Patent Publication Number: US-2007109259-A1

Title: Exploring platform for virtual environment

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      1. Field of Invention  
      The present invention relates to a platform, and more particularly to a platform with a plurality of rotors and a motion capture system for a user of the present invention to explore a virtual environment within a defined real space.  
      2. Description of Related Arts  
      With the advance and popularity of information technology, notably ever-increasing computing speed and the quality of displaying devices, the demand for more realistic simulation of physical movement in a virtual environment is rapidly increasing among various disciplines. For example, in the TV games industry, the availability of more sensitive and well-rounded motion sensing devices have become an important factors in the development of more sophisticated TV games involving 3D motion interpretation as well as wider variety of gaming themes. Seemingly, this development reveals the fact that the era of simply relying hands control of several buttons on a conventional game controller has passed and that a new trend of virtual 3D games involving 3D motion controlling has become the key of future TV games.  
      Conventionally, the most well-known TV games involve motion sensing of a user who is dancing on a ‘dancing pad’. The ‘dancing pad’ provides a plurality of grids representing different directions wherein the user is required to step on one or more particular grid so as to fulfill some particular motions as require by the ‘dancing game’. Admittedly, this type of ‘dancing pad’ is capable of sensing the position of the user&#39;s feet so as to create some special visual effect in the virtual environment based on the information of the user&#39;s position as sensed by the motion sensor, i.e. the ‘dancing pad’.  
      A major disadvantage is that the sensing mechanism of this traditional ‘dancing pad’ or similar motion sensing devices only operates in a discrete manner. In other words, the motion sensing devices may only detect the user&#39;s position at some particular discrete points and in between those points; the device simply does not work. As a result, the potential of which this motion sensing device may be utilized in other applications is, at best, remote.  
      As a matter of fact, the demand for virtual reality games is increasing, yet the traditional games controllers do not really suitable for providing optimal virtual experience. Moreover, new trends of TV games shift from traditional joysticks-controlled type to reality control type, especially those commercial versions of them, such as firefighter games, shooting games, etc.  
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      A main object of the present invention is to provide an exploring platform for the user to explore a virtual environment within a defined real space.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a an exploring platform comprising a motion capture system for virtual environment, wherein the motion capture system is adapted to detect the user&#39;s movement so as to produce a corresponding effect of the user&#39;s motion in the virtual environment.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide an exploring platform comprising a plurality of rotors arranged in a predetermined manner as an array so as to detect the user&#39;s motion in a continuous manner for generating a continuous motion effect within the virtual environment.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide an exploring platform comprising a plurality of rotors for detecting the user&#39;s displacement within a sensing area, wherein by adjusting a friction of the relevant rotors, the exploring platform is capable of fitting into different virtual environments so as to maximize compatibility of the present invention. In other words, the present invention fits for a wide variety of virtual environments.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide an exploring platform comprising a plurality of rotors benefit for the health of the user of the present invention when he/she moving on the exploring platform.  
      Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an exploring platform for a user to explore a virtual environment provided by computer within a defined real space, comprising: 
          a supporting base defining a sensing area for the user standing thereon;     a plurality of rotors operatively provided on the sensing area of the supporting base in array; and     a motion capture system electrically connecting with the computer for detecting a movement of the user on the sensing area of the supporting base.        

      These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exploring platform according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of the exploring platform according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the exploring platform according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is an alternative mode of the body supporting frame according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of the friction adjustment device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the gradient adjustment device according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a schematic partially exploded view of an alternative mode of the motion capture system of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  of the drawings, an exploring platform for the user to explore the virtual environment within a defined real space according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the exploring platform comprises a supporting base  10  defining a sensing area for a user to stand thereon, a plurality of rotors  20 , and a motion capture system  30  electrically connected with the computer.  
      The plurality of rotors  20  is spacedly disposed on the sensing area of the supporting base  10 , wherein each of rotors  20  has a rotor cavity  21  provided on the sensing area of the supporting base  10  and the rotor  20  rotatably disposed at the rotor cavity  21 .when the motion capture system is actuated, a coordinate signal is generated corresponding to a movement of the user.  
      The motion capture system  30  is electrically connected with the computer in such a manner that the coordinate signal is transferred to the computer for producing a corresponding change of position of the user within the virtual environment.  
      According to the preferred embodiment, the motion capture system  30  comprises a plurality of pressure sensors  31  provided underneath the corresponding rotors  20  on the supporting base  10  in such a manner that when the rotor  20  is stepped on by the user of the present invention, the rotor  20  is slightly and proportionately depressed to transmit a pressure signal on the pressure sensor  31  which produces a corresponding coordinate signal indicating a position of the user&#39;s feet at the sensing area. Accordingly, when the user moves within the sensing area, the corresponding pressure sensors  31  are sequentially actuated for producing the corresponding signals at various positions within the sensing area so as to detect a displacement of the user on the supporting base  10 . Thus, coordinate signals are then transmitted to the computer for generating a corresponding displacement in the virtual environment.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  of the drawings, when a user is standing on the supporting base  10  so as to contact with a plurality of rotors  20 , the corresponding pressure sensors  31  are slightly depressed and transmit the corresponding coordinate signal to the computer. When the user moves on the supporting base  10 , subsequent rotors  20  are actuated to reflect new position of the user on the supporting base  10  while the depressed rotors  20  are relieved of any pressure.  
      It is worth to mention that the plurality of pressure sensors  31  is capable of sensing continuous displacement of the user within the sensing area so that a sliding movement of user may be simulating in the sensing area. Alternatively, the plurality of pressure sensors  31  is also adapted to sense discrete displacement of the user standing on the supporting base  10 .  
      Moreover, referring to  FIG. 7  of the drawing, it is worth to mention that the motion capture system could also comprise a plurality of conventional trackball systems (i.e. Trackball Explorer by Microsoft, Turboball by Kensington etc.) work closely with the rotors  20  as an alternative mode of the present motion capture system according to the preferred embodiment for sensing the movement of the user on the supporting base by detecting the rotational movement of the rotors  20 .  
      Obviously, any other motion capture system (i.e. Motion Captor by STT, Gypsy Gyro by Animazoo, Vicon MX40 by Oxford Metrics Limited, EYEtoy by SONY etc.) could be modified as an alternative mode of the present motion capture system according to the preferred embodiment for detecting the movement of the user on the sensing area of the supporting base  10 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, in order to further enhance the utilization of the present invention, the exploring platform further comprises a headset display  40  electrically connected with the computer, and adapted for being worn on the user&#39;s head to cover the eyes thereof so as to display a predetermined virtual image to the user corresponding with a position of the user on the exploring platform. The coordinate signal is first transmitted to the computer. After that, the computer will process the received signal and produce a corresponding video signal which is transmitted to the headset display  40  to simulate the position change within the virtual environment in a graphical representation. In other words, the headset display  40  works closely with the computer and to generate predetermined images of the virtual environment and produce the corresponding changes to the virtual environment when the user moves in the sensing area.  
      It is worth mentioning that an exploring platform may be used, instead of the headset display  40 , in conjunction with a plurality of display screens for simulating a virtual environment with respective to particular computer software/games.  
      In order to enhance a suitability of the present invention to provide enhanced balance and support to the user of the present invention, the exploring platform further comprises a body supporting frame  50  upwardly extended above the sensing area of the supporting base  10  for providing rigid support to the user when they are accessing to and concentrating on the virtual environment. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body supporting frame  50  is embodied as a handle frame for a user to hold thereon. Obviously, the body supporting frame  50  may also be embodied for holding other parts of the body, such as the waist portion of the user of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 4  of the drawings.  
      As a result, when the user has accessed to the virtual environment through a computer display or the headset display  40 , he/she may keep his/her best balance by holding into the body supporting frame  50  surrounding him/her. Rigid support may be provided at different height along the body supporting frame  50  so that the present invention suits for users of differing ages.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7  of the drawings, the supporting base  10  further has a top standing cover  11 , wherein the top standing cover  11  has a plurality of through securing holes  111  formed thereon for allowing a top portion of the respective rotors  20  to be protruded through the respective securing holes  111  in a rotatably movable manner. Thus, the user is able to be supported on the top standing cover  11  while moving within the sensing area.  
      Moreover, referring to  FIG. 6  of the drawing, the exploring platform further comprises a gradient adjustment device  12 . The gradient adjustment device  12  is adapted to support the supporting base  10  thereon, and adjustably create an inclined angle with the floor surface so as to create a gradient of the sensing area with respective to horizontal. In such a case, the supporting base  10  is inclindly supported to form a gradient for simulating a gradient slope in the virtual environment. Accordingly, the gradient adjustment device  12  may be downwardly inclined to simulate a down-slope surface in the virtual environment. Alternatively, the gradient adjustment device  12  may be upwardly inclined to simulate an uphill walking surface in the virtual environment.  
      Referring to  FIG. 6  of the drawings, it is worth mentioning that the gradient adjustment device  12  is preferably powered by a plurality of lifting devices  121 , such as a conventional hydraulic lifting unit operatively communicated with the gradient adjustment device  12 , provided underneath the supporting base  10  for adjustably lifting the supporting base  10  at an inclined angle.  
      It is worth mentioning that in order to further enhance the features of the present invention, the exploring platform can further comprise an entertainment enhancement device  60  arranged to electrically connect with the computer, and comprises means for generating vibration at the supporting base  10  for simulating vibrating walking surface in the virtual environment. According to the preferred embodiment, the means for generating vibration is embodied as a typical mechanical vibrator  61  powered by a motor mounted in the supporting base  10  for generating vibration thereof. The typical mechanical vibrator  61  is electrically connected with the computer which is adapted to provide a digital vibration signal corresponding with the vibrating virtual environment.  
      Moreover, the entertainment enhancement device  60  may further comprise a sound system  62  provided on the supporting base  10  or the headset display  40  for delivering sound effect corresponding with specific scenarios within the virtual environment. According to the preferred embodiment, the sound system  62  is embodied as several speakers adapted to deliver sound during operation of the exploring platform of the present invention. As a result, the entertainment enhancement device  60  may, according to specific situation within the virtual environment, such as walking down-slop or uphill or running, produce special sound effect in order to enhance entertainment effect of the user of the present invention. The sound system  62  is electrically connected with the computer which, in coordination with the virtual environment, is adapted to produce a digital sound signal to the sound system  62  for generating the sound corresponding with the activities in the virtual environment.  
      Referring to  FIG. 5  of the drawings, an exploring platform further comprises a friction adjustment device  70  supported on the supporting base  10  and is arranged to electrically connect with the computer for adjusting the friction of the rotors  20  in such a manner to simulate different friction for different virtual environment.  
      Specifically, the friction adjustment device  70  comprises at least one tubular friction adjuster  71 , carrying a predetermined amount of fluid at a predetermined pressure, extended between each two rotors  20  to apply a predetermined frictional force to the respective rotors  20  so as to control a friction of rotation thereof, and a pressure regulator  72  connected with the tubular friction adjuster  71  to control a pressure of the fluid carried by the tubular friction adjuster  71 , in such a manner that when the pressure of the fluid is increased by the pressure regulator  72 , the friction of rotation of the rotor  20  will also be increased. Conversely, when the pressure of the fluid is decreased by the pressure regulator  72 , the friction of rotation of the rotors  20  will also be decreased for allowing easier rotation of the rotors  20 .  
      Hence, it is to be appreciated that the pressure regulator  72  is connected with the computer so that when the computer is running a particular software to generate a particular virtual environment, the corresponding friction of the rotors  20  is varied according to the requirement of the relevant virtual application of the computer. For example, if a virtual environment is generated to stimulate forest environment, the computer will send a corresponding signal to the pressure regulator  72  to increase the friction of the rotors  20  so as to simulate a more difficult walking path within the virtual forest.  
      Moreover, referring to  FIG. 2  of the drawing the friction adjustment device  70  of the exploring platform further comprises a plurality of electromagnets  73  underneath the corresponding rotors  20  to control the friction of rotation of rotors  20  in such a manner to simulate different friction for different virtual environment. Obviously, the rotors  20  should contain metallic material to a certain degree. The electromagnets  73  are arranged to electrically connect with the computer for adjusting the friction of rotation of rotors  20  in such a manner that when the electric current passes through the electromagnets  73 , the electromagnets  73  become magnetic and attract the rotors  20  on the supporting base  10  and the friction of rotation of the rotors  20  will be increased by the power of attraction of the electromagnets  73 . When the electric current is increased by the computer, the friction of rotation of the rotors  20  will be increased. Conversely, when the electric current is decreased by the computer, the friction of rotation of the rotors  20  will also be decreased for allow easier rotation of rotors  20 . When the computer is generating a particular virtual environment, the corresponding friction of the rotors  20  is varied according to the requirement of the relevant virtual application of the computer.  
      From the forgoing descriptions, it can be shown that the above objects have been substantially accomplished. The present invention effectively provides an exploring platform for detecting a movement of a user so as to produce a corresponding effect of the user&#39;s motion within the virtual environment.  
      One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.  
      It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.