Invented by Heungno OH, Myungjong KIM, Jongchan Kim, Jongpil Kim, Juyeon KIM, Eunnam SONG, Jounggeun JO, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd

The market for virtual hiking methods and systems has seen significant growth in recent years, as more people are turning to technology to experience the great outdoors from the comfort of their own homes. With advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, individuals can now embark on virtual hiking adventures that offer a realistic and immersive experience. One of the main reasons for the increasing popularity of virtual hiking is the convenience it offers. Many individuals may not have the time or resources to travel to remote hiking trails or may have physical limitations that prevent them from engaging in outdoor activities. Virtual hiking allows them to explore breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains without leaving their homes, making it an accessible option for people of all ages and abilities. Virtual hiking methods and systems typically involve the use of VR headsets or AR devices, which transport users to virtual environments that mimic real-world hiking trails. These devices provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings, allowing users to feel as if they are actually hiking through forests, mountains, or deserts. Some systems even incorporate haptic feedback, which provides users with a sense of touch, further enhancing the immersive experience. The market for virtual hiking methods and systems is not limited to individuals seeking a solitary experience. Many companies and organizations are recognizing the potential of virtual hiking as a tool for education, training, and team-building exercises. For example, outdoor gear manufacturers can use virtual hiking to showcase their products in action, while travel agencies can offer virtual tours of popular hiking destinations to entice potential customers. Furthermore, virtual hiking methods and systems have the potential to be used for therapeutic purposes. Research has shown that exposure to nature can have numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety. Virtual hiking can provide a similar calming effect, allowing individuals to escape the pressures of daily life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. As the market for virtual hiking continues to grow, developers are constantly innovating to enhance the user experience. They are working on creating more realistic and detailed virtual environments, incorporating interactive elements such as wildlife encounters or weather changes. Additionally, advancements in motion tracking technology can enable users to physically walk or climb while wearing VR devices, further blurring the line between the virtual and real world. However, there are some challenges that the market for virtual hiking methods and systems faces. One of the main concerns is the potential for individuals to become too reliant on virtual experiences and neglect actual outdoor activities. While virtual hiking can be a great alternative for those who are unable to engage in physical hiking, it is important to strike a balance and encourage individuals to experience the real outdoors whenever possible. In conclusion, the market for virtual hiking methods and systems is experiencing significant growth due to its convenience, accessibility, and immersive nature. It offers individuals the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains from the comfort of their own homes. As technology continues to advance, virtual hiking has the potential to become an integral part of education, training, and therapeutic practices. However, it is important to remember that virtual hiking should complement, rather than replace, actual outdoor experiences.

The Samsung Electronics Co Ltd invention works as follows

A virtual biking system is provided, as well as a method of virtual hiking that allows a user to simulate being outdoors while riding indoors. The virtual hiking system consists of a Personal Computer (PC), which is configured to display a screen simulation, a motion plate, which moves in accordance with the state of the road on the PC simulation screen, and a bike fixed to the motion plate, so that the simulation changes according to the movement and speed of the handle.

Background for Method for virtual hiking and system

1. “1.

The present invention is a virtual hiking device and method that allows a user to simulate hiking outdoors while indoors.

2. “2.

In modern society, people often use fitness centers and bicycles to maintain good health and a fit body. Outdoor hiking can be dangerous, as it exposes the user to many potential dangers.

Exercise machines, such as stationary bikes and running machines (treadmills), are installed indoors to help prevent accidents and encourage users to exercise regularly. Running machines can be more damaging to the knees of elderly or physically weak people. Stationary bicycles, however, are less harmful. “Stationary bicycles can be used for aerobic exercises and they do not cause fatigue even after a long period of use, which encourages longer periods of exercise.

It can be hard to keep exercising for a long time if it is boring.

The users of stationary bikes may get bored with the repetitive motions, and the small space in which they can exercise. This can be detrimental to their health.

To solve these problems, we need to increase the utility and endurance of stationary bikes so that users can exercise more comfortably for longer periods. These apparatuses have been designed for this purpose. Map biking, for example, was created to promote the use of bicycles as life transportation. Map biking uses various microcontrollers to connect to a bike, allowing it to travel virtually around downtown Rio de Janeiro and Amsterdam, or Tokyo using Google StreetView. Map biking is an online game where a user can push the pedals on a stationary bike to activate Google StreetView. The user moves the target distance, and accumulates objects in the middle. Map biking, however, only provides StreetView screens that change, and no other content.

Ships” is a Three Dimensional (3D) Game produced using Google Earth. A New Zealand-based Information Technology (IT), company, has created a game in which a virtual vessel navigates through a simulation. When a player adjusts the ship’s direction by using direction keys on a keyboard, the handle will move in response. The user can choose from a variety of ships. Ships, however, was created to promote the company. There was little interest in the other aspects of Ships, and Ships did not include an exercise feature.

The SUN Aerosys Co. Ltd. three-axis movement platform system is used primarily in electric car or airplane simulators. The motion platform system allows a passenger to feel like they are riding in a real airplane or electric car. It controls the motion so that a user can directly operate it. The system, in this regard, is similar to an electronic hiking machine but does not have any exercise functions.

The present invention was made to address the problems or disadvantages mentioned above and provide the benefits described below. In this way, an aspect is to provide users with a virtual hiking method and system that simulates hiking inside.

Another aspect of the invention is the provision of a virtual hiking device and method that allows a user to view the exercise distance, speed and pulse during an exercise to check the state of the user.

Another aspect of this invention is the provision of a virtual hiking method and system that allows a user to experience a virtual reality based on an action performed by the user, such as a virtual flight or travel.

The present invention provides a virtual hiking device that includes a Personal Computer (PC), which is configured to display a simulator screen, and a motion platform, which is configured to move in accordance with the state of a road on the PC’s simulation screen. A bicycle is fixed to the motion platform so that it changes the simulation screen according to the speed and movement of a handle.

The method of virtual hiking is described in another aspect. It includes displaying an initial page from which the user can select a hiking page or information page. If the user chooses information, the displayed information page will change to show subscriber information.

The accompanying drawings will be used to describe the details of the “elements” of the invention. Note that elements are designated with the same numbers even though they appear in different drawings. “Detailed descriptions of well-known configurations or functions that could make the subject matter of this invention unnecessarily opaque will be omitted.

The embodiments of the invention described in the specification and drawings are only examples to help describe the technical content of the invention and to aid understanding. They are not meant to limit the scope or application of the invention. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the present invention relates to, that in addition to the embodiments described herein, various modifications can be made based on the spirit and technical content of the invention.

The following definitions will help you better understand the invention described here.

Potentiometer is a variable resistor that converts a linear and rotational displacement to an electrical resistance. Potentiometers come in two types: a contact type, and a noncontact type. The contact type is characterized by a brush that moves over a resistance. A linear potentiometer can have a stroke length of 1,000 mm, and a rotating type potentiometer can be rotated once or multiple times.

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