VR GAming Setup With Elliptical

[langmyersknow]

HI guys,

After watching this guys videos, I tried contacting him, but to no avail, I don't think he speaks english, or maybe he's busy .

Anyways, do you guys know how he's translating the elliptical movement to forward (w), and backward (s) .

It looks like he just connects it to usb.

Here's the video :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFNTA6MTTD4

[AdaAugmented]

I was looking at this guy's setup on youtube earlier and my best guess is that he's using kinect to detect all the body motion stuff and just using the elliptical trainer to give him a platform to run in place on. I'm inspired by this guy's videos and I think I might try to duplicate the system at some point.

[Fredz]

Reminds me of the Sarcos Uniport :



Maybe you can find papers on the Web about how this one did work.

[twofoe]

Here's the guy's website. He says he's using an "Orbitrack" elliptical, but he doesn't seem to specify the model. I think it's an older version of this. I also don't know if these Orbitreks come with a USB plug already built-in or if he installed one himself.

[AdaAugmented]

If you had an elliptical trainer with electronically adjustable resistance you could possibly simulate change in terrain gradient quite easily.

[geekmaster]

I just bought one of these last week for $199:
http://www.amazon.com/Weslo-WLEL83012-M ... B009P9RK4Q


It does have electronically adjustable friction (including preprogrammed "terrain"). I would have to hack it to make that track game terrain.

It tried walking with no hands, but it was too precarious (and worse with blocked vision). However, it works well when holding one of the inner stationary handles (which also reads pulse rate).

If I were to hold a controller in front of me (weapon, or hydra controller), I would have to remove the upper portion of the long outer handles to prevent colliding with the weapon controller. I would be tempted to add controller buttons/sticks to the inner support handles on the elliptical machine, so I could use both hands while supporting myself with one hand.

[twofoe]

It tried walking with no hands, but it was too precarious (and worse with blocked vision). However, it works well when holding one of the inner stationary handles (which also reads pulse rate).

Maybe you could attach some straps to secure your shoes in place? Or, if you want to get fancy, use ski boots and clamps.

EDIT: Or just attach some shoes/strap-sandals directly to the pedals

[Mystify]

It tried walking with no hands, but it was too precarious (and worse with blocked vision). However, it works well when holding one of the inner stationary handles (which also reads pulse rate).

Maybe you could attach some straps to secure your shoes in place? Or, if you want to get fancy, use ski boots and clamps.

EDIT: Or just attach some shoes/strap-sandals directly to the pedals

Yes, that way, when you fall off, instead of just hitting the ground you twist your ankles.

[twofoe]

It tried walking with no hands, but it was too precarious (and worse with blocked vision). However, it works well when holding one of the inner stationary handles (which also reads pulse rate).

Maybe you could attach some straps to secure your shoes in place? Or, if you want to get fancy, use ski boots and clamps.

EDIT: Or just attach some shoes/strap-sandals directly to the pedals

Yes, that way, when you fall off, instead of just hitting the ground you twist your ankles.

Wouldn't be a problem with something like ski boots, since they support your ankles.

[geekmaster]

Reminds me of the Sarcos Uniport :



Maybe you can find papers on the Web about how this one did work.

That would be good for preparing troops for riding unicycles on the battle field. The enemy troops would die of laughter.

[AdaAugmented]

Maybe you could attach some straps to secure your shoes in place? Or, if you want to get fancy, use ski boots and clamps.

EDIT: Or just attach some shoes/strap-sandals directly to the pedals

Yes, that way, when you fall off, instead of just hitting the ground you twist your ankles.

Wouldn't be a problem with something like ski boots, since they support your ankles.

That way when you fall off, instead of hitting the ground and twisting your ankles, you can pull the elliptical trainer on top of you as well. trollface.jpg

I imagine with practice you could use the elliptical without your hands, but I liked the fixed gun style setup in a few of the videos of the guy linked in the OP. Seems like an elegant way to get gun tracking and support so you don't fall over.

[twofoe]

Yes, that way, when you fall off, instead of just hitting the ground you twist your ankles.

Wouldn't be a problem with something like ski boots, since they support your ankles.

That way when you fall off, instead of hitting the ground and twisting your ankles, you can pull the elliptical trainer on top of you as well. trollface.jpg

Bolt the elliptical to the ground

This is just going to keep escalating until we have this: