Camera-based OBDP locomotion system

Abstract

In virtual reality, locomotion is a key factor in making a simulation immersive. Actually walking is the most intuitive way for people to move about, providing a better sense of presence than walking-in-place or flying [Usoh et al. 1999]. We have built a locomotion system with a ball-bearing platform that allows the user to walk in a natural fashion in any direction. The user's leg motion is tracked with two cameras and turned into locomotion in the simulation. We also track upper body motion and use this to animate the user's avatar.