Cross Trainer as VR Input Device

It could be just as simple as tracking the RPM and the direction of the movement on the cross-trainer.
On the other hand, the kinect can do the same by tracking a leg. Everything else he seems to be doing via the controller.

Interesting idea....leaning to walk/turn while wearing Oculus..will be interesting to try out.

For YouTube embeds on the forum, you want to use just the video code (the part after the "v=") and not the full URL.

I have a new Kickstarter (due to launch in the next few days) that uses pressure sensors inside a pair of sneakers to do much the same thing - except I can detect jumping, side-steps and leaning left/right/forward/backward as well as running, walking, etc - and you don't need a gigantic machine to do the work. It's just a couple of thin inserts that go into the soles of your shoes and a tiny controller box that clips onto your belt.




Better still, it operates as a HID keyboard/mouse so you don't need any special software, drivers or anything else to use it with just about any game.

-- Steve

That's pretty cool. I was planning on just using a phototransistor, an iPac, and some reflective tape on my treadmill to "walk through the rift." (Might need some additional circuitry, I'm sure, it's just a thought at this point). I didn't see how he implemented control from his crosstrainer, but I really like that he can control speed and forward/backward movement. Not sure how he's doing right/left/strafe. I have seen the Omni, and while it looks promising, I would have to try one live and in person before I'd fork over $500 for one.

Pretty cool indeed. If you have a sensor that detects which way your torso is facing (which can be different than the head's orientation), you just have to recognize steps.

Of course it doesn't solve the problem of running into walls etc like the Omni does.