Abstract:
A virtual reality (VR) Proximity Mat with Directional Locators has been provided configured and designed to establish a safety zone, the stability and the location of a person using VR, and remote-control devices including video games by employing a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator in the middle and a tactilely detectable directional locator positioned away from the home center locator. Imbedded sensors with vibration, sound and LED lighting are optionally located around the perimeter along with different textures, patterns and mat shape helping to detect, determine and establish a person&#39;s exact location on the, mat when they are using the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators while going bare footed or wearing socks, or with a variety of shoes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application relates to the field of virtual reality and remote-control devices including video games where the operator should stand in one place, or have limited mobility. More particularly, a virtual reality (VR) proximity mat with tactilely detectable directional locators and sensors is provided, for use by a VR user or video game user where the user stands in relatively close proximity to one spot on the ground or floor, and must detect and judge location, directions and distances during the VR experience. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This application provides a new and unique VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators to be used in the operation of virtual reality (VR) and remote-control devices including video games where the operator should stand in one place or relatively close proximity to a control mechanism having the capability of spatially relating to space or the facility of perceiving objects, and one&#39;s location in space. With the expanded development of these devices it has been found that when individuals are required to stand in a small room space and their equilibrium or state of balance is easily thrown off where they can fall damaging their equipment or hurting themselves. They often lose visual reference and reliance on where the objects in close proximity are located. By going bare footed or with just socks on, or with a variety of shoes on the user&#39;s feet, varying textured surfaces with directional and centering locators, along with optional imbedded sensors having electronic switch vibration, sound and light capabilities can be used to establish a person&#39;s stability. 
         [0003]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators in detail it is to be understood that the design is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement, of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The principle advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is to provide a virtual reality (VR) proximity mat with tactile directional locators and sensors is provided, for use by a VR video game user, or VR artist, where the user stands in a relatively close proximity to one spot on the ground or floor, and must detect and judge directions and distances during the VR experience, in order to establish and enhance the stability of a person using virtual reality and remote control devices. 
         [0005]    Another advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is by using the directional and centering locators a person can establish where they are on a horizontal X-Y axis. 
         [0006]    And another advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is that by having a variety of imbedded sensors having vibration, sound and light capabilities, a person can tell when they are entering the areas around the perimeter of the Proximity Mat. 
         [0007]    And another advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is that by having different textured surfaces, a person may know exactly where they are located to further establish their location. 
         [0008]    And another advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is the shape of the VR Proximity Mat will preferably be round, but a wide variety of geometric shapes and sizes to increase the challenge and interest in the operations will be covered within the scope of this application. 
         [0009]    And an additional advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is the VR Proximity Mat can be manufactured with a variety of different materials on the top, center and bottom surface. 
         [0010]    And an additional advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is the VR Proximity Mat can be manufactured by the self-skinning process where the top center and bottom along with different textures, designs and logos are created in a single molding process. 
         [0011]    And an additional advantage of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators is the VR Proximity Mat can be used with video games, utilities and art programs. 
         [0012]    These together with other objects and advantages which become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
         [0013]    The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators has been configured and designed to improve the experience, whether you are tethered by cables or using a wireless casting device for full freedom of motion. The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators has a unique design with directional and centering locators in the front and middle of the mat to give tactile feedback as to your location with respect to the surroundings. It works well in conjunction with procedures activated by a chaperone system, giving touch and visual feedback to your position while immersed in virtual reality. 
         [0014]    The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators can also be used for virtual reality (VR) Drone Racing where the pilot is stationary or is required to have limited movement. It also allows for longer periods of standing and helps with the discomforts associated with stationary or limited mobility. This mat was specifically designed to give the best understanding as to where you are and what your movement range is while you are using virtual reality. 
         [0015]    The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators will have a variety of manufacturing processes possible giving a durable top non-slip surface over a foam or rubber cushion inner core with varying densities and a non-slip hard bottom surface. These materials can be bonded together or the product can be produced by the self-skinning molding process in the same way that the boat seats have been made for many years. With this process, it can have a variety of different textures on the top and bottom surfaces with a foam inner core along with imbedded logo on the finished product. A variety of different sizes will be available depending upon the proximity and the type of device being used. The directional and centering locator central core can have varying densities of rubber or foam and can easily be replaced. 
         [0016]    The imbedded sensors may have battery operated or direct hook-up electronics to give sound, light, vibration (touch/feel) or digital output. A plurality of orifices around each sensor will emit sound or LED lighting. The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators will be available in varying colors with varying patterns, lines, objects, pictures or logos on the top, surface. 
         [0017]    The anticipated application of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators will encompass all forms of virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), augmented reality (AR) and cross reality (XR) and is not limited to future variations of virtual immersion or semi-immersion applications. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are other additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the Proximity Mat and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators with a user&#39;s two feet positioned on the curved top surface. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators that has been die cut from a flat sheet of cushioned material. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross section through the preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a curved smooth top surface. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a flat smooth top surface. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a plurality of rounded grooves on the top surface. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a plurality of pointed ribs on the top surface. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a plurality of decorative grooves on the top surface. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross section through the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a centering locator with an open orifice through the center. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross section through the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a centering locator with a soft raised flat plug in the center. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross section through the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a centering locator with a soft raised domed plug in the center. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a cross section through the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a centering locator with a soft surface mounted in the center. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a curved top surface showing a single imbedded sensor having vibration, sound and light capabilities. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a mat that has been die cut from a flat sheet of cushioned material with a flat top surface showing a single imbedded sensor having vibration, sound and light capabilities. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  depicts an enlarged cross section of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators having a flat sheet of cushioned material with a flat top surface showing a single imbedded sensor having vibration emitting, sound emitting and light emitting capabilities. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  depicts a second alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators including a proximity mat with directly opposing directional and centering locators. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  depicts a third alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators including a proximity mat with off-set directional and centering locators. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  depicts a forth alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators including a triangular proximity mat with three stations of directly opposing directional and centering locators. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  depicts three equal separated segments of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators including a triangular proximity mat with each segment having the directly opposing directional and centering locators. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators and tactilely detectable directional locators. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  illustrates a single square shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators and tactilely detectable directional locators. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators and tactilely detectable directional locators. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators having a top surface including tactilely detectable centering home/center locators and tactilely detectable directional locators. 
       
    
    
       [0041]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the design and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    Referring now to the drawings, where similar parts of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G,  10 H and  10 I are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, and are identified by like reference numerals. There is seen in  FIG. 1  the preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A with a grooved top surface  12  having the first tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  and the second tactilely detectable directional locator  16  and a plurality of imbedded sensors  18  with vibration, sound and light capabilities on the perimeter. Two human feet  20  are depicting a person in a standing position on the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A top surface  24 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B that has been die cut from a flat sheet of cushioned material with a plurality of slots  22  on the top surface  24 . A wide variety of textures and patterns will be available. The first tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  and the second tactilely detectable directional locator  16  with plastic sleeves  26  go through the top surface  24 . A foam or rubber central core  28  of varying durometers will be available with a non-slip bottom surface  30 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts a cross section through the preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A with a curved smooth top surface  24  and first tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  and the second tactilely detectable directional locator  16 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B with a flat smooth top surface  24  and first tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  and the second tactilely detectable directional locator  16  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of he preferred embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A with a grooved top surface  12  having a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  with a plastic sleeve  26  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B with a plurality of pointed ribs  32  on the top surface  24  having a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  with a plastic sleeve  26  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  depicts a cross section through the first alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B with a plurality of decorative grooves  34  on the top surface  24 , a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  with a plastic sleeve  26  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross section through the tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  having an open orifice  36  with a plastic sleeve  26  through the center of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B having a durable top surface  24 , a foam or rubber central core  28  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross section through the tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  with a soft raised plug  38  on the durable top surface  24  of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B having a foam or rubber central core  28  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 10  depicts a cross section through the tactilely detectable centering home/center locator  14  with a soft raised domed plug  40  on the durable top surface  24  of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B having a foam or rubber central core  28  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 11  depicts a cross section through the tactilely detectable centering hone/center locator  14  with a soft flat surface plug  42  on the durable top surface  24  of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B having a foam or rubber central core  28  and a non-slip surface on the bottom  30 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  depicts a cross section through the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A with a curved top surface  24  showing a single imbedded sensor  18  having vibration, sound and light capabilities that can be operated by the means of a battery  46  or have a direct or indirect wiring connection. 
         [0054]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators IOU with a flat top surface  24  showing a single imbedded sensor  18  having vibration, sound and light capabilities that can be operated by the means of a battery  46  or have a direct or indirect wiring connection. 
         [0055]      FIG. 14  depicts an enlarged cross section view of VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 B with a flat top surface  24  showing a single imbedded sensor  18  having vibration, sound and light capabilities that can be operated by the means of a battery  46  or have a direct or indirect wiring connection. The small orifices  48  around the imbedded sensors  18  are to transmit sound or LED lighting. 
         [0056]      FIG. 15  depicts a second alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 C with directly opposing directional and tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16  on opposite sides of an oval mat with imbedded sensors  18  on both sides. The center has a square area  50  with a rougher texture  52  as a means of further defining the area when the operators are going bare footed or with just socks on, or with a variety of shoes on the user&#39;s feet or with socks on. A variety of different shaped matts and different textures and patterns, can be used in the design of the mans and still reside within the scope of this application. 
         [0057]      FIG. 16  depicts a third alternate embodiment of the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 D with off-set tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16  on opposite sides of an oval mat with imbedded sensors  18  on both sides. The center has a square area  50  with a rougher texture  52  as a means of further defining the area when the operators are going bare footed or with just socks on, or with a variety of shoes on the user&#39;s feet or with their socks on. 
         [0058]      FIG. 17  depicts a fourth alternate embodiment of a triangular VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 E with three stations directly opposing, all having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16  with imbedded sensors  18  and a variety of geometric patterns some with rougher textures  52  as a means of further defining the area when the operators are going bare footed or with just socks on, or with a variety of shoes on the user&#39;s feet or with their socks on. 
         [0059]      FIG. 18  depicts three equal separated segments of the triangular VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 E with each segment having the directly opposing tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16  with imbedded sensors  18  and a variety of geometric patterns some with rougher textures  52  as a means of further defining the area when the operators are going bare footed or with just socks on, or with a variety of shoes on the user&#39;s feet or with their socks on. 
         [0060]      FIG. 19  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 F having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16 . In addition, this virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 F also includes a rough texture  52  zone area  56  and an optional durable logo or image  58  silk screened or heat applied decal. 
         [0061]      FIG. 20  illustrates a single square shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 G having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16 . In addition, this virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 G also includes a square-shaped proximity mat made from four separate square-shaped proximity mat sections  60  assembled together with mating elements  62  and having rough texture areas  52  on alternating sections. 
         [0062]      FIG. 21  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 H having tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  14  and tactilely detectable directional locators  16 . In addition, this virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 H also includes a round-shaped proximity mat made from four separate round-shaped proximity mat sections  64  assembled together with mating elements  66  and having rough texture areas  52  on alternating sections. 
         [0063]      FIG. 22  illustrates a single circular shaped embodiment of the virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  101  having a top surface  24  including tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  70  and tactilely detectable directional locators  72 . In addition, this virtual reality proximity mat with directional locators  10 I depicts an optional version of the mat where the tactilely detectable centering home/center locators  70  and tactilely detectable directional locators  72  comprise raised areas on the top surface  24  of the mat. 
         [0064]    As seen in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21  the virtual reality proximity mat can be constructed in any size and shape, and when assembled from separate proximity mat sections, the mat overall size is scalable to fit in any size room for any virtual reality, gaming, or video game application. In this regard, the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G,  10 H and  10 I shown in the drawings and described in detail herein provides a user with room definition, usage area definition, centering recognition, placement recognition, special recognition, safety area for use and physical as well as electronic feedback to notice boundaries established during engagement in virtual reality, gaming and video game experiences. Moreover, the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G,  10 H and  10 I shown in the drawings and described in detail herein reduces fatigue, reduces or eliminates vertigo, and provides a sense of the real world when in an immersive or semi-immersive state while engaging in virtual reality, gaming and video game experiences. 
         [0065]    The VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators  10 A,  10 B  10 C,  100 ,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G,  10 H and  10 I shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present design. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing a VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators Mat  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D,  10 E,  10 F,  10 G,  10 H and  10 I in accordance with the spirit of this application, and such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this application as broadly defined in the appended claims. 
         [0066]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the Proximity Mat of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.