A Family of New Ergonomic Harness Mechanisms for Full-Body Natural Constrained Motions in Virtual Environments

Abstract

A family of new virtual reality harness mechanisms has been developed by this investigator to constrain an immersed user within the field of view of a virtual locomotion sensing system while permitting natural motions such as twisting, turning, jogging in place, dropping to the knees or moving to a prone position. The author has also developed a generalized synthesis approach to the design of such harness systems. Unwanted rotational inertial loads felt by the user are minimized while compliant constraints have been tailored to provide natural feedback forces. These ergonomic forces enhance the experience of virtual motion by partially substituting for the missing real-world dynamic loads encountered in locomotion. They also provide subtle, natural cues to the immersed user that aid the user in remaining centered. Unlike some other virtual locomotion systems, these devices are passive, relatively low-cost, easy and natural to use, making them minimally intrusive on the process of learning the simulated task