A new foot position detection method using hall IC array for two-dimensional walkthrough in virtual space

Abstract

In the locomotion interface for walkthrough in virtual spaces, how to detect foot positions is an important problem for cancelling the walker movement. This paper proposes a new approach for detection of foot positions where many hall-IC are arranged in array two-dimensionally under the walking board. The magnet plate is fixed on the bottom of the shoes or slipper. The foot position is estimated from the output signal distribution of the hall IC array taking the weight depending on the signal strength into consideration. This sensor array is very useful for detecting foot positions accurately and stably in the ball array treadmill.