ITR/SY(IIS): Advanced Mechanical Displays for Locomotion Interfaces

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

The project addresses the problem of human interaction - in this case mechanical interaction - with virtual environments. Considered are locomotion interface energy-extractive devices that allow natural walking through virtual terrain. The goal is to produce a sense of immersion in the virtual world by realistic integration of walking with vision and sound, and by realistic energy expenditure in moving about. For example, the system will be expected to realistically recreate the fact that walking uphill is harder than downhill. Additional degrees of freedom will be explored to investigate a more generalized pattern of terrain walking.