Interaction between objects and a virtual environment display
US7394459B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/69
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An interactive table has a display surface on which a physical object is disposed. A camera within the interactive table responds to infrared (IR) light reflected from the physical object enabling a location of the physical object on the display surface to be determined, so that the physical object appear part of a virtual environment displayed thereon. The physical object can be passive or active. An active object performs an active function, e.g., it can be self-propelled to move about on the display surface, or emit light or sound, or vibrate. The active object can be controlled by a user or the processor. The interactive table can project an image through a physical object on the display surface so the image appears part of the object. A virtual entity is preferably displayed at a position (and a size) to avoid visually interference with any physical object on the display surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.