US6050822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electromagnetic locomotion platform for translation and total immersion of humans into virtual environments
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1997-10-01
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Granted: 2000-04-18
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Expires: 2017-10-01
Abstract
Abstract The present invention, an Electromagnetic Locomotion Platform (ELP) system, is an electronically powered device which allows human-like activities to be performed in all three axes: x, y, & z, in a confined and localized a for the purpose of attaining total immersion (both visual and physical) into Virtual Environments. The ELP system allows humans the ability to walk, jog, run, crawl, etc. in a stationary position, thus the user can "walk forever to nowhere", similar to the basic function of a treadmill. This feature can be enhanced by having the user wear a helmet mounted display (HMD) which is coupled to a computer generated Virtual Reality (VR) system. The VR system provides external environments to the HMD and when synchronized with the movements of the individual on the ELP, it displays visual changes in the surrounding environment according to the movements generated by the user. This is a system which then can totally immerse someone into a Virtual Environment by allowing body movement to dictate visual changes in the environment, yet keep the subject in essentially the same location. In addition to the visual immersion capability, the ELP also has the ability to physically immerse humans by generating and applying resistive forces which will cause the body to work, this energy expenditure replicates the physical loads experienced by the body in the real world.
Inventors
- 👤 Jim A. Faughn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:59
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B9/00; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/011; A; A63; A63F; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/10; A63F2300/1068; A63F2300/30; A63F2300/302; A63F2300/80; A63F2300/8082; G06F2203/00; G06F2203/01; G06F2203/012; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S345/00; Y10S345/949; Y10S345/952; Y10S482/00; Y10S482/901; Y10S482/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A device for the translation of an object having a ferrous content comprising: a structure having a plurality of cavities therein; a plurality of electromagnets located within a portion of said cavities; a low friction surface upon a portion of said structure; means for controlling said plurality of electromagnets such that said object can be translated along said low friction surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A device for the translation of an object having a ferrous content comprising: a structure having a plurality of cavities therein; a plurality of electromagnets located within a portion of said cavities; a low friction surface upon a portion of said structure; means for controlling said plurality of electromagnets such that said object can be translated along said low friction surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said structure comprises a platform having a flat surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said low friction surface is located on said flat surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 3 further inOcluding a plurality of sensors located within a portion of said cavities, said sensors providing an indication to said controlling means as to the position of said object.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said low friction surface comprises a surface having a plurality of micro ball bearings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said low friction surface comprises an air cushion table.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said structure has a honeycomb shape.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for translation and immersion of a person into a virtual environment comprising: a platform having a flat horizontal surface, a plurality of electromagnets located below said flat horizontal surface, and a low friction surface located upon said flat horizontal surface; a visual interface for displaying a virtual scene to said person; a plurality of ferrous items located on said person for interacting with said plurality of electromagnets; means for controlling said plurality of electromagnets to attract and repel said plurality of ferrous items located on said person such that said person is able to move on said platform to thereby simulate movement in said virtual environment.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for translation and immersion of a person into a virtual environment comprising: a platform having a flat horizontal surface, a plurality of electromagnets located below said flat horizontal surface, and a low friction surface located upon said flat horizontal surface; a visual interface for displaying a virtual scene to said person; a plurality of ferrous items located on said person for interacting with said plurality of electromagnets; means for controlling said plurality of electromagnets to attract and repel said plurality of ferrous items located on said person such that said person is able to move on said platform to thereby simulate movement in said virtual environment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 8 further comprising: means for calibrating the movements of said person prior to said person moving on said platform.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said means for calibrating comprises a second platform having a plurality of sensors connected to said means for controlling said electromagnets.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10 further comprising means for providing virtual reality steps for said person.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 10 wherein said plurality of ferrous items comprises ferrous plates in the soles of a pair of shoes worn by said person.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising means for said person to send a signal to said means for controlling said plurality of electromagnets.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
20 words
A method for immersion of a person into a virtual environment comprising the steps of: calibrating a persons movements by:
Claim 17
Independent Claim
20 words
A method for immersion of a person into a virtual environment comprising the steps of: calibrating a persons movements by:
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
148 words
placing one of said persons feet on a calibration platform having a plurality of sensors connected to a computer; 2. having said person take a series of steps on said calibration platform; 3. having said computer calculate a calibrated step for said person; placing said person on a movement platform having a flat horizontal surface, a plurality of electromagnets located below said flat horizontal surface, and a low friction surface located upon said flat horizontal surface; providing a visual interface for displaying a virtual scene to said person; providing a plurality of ferrous items located on said person for interacting with said plurality of electromagnets; having said computer control said electromagnets to attract and repel said ferrous items in response to movement by said person; allowing said person move on said movement platform in response to said virtual scene to thereby immerse said person into said virtual environment.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
148 words
placing one of said persons feet on a calibration platform having a plurality of sensors connected to a computer; 2. having said person take a series of steps on said calibration platform; 3. having said computer calculate a calibrated step for said person; placing said person on a movement platform having a flat horizontal surface, a plurality of electromagnets located below said flat horizontal surface, and a low friction surface located upon said flat horizontal surface; providing a visual interface for displaying a virtual scene to said person; providing a plurality of ferrous items located on said person for interacting with said plurality of electromagnets; having said computer control said electromagnets to attract and repel said ferrous items in response to movement by said person; allowing said person move on said movement platform in response to said virtual scene to thereby immerse said person into said virtual environment.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-04-18 | 2003-10-18 | 2004-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-18 | 2007-10-18 | 2008-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-18 | 2011-10-18 | 2012-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |