Enhancing The Virtual Reality Experience

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Infinite Keith

Infinite Keith

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Jan 19, 2009
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Some of you techies may like this:

University of Tsukuba researchers in Japan have developed a device that is designed to enhance the Virtual Reality experience by simulating motion in a static environment:

One of the big problems facing VR
is the issue of mobility — how do you allow users unrestricted
movement in virtual reality, while keeping them relatively static in real reality? Omni-directional treadmills have been tried in the past, and now researchers at the University of
Tsukuba in Japan have developed something called CirculaFloor. The
system uses four robotic tiles that constantly shift position, ensuring
that there’s always a tile in the direction you’re headed.
Additionally, the entire assembly moves slowly backwards, giving one
the impression of movement while they’re actually standing relatively
still. The tiles also incorporate lifts, for simulating staircases and
the like.
Click to expand...

CirculaFloor Robotic VR Movement

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYsvB2y2Ero"]YouTube - CirculaFloor Robotic VR Movement[/ame]


Stolen from Neatorama
 


Wow, if it wasn't so fucking slow it might actually be useful.

I've seen better implementations with giant hamster balls.
 
volknet said:
I don't like the idea of tiles... To many risks to be able to mass produce it such as falling and breaking your ankle.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I was just thinking, what if the battery runs out on one of the tiles while you're mid-game?
You'll just fall off, and an incoming tile would smack you upside the head!

Actually, I'm really hoping they demo these at a convention near me so I can see that.
 
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