Omnidirectional moving surface including motor drive
A motor driven omnidirectional treadmill that allows users to walk, jog, or run in any direct ion. When the treadmill is coupled with computer-generated immersive environments users can maneuver their way on-foot through 360-degree VR environments of infinite expanse and scope.
1. An omnidirectional moving surface system comprising:
a first plurality of ball bearings;
a spindle configured for positioning the ball bearings such that the ball bearings form a ring around the spindle;
a bladder for enveloping the plurality of ball bearings; and
a plurality of omni-wheels affixed intermittently around the bladder and configured to support the bladder.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spindle has a top portion to support the weight of a user.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a base including a second plurality of ball bearings for holding the bladder.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a track ball contacting the bladder and serving as the interface between the bladder and the virtual reality means.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder is an elastic spheroid.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder is comprised of a moneprene material.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder is comprised of gum rubber.
8. The system of claim 1 including a robotic configured to change height and tilt of the moving surface in response to a user's location in a virtual environment.
9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a motor configured to control movement of the bladder around the spindle.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the omni-wheels are driven by at least 4 motors.
11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a motion feedback system configured to calculate where a next step of a user will be placed.
12. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an air bearing configured to support the bladder.
13. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a magnet configured to support the bladder.
14. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a drive system including at least two motors configured to drive the bladder in any direction, the two motors being disposed beneath the bladder.
15. The system of claim 1 , further comprising three additional omni-wheels affixed intermittently around or above the bladder.
16. The system of claim 1 , wherein a tread surface of the bladder includes a multi-layer surface, the multi-layer surface including a plurality of pentagons and hexagons.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein a tread surface of the bladder includes a multi-layer surface, the multi-layer surface including a polyhedral assembly.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes a ferrous material.
19. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder includes a tread surface configured to be stiffened or loosened in real time.
20. The system of claim 1 , wherein the bladder is configured to become more flexible or more stiff in response to a voltage, current or field.