The present invention provides a running exercise equipment and a virtual reality interaction method thereof, in combination with virtual reality technology. The method includes: generating a virtual scene to the user based on the scene data; acquiring behavior data of a user when the user performs an action according to the virtual scene; generating scene update information based on the behavior data of the user, updating the scene data according to the scene update information; and controlling an action of the running exercise equipment according to the scene update information.

A behavioral rehearsal system in which full body tracking, facial tracking and voice modulation technology are used with virtual reality hardware and software to allow a therapist, or leader, to interact directly with a patient, or subject, in a virtual reality setting that is designed to simulate the actual environments and individuals the subject has experienced difficulty with. One or more avatars are controlled by the leader in these environments to simulate the form, dress, speech and mannerisms of a person or persons appropriate to the setting and circumstances identified in the subject's presenting symptoms. Therapists or leaders are able to interact with their subjects in a way that was previously impossible, through real-time social interaction that is specific to the subject's needs.

A method for replicating the terrain of a remote environment by a terrain replicator with a plurality of extendable elements is disclosed. The method includes mounting the plurality of extendable elements in close proximity on the surface of a flat stage to form a matrix of extendable elements; connecting each extendable element in the matrix to a control node in an array of control nodes, wherein each control node in the array is assigned to control one extendable element in the matrix of extendable elements; sending data of an actual physical terrain in the remote environment to a terrain analysis computer in the terrain replicator; converting the remote terrain data by the terrain analysis computer into a terrain-generating data stream for driver electronics; producing by the driver electronics a plurality of control signals from the terrain-generating data stream, wherein each signal in the plurality of control signals addresses a control node in the array of control nodes to extend or retract each extendable element in the matrix of extendable elements; and generating by the matrix of extendable elements a topography precisely corresponding to the topography of the actual physical terrain at the remote environment.

A Multisensory Simulation System comprises systems including: an Omni-Directional Treadmill (ODT), a Gravity Modification System (GMS), a Motion and gesture Tracking System (MTS), a Data Analytics System (DAS), a Visual Stimulation System (VSS), an Auditory Stimulation System (AUSS), an Operator Interface System (OIS), a User Harness System (UHS), a Tactile Stimulation System (TSS), an Atmospheric Simulation System (ATSS), a Neurological Stimulation System (NSS), an Olfactory Stimulation System (OSS), a Gustatory System Stimulation System (GSS), a User Monitoring System (UMS), a Controller, a Game Engine System (GES), database, a Communication Unit (CU), a User Safety System (USS), and a communication bus.

The invention provides an omnidirectional treadmill system that uses an inner core which is inflated within a tread membrane. On the outside surface of the inflated inner core are ball casters which push outward against the interior of the membrane, resulting in a low friction barrier between the inner core and the inside surface of the tread membrane. The tread membrane rests on a sphere directly below the user in the center of the device. When the sphere is rotated it drives the tread around the stationary inner core. The sphere rotation is accomplished using a holonomic drive system such as motorized omni wheels. The device uses an enclosure which encircles the tread area. The enclosure serves two purposes: to enhance safety of the user and to provide a surface for image projection to the user in virtual reality applications.

A Multisensory Simulation System comprises systems including: an Omni-Directional Treadmill (ODT), a Gravity Modification System (GMS), a Motion and gesture Tracking System (MTS), a Data Analytics System (DAS), a Visual Stimulation System (VSS), an Auditory Stimulation System (AUSS), an Operator Interface System (OIS), a User Harness System (UHS), a Tactile Stimulation System (TSS), an Atmospheric Simulation System (ATSS), a Neurological Stimulation System (NSS), an Olfactory Stimulation System (OSS), a Gustatory System Stimulation System (GSS), a User Monitoring System (UMS), a Controller, a Game Engine System (GES), database, a Communication Unit (CU), a User Safety System (USS), and a communication bus.

The present invention relates to an omnidirectional treadmill for virtual reality, comprising a hemispherical footplate portion frame, a footplate portion configured to be able to rotate omnidirectionally while surrounding the footplate portion frame, a covering, and a retainer. Provided that a virtual reality user needs to move at various rates of movement and in various directions, user movements in reality are counterbalanced by movements of the floor surface such that the user remains at the original location. Accordingly, the user can freely move in the virtual reality while moving at the original location in reality.

An omnidirectional treadmill allows users to walk, jog, or run in any direction. 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. The treadmill includes a blood cell shaped structure comprising pentagons and hexagons assembled from triangles.

A treadmill exercise apparatus which accommodates displacement of the moving treadmill deck about the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis, and optionally about the lateral axis, simultaneously.

A treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a frame; a first side support coupled to and extending substantially vertically upwards relative to the frame; a second side support coupled to and extending substantially vertically upwards relative to the frame; and a handrail assembly having a first side coupled to the first side support and a second side coupled to the second side support, each of the first and second sides of the handrail assembly comprising upper and lower members vertically spaced from one another and front and rear push members spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the treadmill, the front and rear push members coupling the upper and lower members, and collectively providing a plurality of hand placement positions including at least two substantially horizontally aligned hand placement positions and at least one primarily vertically aligned hand placement position.