U.S. patent application number 17/085211 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-18 for virtual reality apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roto VR Limited. Invention is credited to Elliott Myers, Gavin Waxkirsh.
Application Number | 20210048880 17/085211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005181550 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210048880 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Elliott ; et
al. |
February 18, 2021 |
Virtual Reality Apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for virtual reality simulation includes a first
base part and a second base part arranged to rotate relative to
each other about a common axis. The apparatus also includes means
for determining an angle between the first base part and the second
base part. The second base part may be provided with a chair on
which a user of the apparatus may sit during use of the apparatus.
The means for determining an angle between the first base part and
the second base part enables the apparatus to determine the
direction in which the user is facing, relative to the first base
part, after relative movement of the first base part and the second
base part.
Inventors: |
Myers; Elliott; (Stanmore
Middlesex, GB) ; Waxkirsh; Gavin; (Stanmore
Middlesex, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roto VR Limited |
Stanmore Middlesex |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005181550 |
Appl. No.: |
17/085211 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16301046 |
Nov 13, 2018 |
|
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PCT/GB2017/051295 |
May 10, 2017 |
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17085211 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/012 20130101;
G06F 3/011 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 2016 |
GB |
1608382.6 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for virtual reality simulation, including: a first
base part and a second base part arranged to be rotatable relative
to each other about a common axis; a processor input arranged to
receive a drive rotation signal; a motor drive responsive to the
drive rotation signal to cause driven rotation of the base parts
relative to each other; a camera mounted radially outwardly of the
common axis and arranged such that, during use of the apparatus by
a user, the camera points towards the use of the apparatus; means
for determining an angle between the first base part and the second
base part; and a wearable user input wherein the user input is
arranged to determine a direction in which a user of the apparatus
is looking.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
determining an angle between the first base part and the second
base part includes one of: a potentiometer; and a rotary
encoder.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a camera mounted
radially outwardly of the common axis.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the camera is
mounted such that the camera points substantially radially inwardly
towards the common axis.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the camera is
arranged such that, during use of the apparatus by a user, the
camera points towards the user of the apparatus.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the camera is
mounted such that it is arranged to rotate with the second base
part when the second base part rotates relative to the first base
part.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the camera is
mounted on a telescoping pole.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the camera is
mounted such that it remains stationary with respect to the first
base part during use of the apparatus.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein including a user
input device arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to control
rotation of the first base part and the second base part relative
to each other about the common axis.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user input
device is a foot-operated user input.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user input
device includes a rotating plate.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user input
device includes at least one pedal.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user input
device is arranged to rotate about a further axis between a stowed
position and a use position.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wearable user
input includes one or more of: a gyroscope; an accelerometer; and a
magnetometer.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including a chair mounted
on the second base part such that the chair is arranged to rotate
with the second base part relative to the first base part.
16. An apparatus for virtual reality simulation, including: a first
base part and a second base part arranged to be rotatable relative
to each other about a common axis; base drive means operable to
drive rotation of the first and second base parts relative to each
other; user input means arranged to sense movement of a mammalian
head; and drive control means arranged to control the base drive
means in dependence on the sensed movement of the mammalian head so
that the relative angular position of the base parts is
controllable by movement of the mammalian head.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the user input
means includes one or more of: a magnetometer; a gyroscope; and an
accelerometer.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, additionally including a
shaft encoder arranged to determine the angular position of the
first and second base parts relative to each other.
19. An apparatus for virtual reality simulation for connection to a
processor, including: a first base part and a second base part
arranged to be rotatable relative to each other about a common
axis; base drive means operable to drive rotation of the first and
second base parts relative to each other; user input means arranged
to sense movement of a mammalian head; and drive control means
arranged to control the base drive means in dependence on commands
from the processor so that the relative angular position of the
base parts is controllable by the processor independently of
movement of the mammalian head.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the drive control
means is arranged to control the base drive means also in
dependence on the sensed movement of the mammalian head.
21. An apparatus for virtual reality simulation for connection to a
processor, the processor being operable to deliver a display signal
to wearable virtual reality apparatus arranged to be worn on the
mammalian head, and whereby sensed movement of the mammalian head
causes the processor to change the display signal delivered to the
virtual reality apparatus to cause a changed view to be displayed
by the virtual reality apparatus.
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the wearable
virtual reality apparatus is arranged to determine a direction in
which a user of the apparatus is looking.
23. An apparatus as claimed in any of claim 21, wherein the
wearable virtual reality apparatus includes one or more of: a
gyroscope; an accelerometer; and a magnetometer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/301,046 filed Nov. 13, 2018, and claims
priority to PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/GB
2017/051295, filed May 10, 2017 and Great Britain Patent
Application No. 1608382.6, filed on May 12, 2016, the disclosure of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for virtual reality
simulation. In particular, it relates to an apparatus for tracking
movement of a user's head and movement of a user's body
independently from one another.
BACKGROUND
[0004] A virtual reality apparatus typically includes a headset
which a user of the apparatus wears during use of the virtual
reality apparatus. The headset can be connected to a controller
(such as a personal computer or games console) which is able to
output images and/or audio to the headset for playback to the user.
The images and/or audio may correspond to a virtual reality
environment created by the controller.
[0005] The virtual reality apparatus may allow a user to `explore`
or `navigate` a virtual reality environment. The user may explore
the virtual reality environment by providing inputs to the
controller using a user input device. The inputs may allow the user
to `move` within the virtual reality environment which the
controller creates. The user might, for example, manipulate a
hand-held user input device to provide inputs to the controller,
e.g., by pressing buttons or moving one or more joysticks of the
hand-held user input device.
[0006] The controller, in response to the manipulations of the
hand-held user input device, might cause a change in what is being
played back to the user on the headset, to give the user the
sensation that he or she is moving in the virtual reality
environment.
[0007] Some virtual reality apparatuses are equipped with a camera.
In the case of a games console, for example, a camera may be
connected to the console and mounted on a shelf or a wall in a room
with the user to monitor the user's movements within the room. A
user of such a system might instead of or in addition to
manipulating a hand-held user input device move one or more parts
of his or her body in the real world to cause a corresponding
movement in the virtual reality environment. The camera might track
the user's motion in the real world and provide an input to the
controller to cause the controller to play back images and/or audio
as if the user has moved in a corresponding way in the virtual
reality environment.
[0008] A virtual reality apparatus which uses a camera in this way
is typically limited to determining only one user movement
parameter with the camera. For example, the camera may be able to
determine a direction in which the user is looking by monitoring
the rotation of the user's head in real space. However, the camera
may not be able to reliably determine both the direction in which
the user is looking and the direction in which the user's body
(e.g., torso) is pointing through a full range of user movements.
What is more, a camera which is monitoring rotation of a user's
body in real space cannot also monitor movement of the user's hands
(e.g., to determine gestural inputs) when the user rotates in real
space beyond a certain angle relative to the camera and obscures
his or her hands from the camera's view with his or her own
body.
[0009] Thus such a virtual reality apparatus may not be able to
reliably determine more than one of a direction in which a user is
looking (i.e., a direction in which the user's head is pointing); a
direction in which a user is facing (i.e., the direction in which
the user's body is pointing); and a direction in which a user's
hand is pointing or moving.
[0010] Some users of virtual reality apparatus find that visual
representation of `movement` provided by a headset without the same
or a corresponding physical movement detected by other senses
(e.g., the vestibular system) provokes disorientation, nausea and
other unpleasant responses.
[0011] If, for example, a user of a virtual reality apparatus is
expected (e.g., in the course of gameplay or while watching a film)
to look or face in a particular direction in a virtual reality
environment at a given time (e.g., so that the user witnesses a
particular event), the virtual reality apparatus may simply play
back images to the user as if the user has turned to look or face
in that particular direction, irrespective of the user's movements
in real space. The visual sensation of turning without the
corresponding vestibular sensation of turning may make the user
unstable and possibly cause the user to fall over and injure him-
or herself.
[0012] Alternatively, the virtual reality apparatus may determine
(e.g., using a camera) that the user's current direction of
looking/facing in real space does not correspond to the particular
direction in the virtual reality environment but allow the user's
direction of looking/facing in real space to overrule the need to
look/face in the particular direction in the virtual reality
environment. The user may therefore continue looking/facing in the
wrong direction in the virtual reality environment and miss the
particular event which it was intended the user would witness.
[0013] Additionally, some virtual reality apparatus requires cables
for connecting the headset to a controller (e.g., personal
computer, games console) which is fixed in real space. A user may
therefore be limited in how much he or she can move--in particular,
rotate--by the cables which connect the headset to the controller,
since the cables have finite lengths and may wind themselves round
the user, distracting the user from the virtual reality experience.
This limitation can cause frustration to users of such virtual
reality apparatus.
[0014] The invention aims to go some way towards overcoming or at
least ameliorating one or more of the above problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, there is provided an apparatus for virtual
reality simulation, including a first base part and a second base
part arranged to rotate relative to each other about a common axis;
and means for determining an angle between the first base part and
the second base part.
[0016] Preferably the apparatus is arranged for a user to sit or
stand on.
[0017] Preferably the apparatus includes a user input device which
may be arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to control
rotation of the first base part and the second base part relative
to each other about the common axis.
[0018] In some embodiments, the user input arranged to allow the
user to control rotation of the first and second base parts is a
foot-operated user input. The foot-operated user input may include
an input part which is arranged such that it can rotate about an
axis. The input part may be arranged to control relative rotation
of the first and second base parts in dependence upon rotation of
the input part about its axis away from an initial position.
[0019] The foot-operated user input may include foot pedals which
serve as additional user inputs. Foot pedals may be preferred to
other user input devices, because they can be hinged to mimic
in-game "feet", allowing actions such as walking movement. This is
a natural sensation and leaves a user able to focus on their other
in-game actions with other natural/appropriate interfaces such as
hand controls via a hand-tracking camera.
[0020] In other embodiments, the user input arranged to allow the
user to control rotation of the first and second base parts is a
user input worn by the user. The user input may be worn on the head
of the user and may sense movement of the user's head. The user
input (also termed user input means) may determine the direction in
which the user is looking (i.e. the direction in which the user's
head is pointing), and/or a movement (e.g., rotation) of the user's
head between a first position and a second position. The user input
may allow rotation of the first and second base parts relative to
each other to be controlled, by drive control means, in dependence
on the direction in which the user is looking and/or in dependence
on movement of the user's head.
[0021] The means for determining an angle between the first base
part and the second base part may be used to determine the
direction in which the user is facing (i.e., the direction in which
the user's chest or torso is pointing). This determination may be
used in conjunction with a determined direction in which the user
is looking to control rotation of the first and second base parts
relative to each other.
[0022] For example, the direction in which the user is looking and
the direction in which the user is facing may be compared. If the
difference between the direction of looking and the direction of
facing is greater than a certain angle, the first and second base
parts may be caused to rotate relative to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, show embodiments of the
invention for illustrative purposes only, that is to teach the
invention to the skilled person so as to allow the skilled person
to carry out the invention within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0024] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates in a perspective view an
apparatus for virtual reality simulation in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention; and
[0025] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates in a perspective view a
user using an apparatus for virtual reality simulation in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be implemented or performed. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for practicing the
invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or
equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed
within the scope of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 11 for virtual reality
simulation. The apparatus 11 includes a first base part 13 and a
second base part 15. In the illustrated example, the first base
part 13 and the second base part 15 are approximately circular in
cross-section and cylindrical in overall shape. One of the base
parts 13, 15 may (though need not necessarily) fit at least
partially inside the other of the base parts 13, 15.
[0028] The first base part 13 is arranged to be mounted on a
surface such as a floor, stage or dais. In the illustrated example,
the first base part 13 is provided on one side with feet 19 via
which the first base part 13 can be mounted on the surface. In
other examples, the first base part 13 may not include feet 19. The
underside of the first base part 13 may instead be substantially
flat, so that the first base part 13 can be mounted on the surface
with its underside substantially flush with and flat against the
surface.
[0029] The second base part 15 is arranged to be mounted on the
first base part 13. In particular, the second base part 15 is
arranged to be mounted on the first base part 13 such that the
first base part 13 and the second base part 15 can rotate relative
to one another about a common axis 17. The first and second base
parts 13, 15 may be arranged such that the second base part 15 can
rotate in either direction (clockwise or anticlockwise) relative to
the first base part 13 about the common axis 17. One of the base
parts 13, 15 may be provided with an axle or a spindle with which
the other of the base parts 15, 13 can engage and about which the
base parts 13, 15 can rotate relative to each other.
[0030] In the illustrated example, the first base part 13 may be
arranged to remain substantially stationary in a reference frame of
the room in which the apparatus is located (e.g., relative to the
surface on which the first base part 13 is mounted) during use of
the apparatus 11. The second base part 15 may be arranged to rotate
in the reference frame of the room (e.g., relative to the surface
on which the first base part 13 is mounted and relative to the
first base part 13 itself) during use of the apparatus 11.
[0031] The apparatus 11 includes means for determining an angle
between the first base part 13 and the second base part 15. The
means for determining an angle between the first base part 13 and
the second base part 15 may determine an angle between a given
radial line of the first base part 13 and a given radial line of
the second base part 15. The angle between the given radial line of
the first base part 13 and the given radial line of the second base
part 15 may be measured in a plane substantially parallel to the
plane of the first base part 13 or in a plane substantially
parallel to the plane of the second base part 15. In some
circumstances (such as if the plane of the second base part 15 is
not substantially parallel to the plane of the first base part 13)
the angle between the first base part 13 and the second base part
15 may be measured between a radial line of the first base part 13
and a projection of a radial line of the second base part 15 on a
plane substantially parallel to the first base part 13 (or vice
versa).
[0032] The means for determining an angle between the first base
part 13 and the second base part 15 may, as examples, include a
mechanical device, a resistive electronic device, a capacitive
electronic device, an optomechanical device, or any other suitable
type of device for determining an angle between two parts which can
rotate relative to one another about a common axis.
[0033] In the illustrated apparatus 11, the means for determining
an angle between the first base part 13 and the second base part 15
takes the form of a potentiometer. A potentiometer included in such
an apparatus 11 may be mounted on or about the axis 17 about which
the base parts 13, 15 rotate. The potentiometer may for example
include a first part which is fixed to the first base part 13 such
that the first part rotates, relative to the second base part 15,
with the first base part 13, and a second part which is fixed to
the second base part 15 such that the second part rotates, relative
to the first base part 13, with the second base part 15.
[0034] In other examples of the apparatus, the means for
determining an angle between the first base part 13 and the second
base part 15 takes the form of a rotary (or "shaft") encoder.
Depending on the particular application and the configuration of
the apparatus 11, the rotary encoder may be an absolute rotary
encoder or an incremental rotary encoder. Rotary encoders may
advantageously be able to turn infinitely in either direction and
still provide an output.
[0035] The means for determining an angle between the first base
part 13 and the second base part 15 may determine an angle between
the first base part 13 and the second base part 15 using a
difference between a current position of the second base part 15
relative to the first base part 13 and an initial position of the
second base part 15 relative to the first base part 13 determined
at or near the beginning of one use session of the apparatus 11.
For example, the means for determining an angle between the base
parts 13, 15 may determine a change in angle between the base parts
13, 15 based on an angle between the base parts 13, 15 when the
apparatus 11 was switched on for that use session. This may
advantageously mean that there is no `home` position to which the
first and second base parts 13, 15 of apparatus 11 must return at
the end of a use session of the apparatus 11. In such embodiments,
a new `zero` or `home` position of the second base part 15 relative
to the first base part 13 may be determined (or effectively
defined) each time the apparatus 11 is switched on or each time use
of the apparatus 11 begins.
[0036] In the case of the potentiometer as the means for
determining an angle between the base parts 13, 15, an initial
potential reading may be taken at the point when the apparatus 11
is switched on or use of the device begins. This provides an
indication of the initial angular position of the second base part
15 relative to the first base part 13. Further potential readings
may be taken at later times, and the magnitudes and signs (positive
or negative) of the differences between the readings may be used to
determine how much and in which direction the second base part 15
has moved relative to the first base part 13 since the apparatus 11
was switched on.
[0037] Alternatively, the means for determining an angle between
the base parts 13, 15 may determine an angle between the base parts
13, 15 relative to a predetermined arrangement of the base parts
13, 15 (i.e., relative to a predetermined `zero` or `home` position
of the second base part 15 relative to the first base part 13, the
predetermined `zero` or `home` position being the same for each use
session of the apparatus 11). In some such embodiments, the base
parts 13, 15 may need to begin and end each use session at the same
angle relative to each other (e.g., with particular features of the
first base part 13 and the second base part 15 in line with each
other) in order for the means for determining an angle between the
base parts 13, 15 to correctly determine an angle between the first
base part 13 and the second base part 15. The means for determining
an angle between the base parts 13, 15 may determine the angular
displacement of the base parts 13, 15 relative to that
predetermined `zero` or `home` position.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 1, apparatus 11 includes a motor 18.
The motor (also termed base drive means) 18 may be arranged to
cause the second base part 15 to rotate relative to the first base
part 13. The illustrated motor 18 is mounted on the second base
part 15 such that the motor 18 rotates about the axis 17 with the
second base part 15. The motor 18 includes a locally rotating
component (i.e., a component which rotates locally to the motor 18,
about an axis of the motor 18), such as a disc, gear or arm, which
is arranged to engage (directly or indirectly, e.g., via another
disc or gear) with a component of the first base part 13 to cause
the second base part 15 to rotate relative to the first base part
13 when the rotating component rotates about an axis of the motor
18.
[0039] The locally rotating component of the motor 18 may for
instance be a disc arranged to contact a surface at or near the
outer circumference of the first base part 13. Friction between the
disc and the surface of the first base part 13 causes the second
base part 15 to rotate relative to the first base part 13 when the
disc rotates. The locally rotating component of the motor 18 may
alternatively be a gear 33 (see FIG. 2). Teeth of the gear 33 may
engage with corresponding teeth in a toothed component 35 (e.g., a
toothed ring) of the first base part 13.
[0040] In other examples, a motor may instead be mounted on the
first base part 13. In such examples, a locally rotating component
of the motor may analogously be arranged to engage (directly or
indirectly) with a component of the second base part 15 to cause
the second base part 15 to rotate relative to the first base part
13.
[0041] In examples in which the means for determining an angle
between the base parts 13, 15 determines the angular displacement
of the base parts 13, 15 relative to a predetermined `zero` or
`home` position which is the same for each use session of the
apparatus 11, the motor may be arranged to cause the base parts 13,
15 to return to that `zero` or `home` position at the end and/or
beginning of each use session.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a chair 31 may be mounted on the
second base part 15. The chair 31 is mounted on the second base
part 15 such that the chair 31 is arranged to move (in particular,
rotate) with the second base part 15 relative to the first base
part 13 (about the axis 17). A user 37 of the apparatus 11 may sit
in the chair 31 such that the user 37 moves (in particular,
rotates) relative to the first base part 13 when the second base
part 15 and the chair 31 rotate relative to the first base part 13
about the axis 17.
[0043] The chair 31 is fixed relative to the second base part 15.
Therefore, the chair 31 rotates with the second base part 15
relative to the first base part 13. The chair's orientation
relative to the second base part 15 does not change. The chair's
orientation relative to the first base part 13 changes in the same
way that the orientation of the second base part 15 relative to the
first base part 13 changes. Therefore, provided that the apparatus
11 knows the orientation of the chair 31 relative to the second
base part 15 (which does not change in time), the apparatus 11 can
use the means for determining an angle between the first base part
13 and the second base part 15 to determine the direction in which
a user 37 sitting in the chair 31 is facing (i.e., the direction in
which the user's body is pointing), by determining the angle
between the second base part 15 and the first base part 13, and
adjusting for the (fixed) orientation of the chair 31 relative to
the second base part 15.
[0044] Although in the illustrated embodiment a chair 31 is mounted
on the second base part 15, in other embodiments the second base
part 15 may include a stool or platform which is mounted on or part
of the second base part 15 such that the stool or platform rotates
with the second base part 15 relative to the first base part 13. A
user of the apparatus may then sit or stand on the stool or
platform such that the user rotates with the second base part 15
and the stool or platform relative to the first base part 13.
[0045] The second base part 15, the stool or the platform may
include one or more indicators (such as an arrow, footmarks or
other indicator(s)) to indicate to a user which way the user's body
should face when the user is sitting or standing on the stool or
platform. This ensures that the apparatus 11 can determine the
direction in which the user is facing (i.e. the direction in which
the user's body is pointing). The radial line of the second base
part 15 that is compared with a radial line of the first base part
13 may coincide with or be orientated at the same angle as the
indicator(s), or be offset at a known angle from the direction of
the indicator(s).
[0046] The second base part 15 may additionally or alternatively
include a handlebar which the user of the apparatus 11 can hold on
to during use of the apparatus 11. The handlebar may be arranged to
telescope in order to change length such that it can be used by a
user who is sitting down on the second base part 15 (on the upper
surface of the second base part 15, on a chair, or on a stool, for
example), or by a user who is standing up on the second base part
15 (on the upper surface of the second base part 15 or on a
platform that is part of or mounted on the second base part 15, for
example), regardless of the user's height.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiments, apparatus 11 also includes a
user input 21 arranged to provide inputs to a controller (not
shown). The user input 21 includes a rotating plate 25 with foot
pedals 28 on an upper surface of the rotating plate 25. The
rotating plate 25 (and therefore, indirectly, the foot pedals 28)
may be supported by a component 30 (such as a ring) of the user
input 21. The component 30 is arranged such that the component 30
(and the supported rotating plate 25 and foot pedals 28) can rotate
about an axis 32 relative to the second base part 15.
[0048] As will be explained in more detail below, the rotating
plate 25 of the user input 21 may be arranged to control rotation
of the first and second base parts relative to each other about
their common axis. Additionally, the rotating plate 25 may include
foot pedals 28 which are hinged such that they can provide
additional inputs, e.g., mimicking in-game "feet" allowing actions
such as walking movement. This is a natural sensation and leaves a
user able to focus their other in-game actions with other
natural/appropriate interfaces such as hand controls via a
hand-tracking camera.
[0049] In the illustrated example, the component 30 is arranged to
rotate (with the rotating plate 25, foot pedals 28) about the axis
32 under the action of a motor 27. In other examples, the apparatus
11 may not include such a motor 27. In such examples, the component
30 (and rotating plate 25, foot pedals 28) may instead be rotated
about the axis 32 relative to the second base part 15 by a user
applying a pushing or pulling force to move the component 30 (and
rotating plate 25, foot pedals 28) relative to the second base part
15.
[0050] The component 30, the rotating plate 25 and the foot pedals
28 may be arranged such that they can be stowed in a recess of the
second base part 15. The motor 27 may be arranged such that it can
cause the component 30 (and therefore the rotating plate 25 and the
foot pedals 28) to rotate about the axis 32 to exit or enter the
recess of the second base part 15. The component 30 (with the
rotating plate 25 and foot pedals 28) may be constrained by the
motor 27 such that the component 30 can only rotate about the axis
32 under the action of the motor 27. This may prevent a user from
inadvertently rotating the component 30, the rotating plate 25 and
the foot pedals 28 about the axis 32 during use of the apparatus
11. In other embodiments, other features of the apparatus 11 may
constrain the movement of the component 30 and the parts it
supports about the axis 32 to prevent inadvertent movement of the
component 30 about the axis 32 by a user of the apparatus 11.
[0051] The motor 27 may be arranged to cause the component 30 (and
thus the rotating plate 25 and the foot pedals 28) to rotate about
the axis 32, relative to the second base part 15, through a
predetermined angle from the `stowed` position (in which the
component 30 with the rotating plate 25 and foot pedals 28 is
stowed in the recess of the second base part 15). This may, for
example, occur when the apparatus 11 is switched on, or in response
to an input from a user of the apparatus 11. After rotating about
the axis 32 relative to the second base part 15 through the
predetermined angle from the `stowed` position, the component 30,
the rotating plate 25 and the foot pedals 28 may be positioned in
an optimum position for actuation and/or control by a user of the
apparatus 11.
[0052] For example, in the optimum position, the component 30, the
rotating plate 25 and the foot pedals 28 may be positioned
immediately in front of the chair 31 (or stool or platform) of the
apparatus 11, such that a user 37 sitting in the chair 31 or on the
stool (or standing on the platform) may rest a foot or both feet on
the rotating plate 25 and/or the foot pedals 28. This optimum
position of the component 30, the rotating plate 25 and the foot
pedals 28 relative to the second base part 15 may be referred to as
a `use` position of the component 30, the rotating plate 25 and the
foot pedals 28. The predetermined angle in such examples may be
approximately 180.degree..
[0053] With the component 30, the rotating plate 25 and the foot
pedals 28 in the optimum (`use`) position, the rotating plate 25
and the foot pedals 28 may be actuated by a foot or feet of a user
37 sitting in a chair 31 or stool or standing on a platform of the
apparatus 11.
[0054] The rotating plate 25 is arranged such that it can rotate,
relative to the component 30, about an axis 26. The axis 26 may be
generally at the centre of the rotating plate 25 and generally
orthogonal to the plane of the rotating plate 25, so that the
rotating plate 25 is able to rotate about roughly a centre point of
the rotating plate 25. In other examples, the axis 26 may not
coincide with the centre of the rotating plate 25 and may instead
be offset from the centre of the rotating plate 25. The axis 26
need not necessarily be orthogonal to the plane of the rotating
plate 25.
[0055] The rotating plate 25 may have a rotational `zero` or `home`
position about the axis 26 relative to the component 30. In the
`zero` or `home` position, a given radial line of the rotating
plate 25 points in substantially the same radial direction as a
given radial line of the component 30. For instance, with the
component 30 rotated (about axis 32) to the optimum (`use`)
position relative to the second housing part 15, a particular
radial line of the component 30 points forwards, away from the
housing parts 13, 15, in substantially the same radial direction as
the direction in which the chair 31 (or stool or platform) faces.
In the rotational `zero` or `home` position of the rotating plate
25 relative to the component 30 (about axis 26), the radial line of
the rotating plate 25 passing between and running substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axes of the foot pedals 28 may point
in substantially the same radial direction as the particular,
forwarding-pointing radial line of the component 30 described
above.
[0056] In some examples, the rotating plate 25 may be biased (e.g.,
with a spring or other biasing means) to return to the
`zero`/`home` position relative to the component 30. In some
examples, the rotating plate 25 may be constrained such that it
cannot rotate through more than a given angle anticlockwise or
clockwise from the `zero`/`home` position. For example, the
rotating plate 25 may be constrained such that it cannot rotate
more than half a turn or a quarter of a turn anticlockwise or
clockwise from the `zero`/`home` position. In other examples, such
biases and/or constraints may not be imposed on the rotating plate
25.
[0057] A user 37 sitting on the chair 31 or stool (or standing on a
platform) may rotate the rotating plate 25 clockwise or
anticlockwise about the axis 26. Rotating the rotating plate 25
about the axis 26 may cause the user input 21 to provide an input
to the controller. The controller may, in response to the input
from the user input 21, control one or more parts of the apparatus
11. For example, the user 37 may rotate the rotating plate 25
anticlockwise about the axis 26 by moving a foot or feet relative
to the axis 26. The user input 21 may, in response to the movement
of the rotating plate 25, provide an input to the not-illustrated
controller. In response to the input from the user input 21, the
controller may control the motor 18 to cause the second base part
15 to rotate anticlockwise relative to the first base part 13.
[0058] Thus a user 37 of the apparatus 11 may control the apparatus
11 to make the user 37 face in a particular direction in real
space, using the user input 21. Because the apparatus 11 includes
means for determining an angle between the second base part 15
(including the chair 31 and thus also the user 37) and the first
base part 13, the apparatus 11 can determine the direction in which
the user 37 is facing in real space at any given time by
determining the angular position of the second base part 15
relative to the first base part 13. Using the information about the
direction in which the user 37 is facing in real space, the
apparatus 11 can determine the direction in which the user 37 is
facing (or should be facing or wishes to face) in a virtual reality
environment.
[0059] The user input 21, controller and motor 18 may be arranged
to cause the second base part 15 to continue rotating about the
axis 17 relative to the first base part 13 while the rotating plate
25 is offset from its `zero`/`home` position. Thus the user 37 may
stop the second base part 15 from rotating about the axis 17
relative to the first base part 13 by returning to the rotating
plate 25 to its `zero`/`home` position relative to the component
30. The user 37 may return the second base part 15 to the previous
angular position relative to the first base part 13 by rotating the
rotating plate 25 relative to the component 30 in the opposite
direction to before. In such examples, the angle through which the
user 37 rotates the rotating plate 25 relative to the component 30
may affect the speed with which the second base part 15 rotates
about axis 17 relative to the first base part 13.
[0060] Alternatively, the user input 21, controller and motor 18
may be arranged to rotate the second base part 15 about the axis 17
relative to the first base part 13 through an angle corresponding
to the angle through which the rotating plate 25 is rotated by the
user 37 relative to the component 30. For example, if the user 37
of the apparatus 11 rotates the rotating plate 25 anticlockwise
through an angle of 30.degree., the user input 21, controller and
motor 18 may cause the second base part 15 to rotate anticlockwise
through an angle of 30.degree. relative to the first base part
13.
[0061] In other examples, the second base part 15 may be caused to
rotate about axis 17 relative to the first base part 13 through an
angle which is dependent upon the angle through which the user 37
has rotated the rotating plate 25 about axis 26 from the
`zero`/`home` position. For instance, in some cases, a scaling
factor of 2 may be applied, such that rotating the rotating plate
25 through an angle of 30.degree. about axis 26 causes the second
base part 15 to be rotated about axis 17 through an angle of
60.degree. relative to the first base part 13. In other examples,
different scaling may be used, including non-linear scaling (e.g.,
logarithmic scaling) and/or reversed-direction scaling (so that,
for example, rotation of the rotating plate 25 relative to the
component 30 about the axis 26 in a clockwise direction causes
rotation of the second base part 15 relative to the first base part
13 about the axis 17 in an anticlockwise direction).
[0062] In some examples, the rotating plate 25, in addition to
being arranged to rotate relative to component 30 about
substantially vertical axis 26 (see FIG. 1), may be arranged to
rotate relative to component 30 about a substantially horizontal
axis 34 which extends through or parallel to the plane of the
rotating plate 25. The rotating plate 25 being arranged to rotate
about this additional, substantially horizontal axis 34 may enable
a user 37 of the apparatus 11 to adjust the angle of the rotating
plate 25 so that the user 37 is able to manipulate the rotating
plate 25 and the foot pedals 28, or so that the user 37 can
manipulate the rotating plate 25 and the foot pedals 28 more
comfortably. In such cases, the projection of the forward-pointing
radial line of the rotating plate 25 on the horizontal axis when
the rotating plate 25 is in the `zero`/`home` position may be in
roughly the same direction as the forward-pointing radial line of
the second base part 15.
[0063] Manipulation of the foot pedals 28 may cause the user input
21 to provide an input to the controller. The controller may, in
response to the input from the user input 21, control one or more
parts of the apparatus 11. Actuation of the foot pedals 28 may for
instance cause a user to take steps in a virtual reality
environment, which may cause new or different visual images to be
displayed on a headset of the apparatus, or, if appropriate, cause
rotation of the second base part 15 about the axis 17 relative to
the first base part 13.
[0064] In some examples, relative rotation of the first base part
13 and the second base part 15 about the axis 17 may be controlled
using a wearable user input instead of using a foot-controlled user
input 21 such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.
[0065] An example of a wearable user input will now be described.
The user input is wearable on the head of the user and includes a
gyroscope, an accelerometer and a magnetometer (though, in other
examples, it might include only one or only two of those
components). The gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer together
or individually provide an indication of the direction in which the
user is looking, by monitoring the position and/or movements of the
user's head. One of the components might, for example, provide an
approximate but quick indication of the direction in which the
user's head is pointing during and after the user's head has moved,
and one of the other components might provide a more accurate
indication of the direction in which the user's head is pointing
after a longer period of time. Each of the components may provide
information about the movement of the user's head in three
dimensions. The three components together may therefore provide 9
dimensions (or "degrees of freedom") of information. In some
examples, a first one of the components may provide a first
indication of the orientation of the user's head. A movement of the
user's head in a different plane or sense may disrupt or interfere
with that first component's first indication. In such
circumstances, a second indication from a second one of the
components may be used to correct the first component's first
indication. Movements of the user's head may be tracked relative to
an initial position of the user's head (e.g., at a time when the
apparatus 11 and/or wearable user input is turned on or
calibrated), or relative to an external reference frame, such as
the Earth's magnetic field. For calibration of the equipment, the
user may be required to look and face in the same direction
simultaneously, or to look in a specific direction at a specific
time and to face in a specific direction at a different specific
time, during a calibration phase of the apparatus. This calibration
phase may occur shortly after the apparatus has been switched on
(or at a later time, trigged by the user or the controller), and
may enable the controller to determine initial angles of looking
and facing for the user. The user may be required to confirm, in
the calibration phase, that he or she is looking in the same
direction as he or she is facing (i.e., that his or her head is
pointing in the same direction as his or her torso), e.g., by
pressing a button, or that he is looking in a specified direction
at one time and facing in a specified direction at another time.
There may also be other steps to the calibration procedure, such as
performing one or more predetermined movements.
[0066] After calibration, the direction in which the user is
looking (i.e., the direction in which the user's head is pointing,
determined using the wearable user input) and the direction in
which the user is facing (i.e., the direction in which the user's
torso is pointing, determined using the means for determining an
angle between the first and second base parts 13, 15) may be
provided to a controller and compared to determine an angle between
the direction of looking and the direction of facing.
[0067] Analogously to the operation of the user input 21
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above, if the angle
between the direction of user looking and the direction of user
facing is greater than a threshold angle, the second base part 15
may be caused to rotate relative to first base part 13 about the
common axis 17. The magnitude of the angle between the direction of
looking and the direction of facing may determine an extent and/or
speed of rotation of the first and second base parts 13, 15
relative to each other.
[0068] The wearable user input may be part of a headset (such as an
audio headset, a video headset or an audiovisual headset) forming
part of the apparatus 11. Alternatively, the wearable user input
may be a separate device which can be fastened to the user directly
or indirectly. The wearable user input may for example be
fastenable to the head of the user by clipping into the user's hair
or onto an ear, fastenable to a headset forming part of the
apparatus 11, fastenable to a pair of glasses or hat worn by the
user, or wearable as a headband or other headpiece.
[0069] In some embodiments, apparatus 11 may include at least one
camera 23. The illustrated camera 23 is mounted radially outwardly
of the axis 17. The camera 23 is mounted such that it points
substantially radially inwardly, substantially towards the axis 17.
The camera 23 is mounted on component 30 via a telescoping pole 24
with a hinge 36. The telescoping pole 24 is mounted on the
component 30 at such a point on the component 30 that, when the
component 30 is in its optimum (`use`) position relative to the
second base part 15, the camera 23 and telescoping pole 24 are
directly opposite a user 37 of the apparatus 11, and the camera 23
faces the user 37 of the apparatus 11.
[0070] With the component 30 in its optimum (`use`) position, the
camera 23 and telescoping pole 24 may be positioned on a radial
line extending from the axis 17 about which the first and second
base parts 13, 15 rotate relative to each other and approximately
through the axis 26 about which the rotating plate 25 is arranged
to rotate.
[0071] The telescoping poles 24 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are in
partially extended configurations. In an optimally extended
configuration for a given user 37, the camera 23 may be roughly at
the height of the stomach, chest and/or hands of the user 37 while
the user 37 is using the apparatus 11 (e.g., while the user 37 is
sitting in the chair 31 or on the stool, or standing on the
platform, of the apparatus 11). In the optimally extended
configuration of the telescoping pole 24 for that user 37, the
camera 23 may be arranged such that its field of view includes the
head and hands of the user 37. Arranged in this way, the camera 23
may be able to track the movement of the user's head and/or the
movement of the user's hands. The telescoping pole 24 of the
apparatus 11 allows the height of the camera 23 to be adjusted to
ensure that the field of view of the camera 24 includes the head
and/or hands of the user 37. This allows users of different heights
to use the apparatus 11.
[0072] When the apparatus 11 is not in use, the telescoping pole 24
can be fully retracted. When the telescoping pole 24 is in the
fully retracted configuration, the total length of the telescoping
pole 24 between the top of the camera 23 and the hinge 36 is
approximately the same as or less than the diameter of the
component 30. The hinge 36 allows the telescoping pole 24 to fold
down against the component 30. The recess in the second base part
15 is arranged such that it is high enough to receive the combined
height of the component 30 and the telescoping pole 24 when the
telescoping pole 24 is folded down against the component 30, and
wide enough to receive the full diameter of the component 30. Thus,
when the apparatus 11 is not in use, the user input 21 (including
the camera 23 and extending pole 24) can be stowed in the recess in
second base part 15 by rotating the user input 21 about the axis 32
until the user input 21 is fully within the recess.
[0073] In some examples, the user input 21 can rotate in either
direction (clockwise or anticlockwise) about the axis 32 to be
stowed in the recess. In other examples, the user input 21 can only
enter the recess from one side. As described above, the apparatus
11 may include a motor 27 which can cause the user input 21 to
rotate about the axis 32, or may be arranged to be rotated about
the axis 32 by hand. In examples in which a motor 27 is included,
the motor 27 may constrain the user input 21 such that it cannot
move out of the recess, once stowed, until the motor 27 is
controlled by the controller. This may prevent the user input 21
from inadvertently coming out of the recess, e.g., when the
apparatus 11 is being moved.
[0074] When the apparatus 11 is switched on, or in response to an
input from a user of the apparatus 11, the component 30 may rotate
(under the action of motor 27 if present) about the axis 32 out of
the recess in the second base part 15, to the optimal (`use`)
position relative to the second base part 15. A further motor (not
illustrated) may then cause the telescoping pole 24 to pivot about
the hinge 36, such that the telescoping pole 24 assumes an
approximately vertical orientation. While the telescoping pole 24
is pivoting about the hinge, or after the telescoping pole 24 has
finished pivoting to the approximately vertical orientation,
another motor (not illustrated) may cause the telescoping pole 24
to extend. The extension of the telescoping pole 24 may raise the
height of the camera 23 to a predetermined height. The
predetermined height may be adjustable using user inputs.
[0075] In other embodiments, the hinge 36 and telescoping pole 24
may not be provided with motors, and a user of the apparatus 11 may
cause the telescoping pole 24 to pivot about the hinge 36 and to
extend to the desired height by applying appropriate pulling and/or
pushing forces to the telescoping pole 24.
[0076] Because the user input 21 is attached to the second base
part 15 and can be fixed in angular position about the axis 32
relative to the second base part 15 by the motor 27 (or another
component of the apparatus 11 if no motor is present), the camera
23 rotates with the second base part 15 whenever the second base
part 15 rotates about the axis 17 relative to the first base part
13. The camera 23 therefore faces the user 37 throughout the user's
use session, enabling the camera 23 to track the head and/or hand
movements of the user 37 no matter how much the user rotates in the
reference frame of the room (i.e., no matter how much the second
base part 15 rotates relative to the first base part 13).
[0077] In further embodiments, a similar camera may instead or
additionally be provided remote from the main body of the apparatus
11, i.e., not mounted on the apparatus 11. The remote camera may,
for example, be located on a wall, a ceiling, the floor, a stand or
a shelf in the room in which the apparatus 11 is located, and may
perform a similar role to (or the same role as) the
apparatus-mounted camera 23 described above.
[0078] In some examples, the apparatus-mounted camera 23 or the
remote camera may monitor movement of the user's head to determine
the user's direction of looking (i.e. the direction in which the
user's head is pointing). To assist the camera in doing this, the
headset that the user wears may be provided with visual indicators
(such as markings, reflectors or light-emitting diodes (LEDs))
which are arranged in a known pattern that varies around the outer
circumference of the headset (and thus around the user's head while
he/she is wearing the headset). This pattern may enable the
controller to distinguish which part of the user's head is in the
camera's field of vision and therefore determine the direction in
which the user is looking.
[0079] The camera may additionally or alternatively monitor
movement of the user's hands and/or movement of a hand-held user
input. To assist the camera in monitoring the movement, the user
may wear gloves which include visual indicators such as the
markings, reflectors or LEDs as previously described in the context
of the headset, or the hand-held user input may include such visual
indicators.
[0080] The first base part 13 and/or the second base part 15 may
include a recess or recesses for receiving a controller. The
controller may, for example, take the form of a personal computer,
a games console, a mobile phone, a tablet or another electronic
device which includes a processor. The controller may be capable of
receiving user inputs and generating outputs.
[0081] Such a controller can be inserted into the recess and
connected (e.g., using wires or wirelessly) to components of the
apparatus 11, such as the motor 18 which causes the first base part
13 and the second base part 15 to rotate relative to each other
about the axis 17; the motor 27 (if present) which causes the user
input 21 to rotate relative to the second base part 15 about the
axis 32; the motors (if present) which cause the telescoping pole
24 to pivot about the hinge 36 and/or extend/shorten; the user
input 21 which allows a user 37 of the apparatus 11 to provide
inputs to the controller and control, for example, the relative
movement of the first and second base parts 13, 15; the camera 23
which allows the user 37 of the apparatus 11 to provide inputs to
the controller (or to a remote camera if there is no camera 23
mounted on the apparatus 11); and any other peripheral devices
which may provide input/output functionality for a user 37 of the
apparatus 11.
[0082] The recess may include means for connecting the controller
to any or all of the above components of the apparatus 11, and to a
source of electrical power. Power may be delivered from an external
source (i.e., a source external to the apparatus 11) to the first
base part 13 of the apparatus 11 via an electrical cable or cables.
The power may be delivered to the first base part 13 rather than
the second base part 15 because the first base part 13 may remain
stationary (relative, for example, to the surface on which the
apparatus 11 is mounted) during use of the apparatus 11, while the
second base part 15 may rotate (relative, for example, to the
surface on which the apparatus 11 is mounted).
[0083] In the illustrated example, the recess for receiving the
controller is provided in the second base part 15. A controller
inserted in the recess of the second base part 15 will rotate with
the second base part 15, relative to the first base part 13, if the
second base part 15 is caused to rotate. This arrangement
advantageously means that the controller, the components (such as
the camera 23 and the motors 18, 27) and any cables connecting the
controller and the components are arranged to rotate about the axis
17 together. This means that the cabling is not wrapped around the
axis 17 as the second base part 15 rotates relative to the first
base part 13.
[0084] To enable electrical power to be transferred between the
first base part 13 and the second base part 15, the apparatus 11
may include one or more slip rings.
[0085] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a user 37 of the apparatus 11 may,
during use of the apparatus 11, wear a headset 29 on his or her
head. The headset 29 may provide visual and/or audio information to
the user 37, such as a visual or audio representation of a virtual
reality environment. The visual and/or audio information may be
generated by a controller in the recess of the apparatus 11 to
which the headset 29 may be connected via not-illustrated cables.
The cables may, for instance, emerge from an aperture in the top or
the back of the chair 31, so that the cables are provided at
roughly the right height for connection to the headset 29 (or, in
examples in which there is no chair, from a suitable aperture in
the second base part 15). Advantageously, because the headset 29,
the cables and the controller all rotate with the second base part
15 relative to the first base part 13, the user 37 does not become
tangled in the cables when the user 37 causes the second base part
15 to rotate relative to the first base part 13. In some examples,
the headset may be wirelessly connectable to the controller.
[0086] In some examples, the means for determining an angle between
the first base part 13 and the second base part 15 may be a stepper
motor. The stepper motor may also be able to cause the second base
part 15 to rotate relative to the first base part 13.
[0087] Although in the illustrated examples the base parts 13, 15
are substantially circular in cross section and substantially
cylindrical in overall shape, in other examples, the first and
second base parts 13, 15 may have other cross-sectional profiles
and other overall shapes.
[0088] Although in the illustrated embodiment there is provided
only one motor 18 for causing the second base part 15 to rotate
about the axis 17 relative to the first base part 13, in other
examples a plurality of motors may be provided for causing the
second base part 15 to undergo said rotation relative to the first
base part 13.
[0089] In the embodiments described above, the means for
determining an angle between the first base part 13 and the second
base part 15 may enable the apparatus 11 to determine the direction
in which a user 37 of the apparatus 11 is facing (i.e., the
direction in which the user's body is pointing). This may
effectively define a reference frame of the user. The reference
frame rotates relative to the first base part 13 when the second
base part 15 rotates relative to the first base part 13.
[0090] In use, the camera 23 on the telescoping pole 24 is
stationary in the reference frame of the user 37, whether or not
the reference frame of the user is rotating relative to the first
base part 13. The camera 23 rotates with the second base part 15
whenever the second base part 15 rotates relative to the first base
part 13. The camera 23 therefore rotates with the user 37 of the
apparatus 11 during use of the apparatus 11. The camera 23 is able
to monitor the motion of the user's head and/or hands in the
reference frame of the user, even if the reference frame is
rotating relative to the first base part 13, since the camera is
also rotating in the same sense and to the same extent as the
reference frame.
[0091] The apparatus 11 can therefore monitor at least the
following user input parameters: the direction in which the user is
facing (using the means for determining an angle between the first
base part 13 and the second base part 15); the direction in which
the user is looking (using the camera 23 to monitor movements of
the user's head in the user's reference frame or, in other
embodiments, the user input); the direction in which the user is
pointing or gesturing (using the camera 23 to monitor movements of
the user's hand(s) in the user's reference frame); the direction in
which the user wishes to turn (by monitoring how the user 37 moves
the rotating plate 25 relative to the component 30, or how the user
37 moves his/her head relative to his/her body); and other inputs
from the user (by monitoring further user inputs such as the foot
pedals 28 and any other user input devices included in the
apparatus 11).
[0092] The fact that a user 37 of the apparatus 11 is caused to
rotate in real space (about the axis 17 as the second base part 15
rotates about the axis 17 relative to the first base part 13) when
the user 37 provides an input to the controller which causes the
user to move in a virtual reality environment may help reduce or
prevent the feelings of nausea and other discomfort induced by
virtual reality apparatus.
[0093] Furthermore, the fact that a controller may control motor 18
to change the angle between the first base part 13 and the second
base part 15 of the apparatus 11 means that the controller may
change the direction in which a user 37 of the apparatus 11 faces
in a virtual reality environment and in the real world
simultaneously. Thus the controller may be able to control the
direction in which the user 37 of the apparatus 11 looks in the
virtual reality environment to prevent the user 37 from missing an
event in the virtual reality environment without making the user
feel as sick as if the movement in the virtual reality environment
had been simulated without a corresponding movement in the real
world.
[0094] The apparatus described above include a user input 21 which
is operated by a foot or feet of a user. Such a foot-operated user
input 21 may be advantageous, in that controlling at least some
aspects of movement in a virtual reality environment with the feet
may be intuitive. Furthermore, using the feet to control those
aspects of movement in the virtual reality environment leaves the
hands and arms free to perform other operations, such as making
gestures or manipulating a further user input (e.g., a gun or other
hand-held controller).
[0095] In other examples, a hand-operated user input, such as a joy
stick, may be provided instead of or in addition to a foot-operated
user input. The hand-operated user input may perform some or all of
the movement-related user input functions performed by the
foot-operated user input 21 described above, in which case some or
all of the components of the foot-operated user input 21 may not be
required.
[0096] In other examples, there may be complementary hand- and
foot-operated user inputs, both of which may allow a user to
provide movement-related inputs to a controller. For example, foot
pedals may be provided (e.g., corresponding to a brake and an
accelerator) for controlling movement in one sense (e.g., forwards
and backwards), and a hand-held controller (e.g., a steering wheel)
may be provided for controlling movement in another sense (e.g.,
left and right, side to side). In such an example, the hand-held
steering wheel may, in conjunction with a controller and a motor
(such as motor 18), cause the second base part 15 to rotate
relative to the first base part 13, while the foot pedals may not
cause movement of the second base part 15 relative to the first
base part 13.
[0097] In some of the examples described above, a wearable user
input is used to control rotation of first and second base parts of
an apparatus for virtual reality simulation, by comparing a
direction in which a user of the apparatus is looking (determined
using the wearable user input) and a direction in which the user is
facing (determined using the means for determining an angle between
the first base part and the second base part). The speed and
direction of relative rotation of the first and second base parts
may be controlled in dependence upon the angle between the
direction of user looking and the direction of user facing.
[0098] A similar arrangement may be used to control a direction of
movement of a vehicle such as a mobility scooter. A user of a
mobility scooter may wear a wearable user input as described above
somewhere on his or her head (e.g., clipped to a glasses frame) to
determine the user's direction of looking. The mobility scooter may
be equipped with one or more sensors (such as an accelerometer, a
magnetometer, a gyroscope or a navigation system receiver) arranged
to determine the orientation of the mobility scooter (analogous to
the user's direction of facing in the example of the apparatus for
virtual reality simulation discussed above). A difference between
the user's direction of looking and the orientation (e.g., the
current direction of movement) of the mobility scooter may be used
to control the direction of movement of the mobility scooter.
[0099] For example, a user of a mobility scooter may initially be
travelling due north on the mobility scooter, with her head
pointing in the direction of travel (north). The user may wish to
change the direction of travel of the mobility scooter so that the
direction of travel is north-east. To cause the direction of travel
to change, the user looks north-east. The wearable user input
detects the magnitude and direction of the change in direction of
user looking, and sends a signal to a controller of the mobility
scooter. The controller causes the wheels of the mobility scooter
to rotate through an appropriate angle to cause the mobility
scooter to change its direction of travel from north to
north-east.
[0100] If the user of the mobility scooter subsequently wishes to
travel north-west, the user may move her head so that she is facing
north-west. The wearable user input will detect the change in
direction of user looking and send a signal to the controller of
the mobility scooter. The controller causes the wheels of the
mobility scooter to rotate through an appropriate angle to cause
the mobility scooter to change its direction of travel from
north-east to north-west.
[0101] Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous for
individuals with limited ability to control steering apparatus
(e.g., handlebars or a steering wheel).
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