Input and feedback system

A method for providing feedback to a user of a processing unit, comprising the steps of:

• providing an immobilizing device which holds a portion of the user's body immobile;
• providing vibrating devices disposed upon the immobilizing device and positioned to touch an immobilized portion of the user's body near muscles which would extend if the immobilized portion of the user's body moved;
• sending signals from the processing unit to the vibrating devices to cause the vibrating devices to vibrate;
• and
• controlling these signals to cause the vibrating devices located near a particular muscle to provide feedback indicating that the immobilized portion of the user's body is moving.

A method for providing an indication to a user that his body has moved when it has not, comprising:

• preventing an intended motion of a portion of a user's body, wherein the portion of the user's body is substantially immobilized;
• detecting the intended motion of the portion of the user's body;
• and
• providing sensory feedback which is a reflection of the intended motion.

A method for a user to control an environment simulated on a computer system where the user is modeled within the simulated environment, comprising:

• providing at least one immobilizing device which restricts motion of at least a portion of the user's body;
• detecting forces exerted by the immobilized portion of the user's body against the immobilizing device;
• sending a signal representing these forces to the computer system;
• and
• determining an effect that these forces have upon the model of the user in the environment simulated by the computer.

An input system for use with a simulated environment, comprising:

• an immobilizing device which holds a portion of a user's body in a substantially fixed position;
• sensors which detect forces applied by the portion of the user's body that is held in the substantially fixed position;
• and
• an output device which provides a sensation to the user corresponding to motion that occurs in the simulated environment, the motion is related to the detected forces.