Walk simulation apparatus for exercise and virtual reality

Abstract

A locomotion platform device enables a user to perform a simulation of various motions including walking and running. The device comprises a locomotion platform having a concave upward facing surface. The platform and/or the user's footwear incorporate a mechanism to reduce friction between the user and the surface of the platform in order to allow the user's feet to move freely.

1 . A locomotion platform device permitting a user to walk, run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to the area of the device, the device comprising:
 a platform including an upward facing, parabolic, concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions; and   means for reducing friction of a portion of the user's footwear or feet contacting the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion; wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the concave surface of the platform comprises a low friction, fixed surface, firm enough to support a user's weight without substantial deformation. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for reducing low friction upward facing surface is selected from the group consisting of wax, polish, lubricant and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the user wears footwear that reduces friction between the user and the surface. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the user wears footwear that includes a low friction sole engaging the surface of the platform. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the user wears footwear that includes wheels engaging the surface of the platform. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising movement detection means for detecting motion and position of the user. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the movement detection means is embedded in the platform. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the movement detection means is worn by the user. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said essentially spherically concave surface has a radius at least about the distance from a base of a user's footwear to a user's hip joint. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , including a brace connected to the platform in order to prevent movement of the platform during use. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the surface includes a perimeter edge to prevent a user's foot from sliding further than a perimeter rim of the platform. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the surface of the platform is constructed from a flexible material capable of minimizing injury to a user falling upon the surface. 
   
   
       14 . A locomotion platform device lacking handles or anything for a user to grasp onto with hands that permits the user to walk, or run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to a central area of the device, the device comprising:
 a stand-alone, stationary, dish-shaped platform having an upward facing, essentially spherically concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions, the surface comprising a material selected from the group consisting of wax, polish, lubricant and polytetrafluoroethylene;   said concave surface of the platform comprising a low friction, fixed surface, firm enough to support a user's weight without substantial deformation; and   means for reducing contact friction between feet of the user and the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion; wherein the friction reducing means includes a low friction interface engaging the feet, disposed between the feet and the surface of the platform; wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet.   
   
   
       15 . A simulation system comprising:
 a locomotion platform permitting a user to walk, run, crouch, jump or change direction, and continue these motions without impediment, while remaining constrained to the area of the device, where the platform includes an upward facing, parabolic, concave surface upon which the user stands while performing the motions;   means for reducing friction of a portion of the user's footwear or feet contacting the surface of the platform sufficiently to allow omni-directional motion; wherein the user does not move substantially away from a center of the platform as the user moves their feet;   a screen at least partially surrounding the platform wherein background images are projected onto the screen; and   a camera disposed between the screen and the platform.   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the concave surface of the platform comprises a low friction, fixed surface, firm enough to support a user's weight without substantial deformation. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the means for reducing low friction upward facing surface is selected from the group consisting of wax, polish, lubricant and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the user wears footwear that reduces friction between the user and the surface. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising movement detection means for detecting motion and position of the user. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the camera comprises a plurality of cameras rotatable about the user.