foot platform  32  should be manufactured in a way that allows the bottom-most surface to endure the intense forces that will be applied to it, such as hard plastic, polymers, carbon fiber, or metal. 
     Friction-reducing device  36  comprises a smooth friction-reducing bottom face that will allow friction-reducing device  36  to glide over many types of surfaces such as fabric, carpet, cloth, cardboard, padding, or many other possibilities. Friction-reducing device  36  comprises a bottom face that is fabric, carpet, cloth, cardboard, padding, or many other possibilities, that will allow friction-reducing device  36  to glide over many types of surfaces such as hardwood, concrete, linoleum, stone, or many other possibilities. Friction-reducing device  36  may be adjustable, detachable, replaceable, and come in many varieties and my comprise wheels, balls, rollers, or any other form of rolling or a sliding apparatus that will allow the footwear to move over flooring, carpet, ground, concrete, motion simulating footwear  26 , or any other surface. Motion simulating footwear  26  can be used with friction-reducing platform  22 . 
     In one embodiment electronic foot speed measurement device may be located within the friction-reducing device  36 . Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  may comprise light emitting diodes and photo-diodes located as close to the base surface as possible to detect movement relative to the base surface through an opening or transparent material. Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  may use any other form of motion capture such as, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial, mechanical, and magnetic motion capturing systems. Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  is communicatively coupled to CPU  4 . This communicative couple may be wireless, wired, or any other connection. 
     Some embodiments may measure the user&#39;s movements through sensors on the user&#39;s body. The sensors are mechanically coupled to the body of the user and may use infrared radiation to determine the movements of the user in a full range of motion. These sensors are communicatively coupled to a plurality of receivers which are further communicatively coupled to CPU  4 . CPU  4  recreates that motion as explained above. 
       FIG. 1B  shows wheeled footwear  26  which comprises foot platform  32 , a plurality of omnidirectional wheels  38 , wheel framework  40 , bracing mechanism  42 , and electronic foot speed measurement device  34 . Wheel framework  40  is mechanically coupled to foot platform  32  or molded together with the foot platform  32  into a single manufactured article. Wheel framework  40  may be a continuous housing that holds omnidirectional wheels  38  inside of it, or it may be separate housings for each wheel. A plurality of axels is mechanically coupled to omnidirectional wheels  38  by a plurality of bearings and further coupled to wheel framework  40  such that a distance of at least a centimeter and less than an inch exists between foot platform  32  and wheel framework  40 . Wheel framework  40  should be made of a material that can handle the forces from a full range of movement, such as metal, hard plastic, carbon fiber, or plastic polymer. 
     Omnidirectional wheels  38  comprise beaded wheels immediately adjacent to a hub. The beaded wheels further comprise beads that spin freely in the opposite direction of the beaded wheel&#39;s hub. These beaded wheels further comprise a plurality of small beads held in place with a plurality of connections that are immediately adjacent to the perimeter of the wheel axle such that the beads contact base platform  18  without having the connections contact base platform  18 . These beaded wheels may be combined one or more to a hub in a manner that allows the beads from a first wheel to be touching the base platform  18  while a second wheel is positioned with the gap between beads suspended by the first wheel. Preferably the omnidirectional wheels  38  comprise two to four beaded wheels on a single hub that may be inserted onto an axle that is then fitted into the wheel framework  40 . The omnidirectional wheels  38  may be positioned in various arrangements in very many wheel framework  40  carriage styles. Preferably one omnidirectional wheel  38  will be positioned under the approximate heel area of the foot platform  32 , another proximate the middle of the foot platform  32  and another placed at approximate the toe of the foot platform  32 . This positioning of the omnidirectional wheels  38  may help to make the user&#39;s footfall smooth and comfortable by distributing the points of contact between motion simulating footwear  26  and friction-reducing platform  22  over a greater area allowing the foot to roll from heel to toe somewhat naturally. The omnidirectional wheels  38  may be positioned under foot platform  32  along a slight arc, such as having omnidirectional wheels  38  at the heel and toe of foot platform  32  slightly higher than the middle wheel, allowing for more natural footfall. Omnidirectional wheels  38  may be positioned either under the foot platform  32  similar to a roller-blade, or on the sides of the foot platform  32  similar to a roller-skate. 
     Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  may be located between a first omnidirectional wheel running parallel to foot platform  32  and a second omnidirectional wheel running perpendicular to the same foot platform  32 . The first omnidirectional wheel and the second omnidirectional wheel may be mechanically coupled to a slotted disk attached to the wheel&#39;s hub but extended out from the wheel about 1 to 3 cm. This arrangement may allow infrared LEDs to emit infrared radiation through the slots on the slotted disks to create a communicative couple with infrared LED sensors. When the user takes a step while wearing motion simulating footwear  26  omnidirectional wheels  38  turn with travel along base platform  18  further turning the slotted disk interrupting the radiation emitted from infrared LED and creating pulses of radiation communicated to the infrared LED sensors. Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  may use any other form of motion capture such as, accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial, mechanical, and magnetic motion capturing systems. Electronic foot speed measurement device  34  is communicatively coupled to CPU  4 . This communicative couple may be wireless, wired, or any other connection. 
     Bracing mechanism  42  allows the users to turn and pivot their bodies within constraining structure  10  by tilting the foot inwards at an angle to allow a pad mechanically coupled bracing mechanism  42  to create friction with the base platform  18 . Bracing mechanism  42  is mechanically coupled to foot platform  32  and wheel framework  40  proximate the arch of the user&#39;s foot. Bracing mechanism  42  protrudes downward toward base platform  18 . Bracing mechanism  42  should be manufactured to slide vertically to adjust and then lock tightly in place without slipping. The pad should be mechanically coupled to the bottommost surface and made of a material that creates high friction with a smooth surface without damaging it such as, rubber, plastic, or ceramic. 
       FIG. 2  shows a second embodiment of the invention. Constraining structure  110  comprises user support and belt system  112 , where user support and belt system  112  is mechanically coupled to vertical movement mechanism  114 . Vertical movement mechanism  114  is mechanically coupled to semi-fixed suspended pole  116  such that vertical movement mechanism  114  has the ambulatory freedom to slide vertically on semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is semi-fixed because it is able to rotate, but not swing or move horizontally or vertically. Vertical movement mechanism  114  is mechanically coupled to elastic object  118 . Elastic object  118  may be one or a plurality of springs or rubber bands that allow restricted movement to a point and then stop movement. Elastic object  118  is mechanically coupled to a first end of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  such that elastic object  118  supports some or all of the user&#39;s weight. Restricting cap  124  is mechanically coupled to a second end of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Restricting cap  124  restricts vertical movement mechanism  114  from descending beyond the second end of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is mechanically coupled to stationary supporting pole system  120  such that supporting pole system  120  does not limit the rotation of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Stationary supporting pole system  120  is mechanically coupled to friction reducing platform  122 . In this embodiment, the user is constrained near the center of friction reducing platform  122  by constraining structure  110 . 
     A track and wheel system comprises a plurality of wheels mechanically coupled to a wheel mechanism that encircles semi-fixed suspended pole  116  such that the plurality of wheels remain in contact with semi-fixed suspended pole by use of a track the semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . The track and wheel system enables vertical movement mechanism  114  to glide on semi-fixed suspended pole  116  without the device jamming or catching. 
     In one embodiment, elastic object  118  will be a plurality of tension springs placed on opposite sides of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  where a first end of each of the tension springs is mechanically coupled to vertical movement mechanism  114  at points that would not interfere with the plurality of wheels or track. A second end of the plurality of tension springs is mechanically coupled to semi-fixed suspended pole  116  at locations that do not interfere with the plurality of wheels or track. This allows semi-fixed suspended pole  116  to bear the stress of vertical movement mechanism  114 . 
     A first end of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is mechanically coupled to a first end of restricting cap  124  which further comprises a lip of material larger than vertical movement mechanism  114  which limits vertical movement mechanism  114  descending below a first end of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . A second end of restricting cap  124  dampening material that dampens the contact between restricting cap  124  and vertical movement mechanism  114  should the user drop quickly. 
     Semi-fixed suspended pole  116  further comprises a bend above the connection to the elastic object  18  and below a first end of the top assembly shown in  FIG. 2A  below. User support and belt system  110  is mechanically coupled to the outermost face of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  so that when the user jumps parallel to semi-fixed suspended pole  116 , the user may safely avoid a first end of the top assembly shown in  FIG. 2A  below. Semi-fixed suspended pole  116  can be adjusted by the user to the position they can most comfortably squat or to the preferred position the user may most comfortably run without the pole interfering with their gait by adding lengths of pole or through use of some telescoping device. Semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is mechanically coupled to stationary supporting pole system  120 , which is further mechanically coupled to at the apex of constraining device  110 . In some embodiments, semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is constrained from pendulous or vertical movement while allowing unconstrained pivoting. 
     Supporting pole system  120  comprises a plurality of supporting poles. In one embodiment supporting pole system  120  may have three to four supporting poles that may be adjusted by adding extra lengths of pole to supporting pole system  120  to allow a full range of motion in constraining structure  110 . Supporting pole system  120  is mechanically coupled to friction reducing platform  122  which prevents shifting or moving of constraining structure  110  when force is exerted against semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . 
     The user may simulate walking while constrained in constraining structure  110  by using a motion simulating footwear  126 . 
     The poles used for supporting pole system  120 , the top assembly  FIG. 2A  (described below), and semi-fixed suspended pole  116  should be made of a material with the size and strength that may support many variations of user&#39;s weight, such as metal, hard plastic, carbon fiber, or wood. In some embodiments, the material will be hollow metal tubing, preferably steel or thick aluminum, that is light enough to transport cheaply, but strong enough to hold over 300 pounds. In some embodiments, constraining structure  110  will not be taller than eight to ten feet, thus allowing it to fit within standard sized rooms in homes or offices. 
     Elastic object  118  should be made of a material with the size and strength that may support many variations of user&#39;s weight, such as elastic bands, elastic cords, extension springs, shock cord, surgical tubing, hydraulic device or silicone tubing. In some embodiments, elastic object  118  will be a tension spring made of steel that is long enough to allow vertical movement mechanism  114  to reach the restricting cap  124 . A user should be able to jump without being hindered by Elastic object  18 . When elastic object  118  is a tension spring, elastic object  118  should be covered will some material that will prevent the coils of the spring from pinching any part of the user such as clothing, hair, or skin. 
       FIG. 2A  shows top assembly  126 . Top assembly  126  comprises core interconnection  128 , which is mechanically coupled to supporting pole system  120 . Top assembly  126  may be located at the apex of constraining structure  110  and may mechanically couple semi-fixed suspended pole  116  to supporting pole system  120 . Top assembly  126  further comprises pivoting connector cap  130 , which is mechanically coupled to semi-fixed suspended pole  116  and held in place perhaps by a pin, bolt, threaded inserts, or heavy duty snap-fits. In some embodiments, semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is mechanically coupled to pivoting connector cap  130  by a bolt that is inserted at a point near or touching the bottom of the uppermost opening of pivoting connector cap  130  and protruding far enough to prevent any vertical movement transmitted to the semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Pivoting connector cap  130  is mechanically coupled to core interconnection  128  by inserting pivoting connector cap  130  through the uppermost opening of core interconnection  128  so that the wider lip rests on the upper surface of core interconnection  128  and the narrow portion passes through the bottom of the uppermost opening. 
     In another embodiment, semi-fixed suspended pole  116  is mechanically coupled to core interconnection  128  by auxiliary constraint  132  at a lower point so as to aid in stabilizing semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . In some embodiments, top assembly  126  will have enough space between the top opening of core interconnection  128  and the bottom of auxiliary constraint  132  to sufficiently impede pendulous movement from semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . This space can be six to fourteen inches, but preferably this will be ten to twelve inches to allow enough stabilization of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  without projecting low enough to be a hazard when the user is jumping. 
     Core interconnection  128  mechanically couples supporting pole system  120  in many ways. In one embodiment, supporting pole system  120  will extend downward from core interconnection  128  at an angle, which causes supporting pole system  120  to contact the edge of friction-reducing platform  122  with a downward bend towards the ground. This embodiment allows extra segments of pole to be added to stationary supporting pole system  120  allowing core interconnection  128  to be raised for taller users. In other embodiments, supporting pole system  120 , core interconnection  128 , and friction-reducing platform  122  can be joined into one piece. 
       FIG. 2B  shows vertical movement mechanism  114  in more detail from a perspective view. Vertical movement mechanism  114  may employ any friction-reducing device that will allow vertical movement mechanism  114  to move vertically along the semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Preferably, this friction-reducing device will also prevent vertical movement mechanism  114  from rotating around semi-fixed suspended pole  116 , thereby keeping vertical movement mechanism fixed on approximately one side of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  so the user&#39;s turning movements are transferred through the movement of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . In one embodiment vertical movement mechanism  114  would have a first wheel  134   a , a second wheel  134   b , a third wheel  134   c,  and a fourth wheel  134   d  mechanically coupled to axles which are further mechanically coupled to shuttle mechanism  136  that is immediately adjacent to semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . Wheel  134   a  and wheel  134   b  are inserted into a first track running vertically along a first side of semi fixed suspended pole  116 . Wheel  134   c  and wheel  134   d  are inserted into a second track running vertically along a second side of semi-fixed suspended pole  116  such that wheel  134   a , wheel  134   b , wheel  134   c  and wheel  134   d  are held in place by allowing coordination of the user&#39;s vertical movement without sticking, or jamming. Shuttle mechanism  136  is mechanically coupled to weight support connection  138 , which is further mechanically coupled to elastic object  118 . Weight support connection  138  is also mechanically coupled to user support connection  140 , which is further mechanically coupled to user support and belt system  112 . In some embodiments, weight support connection  138  will be on the side of shuttle mechanism  136  perpendicular to wheel  134   a , wheel  134   b , wheel  134   c , wheel  134   d  thus keeping the elastic object  118  out of the path of the tracks and wheels. In some embodiments shuttle mechanism  136  comprises a friction reducing inner surface that enables shuttle mechanism  136  to slide easily around the outside of semi-fixed suspended pole  116 . In some embodiments, shuttle mechanism  136  will be between two and eight inches in height, rest immediately adjacent to semi-fixed suspended pole  116 , and be made of a material that is resistant to constant pressures from many directions such as metal, carbon fiber, or heavy-duty plastic. Weight support connection  138  should mechanically coupled to a first end of elastic object  118  to shuttle mechanism  136  and have a tensile strength of more than 300 pounds on weight support connection  138 . This can be done with heavy-duty welds, or strong plastic molding. Weight support connection  138 , user support connection  140  and shuttle mechanism  136  may be manufactured in a single unit to avoid weakness caused by fragile joints. 
       FIG. 2C  shows user support and belt system  112  in detail from a perspective view. User support and belt system  112  comprises body constraining equipment  142  which can be a strap, belt, rope, harness, vest, wires, or wearable outfit that mechanically couples the user to vertical movement mechanism  114  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) and keeps the user at or proximate center of friction reducing platform  122  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Body constraining equipment  142  comprises a waist constraint such as a belt or harness that may be adjustable to accommodate many different waist sizes. Body constraining equipment  142  further comprises upper body straps that may wrap around the torso, around the arms, shoulders, around the upper or lower chest or combinations of these. User support and belt system  112  may have connections on the back that extend toward vertical movement mechanism  114  which is mechanically coupled to user support connection  140  such that user support and belt system  112  can tilt up and down as the user moves while mechanically coupling user support and belt system  112  to vertical movement mechanism  114  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that the user&#39;s horizontal movements are transferred to semi-fixed suspended pole  116  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). User support and belt system  112  comprises back bulwark  146  that a user can comfortably press one&#39;s back against and separate one&#39;s clothing and body from vertical movement mechanism  114  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), elastic object  118  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ), and semi-fixed suspended pole  116  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). User support and belt system  112  further comprises tailbone support device  144 , such as a seat, that users can use to support their weight. Tailbone support device  144  may be adjustable for users of different body sizes, moveable to prevent it from obstructing the user&#39;s gait during running or walking, while being easily accessible for users to find even while they are immersed in the virtual environment and cannot visually search for user support and belt system  112 . In some embodiments, tailbone support device  144  is mechanically coupled back bulwark  146  and hangs down to, or below, the user&#39;s tailbone. Tailbone support device  144  comprises a handle the user can utilize to swing tailbone support device  144  from seating position to a position allowing the user to run and walk. Tailbone support device  144  further comprises a locking mechanism that can hold tailbone support device  146  in an up or down position. The locking mechanism comprises pushing a pin or bolt into a opening that would allow tailbone support device  144  to support the user&#39;s weight without swinging back down into the position for running and walking. User support and belt system  112  further comprises arm support  148  that may also be adjustable to allow users of different body sizes to adjust them closer to, or farther from, the user&#39;s body. Arm support  148  is mechanically coupled to back bulwark  146  by a swinging connection or hinge that would allow arm support  148  an axial load as heavy as 300 pounds while remaining approximately parallel to the ground and may also be able to swing horizontally around the swinging connection&#39;s vertical axis. 
     Back bulwark  146 , tailbone support device  144 , and arm support  148  should be made of rigid material that can withstand the forces which the user will apply to them during movement, some examples of a rigid material may be hard plastic, carbon fiber, metal, wood, or plastic polymers. Tailbone support device  144 , arm support  148  and back bulwark  146  should be cushioned, or padded to lessen the friction between the user and the rigid materials that make up the rest of user support and belt system  112 . Back bulwark  146  will be wide enough to support the bone structure of an average adult&#39;s hips, about a 1 foot to 1½ feet wide, while having edges that taper back allowing for larger body sizes to comfortably be positioned against it as well. Body constraining equipment  142  is mechanically coupled to back bulwark  146  so body constraining equipment  142  can extend around the user&#39;s body. Back bulwark  146  may extend all the way up past the user&#39;s head or all the way down past the user&#39;s tailbone. Back bulwark  146  may include the tailbone support device  144 , and arm support  148  in one single item of manufacture. Back bulwark  146  may connect to clothing the user is already wearing perhaps by using clasps that fix onto a belt or loop on the user&#39;s pants. 
       FIG. 3  shows a third embodiment of constraining structure  210  which utilized an anchored vertical pole instead of a hubless wheel. CPU  204  is communicatively coupled to head mounted display  202  which gives the user the illusion of immersion in a virtual three-dimensional world. Head mounted display  202  comprises head tracking device  206  that may measure the head&#39;s yaw, pitch and roll and communicate the movements to CPU  204  to recreate said movements in the virtual environment allowing the user to naturally simulate observing one&#39;s surroundings inside the virtual three-dimensional world. Controller  208  may be used to allow better interact with the virtual three-dimensional world and may contain the batteries, or other energy source for the wireless devices the present invention uses for communication. 
     Constraining structure  210  comprises user support and belt system  212  which is mechanically coupled to vertical movement mechanism  214 . Vertical movement mechanism  214  is mechanically coupled to vertical pole  216  such that vertical movement mechanism  214  can slide vertically on vertical pole  216 . Vertical movement mechanism  214  is mechanically coupled to telescoping support device  218  which is further mechanically coupled to user support and belt system  212  such that telescoping support device  218  supports some of the user&#39;s weight perhaps through the use of compression springs or hydraulics. The mechanical couple from telescoping support device  218  to vertical pole  216  can restrict vertical movement mechanism  214  from traveling below an adjustable point that would catch the user should one fall. Pivot connection  220  is mechanically coupled to the bottom of vertical pole  216  and allows the user to pivot on the vertical axis of vertical poles  216  while constraining one to a fixed location. Restricting cap  224  is mechanically coupled to the top of vertical pole  216 , which restricts vertical movement mechanism  214  from ascending beyond the top of vertical pole  216 . Pivot connection  220  and vertical pole  216  are mechanically coupled to friction reducing platform  222 . The user may be constrained proximate the center of friction reducing platform  222  by constraining structure  210 . The user may simulate walking while constrained in the area of constraining structure  210  by using walking simulating footwear  226  described in the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows a fourth embodiment of constraining structure  310  with the same functionality as  FIG. 1  above. CPU  304  is communicatively coupled to head mounted display  302 , which gives the user the illusion of immersion in a virtual three-dimensional world. Head mounted display  302  comprises head tracking device  306  that may measure the head&#39;s yaw, pitch and roll and communicate the movements to CPU  304  to recreate said movements in the virtual environment allowing the user to naturally simulate observing their surroundings inside the virtual three-dimensional world. 
     Constraining structure  310  comprises user support and belt system  308  secured to connection joint  312 . Connection joint  312  is mechanically coupled to telescoping suspended pole  314  such that a use can engage in a full range of motion around telescoping suspended pole  314 . Connection joint  312  is mechanically coupled to elastic object  316  that may be located inside telescoping suspended pole  314  such that elastic object  316  would support some or all of the user&#39;s weight. Pivoting ceiling mount  318  is mechanically coupled to the top of telescoping suspended pole  314  such that pivoting ceiling mount  318  does not hinder the rotation of telescoping suspended pole  314 . Constraining structure  310  should constrain the user proximate the center of friction reducing platform  320 . The user may simulate walking while constrained in the area of constraining structure  310  by using walking simulating footwear  322 . 
     The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is an excellent means of allowing users a free range of motion inside a virtual environment while being safer and more easy to use than any predecessors. The invention&#39;s simple electronic inputs have the capability to be used with currently available systems to allow the users to be immersed into their project, game, or program and move around naturally inside the virtual environment. Additionally, the present invention would be cheaper to produce due to a lack of complicated motors and electronics, and the use of simple devices to create the simulations that other devices require expensive high-tech apparatus and software to reproduce. The safety and ease of operation of the present invention may make it more appealing for everyday use, and may make it an excellent option for exercise programs, medical uses such as rehabilitation, training for military, commercial, and civilian sectors, entertainment, or even home uses.