How is it possible to walk through 3D virtual realities while staying in one place?
Engineers from the Vienna University of Technology have solved this problem and are now introducing their “Virtualizer”.
Head-mounted devices, which display three dimensional images according one’s viewing direction, allowing the users to lose themselves in computer generated worlds are already commercially available. However, it has not yet been possible to walk through these virtual realities, without at some point running into the very real walls of the room. A team of researchers at the Vienna University of Technology has now built a “Virtualizer”, which allows for an almost natural walk through virtual spaces. The user is fixated with a belt in a support frame, the feet glide across a low friction surface. Sensors pick up these movements and feed the data into the computer. The team hopes that the Virtualizer will enter the market in 2014.
Digitized Motion
Various ideas have been put forward on the digitalization of human motion. Markers can be attached to the body, which are then tracked with cameras – this is how motion capture for animated movies is achieved. For this, however, expensive equipment is needed, and the user is confined to a relatively small space. Prototypes using conveyor belts have not yet yielded satisfactory results.
Tuncay Cakmak, a student at TU Vienna, had a much better idea; when the feet slide across a smooth low-friction surface, almost natural walking movements are possible without in fact changing one’s position. Together with some other students and virtual reality expert Hannes Kaufmann (TU Vienna), he developed the “Virtualizer”.
In the Virtualizer’s metal frame, the user is kept in place with a belt. The smooth floor plate contains sensors, picking up every step. Rotations of the body are registered by the belt. “Coming to terms with the low friction takes a little bit of practice”, says Tuncay Cakmak, “but soon one can run across the smooth sensor plate quite naturally.”
Run, Look, Duck, Jump
The Virtualizer can be used with standard 3D headgear, which picks up the users viewing direction and displays 3D pictures accordingly. This is independent from the leg motion, therefore running into one direction and looking into another becomes possible.
The Latest Bing News on:
Revolutionize Gaming in Virtual Realities
- Secrets of snow complexity can improve winter safetyon April 26, 2024 at 5:41 pm
The digital representation of snow, as seen in video games and simulators, often falls short of capturing its true complexity ...
- The Role of Case Opening Sites in the CS2 Economy: A Gamer’s Perspectiveon April 25, 2024 at 2:58 am
Immersed in the vibrant world of CS2, gamers understand the profound value every skin and weapon holds, extending far beyond their pixelated facade. Yet, - April 25, 2024 - WIN.gg ...
- Exploring the Fusion of Gaming and Sports Bettingon April 23, 2024 at 9:06 pm
The landscape of entertainment is witnessing a striking fusion between gaming and online casino sports betting, transforming the scene for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
- Rolling the Reels: A Deep Dive into the World of Online Slot Gamblingon April 22, 2024 at 3:32 pm
Mechanics of Online Slot Games: Online slot games typically consist of reels, symbols, and paylines. Players spin the reels and aim to land matching symbols on active paylines to win prizes. Bonus ...
- How is crypto gaming shaping the future of live entertainment?on April 22, 2024 at 4:28 am
Discover how crypto gaming innovates live entertainment, merging blockchain technology with interactive experiences to redefine the future of gaming ...
- Fitness gaming: How VR and AR are keeping people fiton April 21, 2024 at 10:23 pm
Fitness gaming has witnessed a significant surge in popularity recently. What was once a niche market has now evolved into a mainstream sensation, attracting a diverse audience interested in merging ...
- The Rise of Fitness Gaming: A New Frontier in Video Gameson April 21, 2024 at 4:01 am
A New Frontier in Video GamesPicture Courtesy : DCIn a world where sedentary lifestyles and screen time dominate our daily routines, the concept of video games ...
- From Fitness Trackers to Virtual Reality: How Technology is Paving the Way for a Healthier Futureon April 20, 2024 at 2:07 pm
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s no surprise that it’s now revolutionizing the way we approach fitness and overall health. From sleek fitness trackers to immersive virtual ...
- Advancements in General Technology: Shaping the Future of Innovationon April 15, 2024 at 4:36 am
Technology has always been the catalyst that propels us forward. According to a report by Forbes, 85% of the jobs in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. This underscores the rapid pace at which technology ...
- The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Reality Online Casinos: A New Era of Gamingon April 14, 2024 at 5:00 pm
Virtual Reality (VR) has become a game-changer across various industries, and online casinos are no exception. This guide explores how VR is revolutionizing online gaming, its player benefits, ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Revolutionize Gaming in Virtual Realities
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Revolutionize Gaming in Virtual Realities” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Virtual reality
- Save $50 on the Meta Quest 2 at Amazon and dive into an alternate realityon April 26, 2024 at 9:01 am
SAVE $50.99: The Meta Quest 2 (128GB) VR headset is on sale for $199 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $249.99. That's a 20% discount.
- 4 Tips for Navigating Virtual Reality Safelyon April 26, 2024 at 6:47 am
Virtual reality (VR) has taken major leaps forward in recent years. With the release of the Apple Vision Pro in early 2024, people are starting to realize how truly powerful this technology is and how it’s likely to transform our lives.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Virtual reality
[google_news title=”” keyword=”virtual reality” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]