Google has filed a patent for a product specifically for virtual reality.
The idea is for a pair of shoes that, if they were to be developed, would be specifically designed to move in virtual environments. This footwear would have sensors to detect movement and transfer it to the virtual reality application. It would also have a traction system to counteract the user’s displacement. Although it has some drawbacks, if developed, this device could be a great solution to the Achilles heel of VR development: motion recognition. The operation of these “virtual reality shoes” is quite simple and intuitive.
Essentially it would be a kind of skates that, connected to a virtual reality simulator, would allow the user to move freely through the simulated environment, without actually moving in their physical environment. This would be achieved by adding to the footwear some kind of motorized traction system (such as simple wheels, omnidirectional wheels, or even caterpillar wheels), which would move in the opposite direction to that of our steps to cancel out the amount of movement. The traction system would only be activated when our feet leave a previously defined boundary in the physical environment where the user is located. Thus, we would be able to move in a seemingly infinite way in quite confined spaces. This patent, registered under the name “Augmented and/or Virtual Reality Footwear” could be the best solution to the main problem currently faced by virtual reality companies.
And the fact is that scrolling in these environments is not yet fully optimized.
Some users may become dizzy when using virtual reality glasses. The main advantage of these “skates” is that they would allow for motion sickness free virtual reality environments. In addition, this device would eliminate the need for large amounts of available space. In today’s market, there are already certain devices that allow motion in VR environments without motion sickness. Virtual reality motion platforms are a very interesting option for enjoying highly immersive applications. And although they represent a great opportunity for events and companies, for a particular use they require an investment of money and (above all) space not suitable for all the public. For this reason, if Google finally launches the development of this device, it could mean a before and after in the consumption of virtual reality by the general public. Although the sneakers have great potential for the development of virtual reality, the truth is that they also have certain drawbacks. The main and most obvious one is that it is still a patent. Therefore, it is likely that this device will need a fairly long period of development and fine-tuning before it is ready to be marketed. From a functional point of view, the Mountain View giant’s developers will have to work hard to make the shoe easy to use and comfortable. Especially when it comes to maintaining balance while wearing it, since unlike the aforementioned virtual reality platforms, a priori they will not have a safety harness.
Google and AR, a long-standing relationship.
The registration of this patent is proof of Google’s interest in continuing to explore the field of virtual reality and augmented reality. After the painful setback they suffered with Google Glasses, the Mountain View company is still committed to developing tools in this sector. Regardless of whether the project is carried out or not, the fact that Silicon Valley giants show interest in virtual reality is always good news for companies, agencies and virtual reality consumers.
From TwoReality we continue to create the best content and applications for different devices. Tell us about your project.
