System for tracking body movements in a virtual reality system
US5963891A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S345/959
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system is provided for tracking body movements, including subtle body movements, in a virtual reality system and for integrating data generated therefrom into a virtual reality system in real tine. The system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a data generating body suit having a plurality of movement indicating sensors secured thereto at a number of predetermined positions for determining movements of the wearer. Any movement by the wearer generates data that is transmitted to a computer for processing the data in real time. The data suit includes sensors for determining body position and orientation and sensors for accurately tracking subtle body movements such as movements of the wrist. Bend sensors include elongated portions that traverse an articulation to be monitored. Any movement of a monitored articulation causes flexure of the elongated portion, which in turn causes the sensors to generate signals indicating flexure of the sensor and degree of flexure to indicate body movement. A plurality of bend sensors are included for monitoring the articulations of the arm and for monitoring foot movement. Signals generated by the bend sensors are transmi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.