ShoeSoleSense: Demonstrating a wearable foot interface for locomotion in virtual environments

User input in a virtual environment (VE) is usually accomplished through simple finger interactions, such as walking in a 3D scene by pressing a button. These interactions are not very suitable for movement in VE. Moving through scenes such as a safety training applications by walking-in-place while forgoing hand or finger input for other purposes enables a more realistic feeling. Already existing solutions, such as multidirectional treadmills, are still expensive and need additional fixation of the body. Others, like using external tracking that are usually accomplished by using statically installed cameras in CAVE-like-installations, also have limitations in terms of occlusion. The built prototype - an insole - directly measures the pressure under the feet and hence enables a detection of movements, which is wirelessly forwarded to the scene manager server.