An omnidirectional stroll-based virtual reality interface and its application on overhead crane training

Abstract

Locomotion is an virtual reality interface that enables the user to walk inside the virtual environment in any directions over a long distance without actually leaving the physical device. In order to enable the user to freely navigate the virtual world and get fully immersed into the virtual environment accordingly, a locomotion device must fulfill the following two distinct requirements. First, it should allow the user to navigate an infinite distance within a limited area. Secondly, the user should not need to wear any tracking devices to detect his motion. This paper presents a locomotion mechanism called Omni-directional Ball-bearing Disc Platform (OBDP), which allows the user to walk naturally on it and thus to navigate the virtual environment. The gait sensing algorithm that simulates the user's posture based upon his footstep data collected from the OBDP is then elaborated. Followed with an omnidirectional stroll-based virtual reality system to integrate the OBDP with the gait sensing algorithm. Significantly, instead of using the three-dimensional (3-D) tracker, the OBDP adopts arrays of ball-bearing sensors on a disc to detect the pace. No other sensor, except the head tracker to detect the user's head rotation, is required on the user's body. Finally, a prototype of the overhead crane training simulator that fully explores the advantage of the OBDP is presented at the end of this paper along with the verification of the effectiveness of the presented gait sensing algorithm.

Locomotion in virtual reality for room scale tracked areas

“…This could be achieved by using a curved surface to utilize gravity, using a stationary belt to physically keep the user at the center, or using motor systems. The "Omni-directional Ball-bearing Disc Platform" used a custom made disc with ball-bearing sensors to track the walking of the user [99]. No skeletal tracking was required other than the head tracking for rendering.…”

Immersive training of first responder squad leaders in untethered virtual reality

“…We integrated two different types of locomotion devices: a two-handed gamepad and an omnidirectional treadmill to allow real walking. The latter allows for vestibular and proprioceptive feedback and has been demonstrated as valid input device to increase presence (Huang 2003;De Luca et al 2013). 3D scene rendering, visualization and data processing of the two locomotion devices is solely performed on a mobile device that resides inside a head-mounted display.…”

Development of a Virtual Reality Training System for Live-Line Workers

“…These applications include training for medical surgery (Heng et al, 2004;Lu, Pan, Lin, Zhang, & Shi, 2005;Silverstein et al, 2002;Sojar et al, 2004), manufacture (Fernandes, Raja, & Eyre, 2003;Jiung-Yao, 2003;Lin, Ye, Duffy, & Su, 2002), construction (Assfalg, Del Bimbo, & Vicario, 2002), maintenance (Li, Khoo, & Tor, 2003), and military operation. However, this technology has not been actively applied in the field of electric power systems.…”