11580 results about "Virtual reality" patented technology

A system and method for permitting three-dimensional navigation through a virtual reality environment using camera-based gesture inputs of a system user. The system comprises a computer-readable memory, a video camera for generating video signals indicative of the gestures of the system user and an interaction area surrounding the system user, and a video image display. The video image display is positioned in front of the system user. The system further comprises a microprocessor for processing the video signals, in accordance with a program stored in the computer-readable memory, to determine the three-dimensional positions of the body and principle body parts of the system user. The microprocessor constructs three-dimensional images of the system user and interaction area on the video image display based upon the three-dimensional positions of the body and principle body parts of the system user. The video image display shows three-dimensional graphical objects within the virtual reality environment, and movement by the system user permits apparent movement of the three-dimensional objects displayed on the video image display so that the system user appears to move throughout the virtual reality environment.

A method and apparatus for determining the position and orientation of a remote object relative to a reference coordinate frame includes a plurality of field-generating elements for generating electromagnetic fields, a drive for applying, to the generating elements, signals that generate a plurality of electromagnetic fields that are distinguishable from one another, a remote sensor having one or more field-sensing elements for sensing the fields generated and a processor for processing the outputs of the sensing element(s) into remote object position and orientation relative to the generating element reference coordinate frame. The position and orientation solution is based on the exact formulation of the magnetic field coupling as opposed to approximations used elsewhere. The system can be used for locating the end of a catheter or endoscope, digitizing objects for computer databases, virtual reality and motion tracking. The methods presented here can also be applied to other magnetic tracking technologies as a final "polishing" stage to improve the accuracy of their P&O solution.

Positions of users other than a particular user in a virtual reality space shared by many users can be recognized with ease and in a minimum display space. The center (or intersection) of a cross of radar map corresponds to the particular user and the positions of other users (to be specific, the avatars of the other users) around the particular user are indicated by dots or squares colored red for example in the radar map. This radar map is displayed on virtual reality space image in a superimposed manner.

This invention involves a virtual environment created through the combination of technologies. The invention employs the knowledge and experience of a Personal Assistant or Host, created through Artificial Intelligence applications, which assists and guides the user of the environment to products and/or services that they will most likely be interested in purchasing or requiring. The intelligent assistant's choices are based on its experiences with the specific user. The intelligent assistant communicates with the user by means of a speech recognition and speech synthesis device. This invention is an easy to use virtual reality environment that takes advantage of existing technologies and global communications networks such as the Internet without requiring any given degree of computer literacy. This invention includes a virtual intelligent assistant for each user which adapts to its user as it provides individualized guidance. The intelligent assistant or avatar projects human-like features and behaviors appropriate to the preferences of its user and appears as a virtual person to the user.

A design professional such as an interior designer running a browser program at a client computer (i) optionally causes a digital image of a room, or a room model, or room images to be transmitted across the world wide web to a graphics server computer, and (ii) interactively selects furnishings from this server computer, so as to (iii) receive and display to his or her client a high-fidelity high-quality virtual-reality perspective-view image of furnishings displayed in, most commonly, an actual room of a client's home. Opticians may, for example, (i) upload one or more images of a client's head, and (ii) select eyeglass frames and components, to (iii) display to a prospective customer eyeglasses upon the customer's own head. The realistic images, optionally provided to bona fide design professionals for free, promote the sale to the client of goods which are normally obtained through the graphics service provider, profiting both the service provider and the design professional. Models of existing objects are built as necessary from object views. Full custom objects, including furniture and eyeglasses not yet built, are readily presented in realistic virtual image.

Also, a method of interactive advertising permits a prospective customer of a product, such as a vehicle, to view a virtual image of the selected product located within a customer-selected virtual scene, such as the prospective customer's own home driveway. Imaging for all purposes is supported by comprehensive and complete 2D to 3D image translation with precise object placement, scaling, angular rotation, coloration, shading and lighting so as to deliver flattering perspective images that, by selective lighting, arguably look better than actual photographs of real world objects within the real world.

Invention is apparatus for using selectable instruments in virtual medical simulations with input devices actuated by user and resembling medical instruments which transmit various identifying data to the virtual computer model from said instruments which have been selected; then, said apparatus assist in creating full immersion for the user in the virtual reality model by tracking and homing to instruments with haptic, or force feedback generating, receptacles with which said instruments dock by means of a numerical grid, creating a seamless interface of instrument selection and use in the virtual reality anatomy.

The technology of the 4D-GIS system deploys a GIS-based algorithm used to determine the location of a moving target through registering the terrain image obtained from a Moving Target Indication (MTI) sensor or small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) camera with the digital map from GIS. For motion prediction the target state is estimated using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). In order to enhance the prediction of the moving target's trajectory a fuzzy logic reasoning algorithm is used to estimate the destination of a moving target through synthesizing data from GIS, target statistics, tactics and other past experience derived information, such as, likely moving direction of targets in correlation with the nature of the terrain and surmised mission.

A design professional such as an interior designer, furniture sales associate or advertising designer running a browser program at a client computer (i) uses the world wide web to connect to a graphics server computer, and (ii) interactively selects or specifies furnishings or other objects from this server computer and previews the scene and communicates with the server, so as to (iii) receive and display to his or her client a high-fidelity high-quality virtual-reality perspective-view photorealistic image of furnishings or other objects displayed in, most commonly, a virtual representation of an actual room of a client's home or an advertisement scene. The photorealistic images, optionally provided to bona fide design professionals and their clients for free, but typically paid for by the product's manufacturer, promote the sale to the client of goods which are normally obtained through the graphics service provider's customer's distributor, profiting both the service provider and the design professional. Models, textures and maps of existing objects are built as necessary from object views or actual objects. Full custom objects, including furniture and other products not yet built, are readily presented in realistic virtual image. Also, a method of interactive advertising permits a prospective customer of a product, such as furniture, to view a virtual but photorealistic, image of a selected product located within a customer-selected scene, such as the prospective customer's own home, to allow in-context visualization.

A user-friendly reliable process is provided to help diagnose (assess) and treat (rehabilitate) impairment or deficiencies in a person (subject or patient) caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other neurocognitive disorders. The economical, safe, effective process can include: generating and electronically displaying a virtual reality environment (VRE) with moveable images; identifying and letting the TBI person perform a task in the VRE; electronically inputting and recording the performance data with an electronic interactive communications device; electronically evaluating the person's performance and assessing the person's impairment by electronically determining a deficiency in the person's cognitive function (e.g. memory, recall, recognition, attention, spatial awareness) and/or motor function (i.e. motor skills, e.g. balance) as a result of the TBI or other neurocognitive disorder.

A virtual interactive environment enables a surgeon or other medical professional to manipulate implants, prostheses, or other instruments using patient-specific data from virtual reality models. The patient data includes a combination of volumetric data, surface data, and fused images from various sources (e.g., CT, MRI, x-ray, ultrasound, laser interferometry, PET, etc.). The patient data is visualized to permit a surgeon to manipulate a virtual image of the patient's anatomy, the implant, or both, until the implant is ideally positioned within the virtual model as the surgeon would position a physical implant in actual surgery. Thus, the interactive tools can simulate changes in an anatomical structure (e.g., bones or soft tissue), and their effects on the external, visual appearance of the patient. CAM software is executed to fabricate the implant, such that it is customized for the patient without having to modify the structures during surgery or to produce a better fit.

Methods, apparatus, and computer programs for controlling a view of a virtual scene with a portable device are presented. In one method, a signal is received and the portable device is synchronized to make the location of the portable device a reference point in a three-dimensional (3D) space. A virtual scene, which includes virtual reality elements, is generated in the 3D space around the reference point. Further, the method determines the current position in the 3D space of the portable device with respect to the reference point and creates a view of the virtual scene. The view represents the virtual scene as seen from the current position of the portable device and with a viewing angle based on the current position of the portable device. Additionally, the created view is displayed in the portable device, and the view of the virtual scene is changed as the portable device is moved by the user within the 3D space. In another method, multiple players shared the virtual reality and interact among each other view the objects in the virtual reality.

The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Intelligent motion capture element that includes sensor personalities that optimize the sensor for specific movements and/or pieces of equipment and/or clothing and may be retrofitted onto existing equipment or interchanged therebetween and automatically detected for example to switch personalities. May be used for low power applications and accurate data capture for use in healthcare compliance, sporting, gaming, military, virtual reality, industrial, retail loss tracking, security, baby and elderly monitoring and other applications for example obtained from a motion capture element and relayed to a database via a mobile phone. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and stores data in database for use in these applications and/or data mining. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase. Includes active and passive identifier capabilities.

Motion capture element for low power and accurate data capture for use in healthcare compliance, sporting, gaming, military, virtual reality, industrial, retail loss tracking, security, baby and elderly monitoring and other applications for example obtained from a motion capture element and relayed to a database via a mobile phone. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and stores data in database for use in these applications and/or data mining, which may be charged for. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings, compliance, ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed, for example on a map or timeline or both. Enables performance related equipment fitting and purchase. Includes active and passive identifier capabilities.

A virtual reality system initiates desired real world actions in response to defined events occurring within a virtual environment. A variety of systems, such as communications devices, computer networks, and software applications, may be interfaced with the virtual reality system and made responsive to virtual events. For example, the virtual reality system may trigger a communications system to establish a communications link between people in response to a virtual event. Users, represented as avatars within the virtual environment, generate events by interacting with virtual entities, such as other avatars, virtual objects, and virtual locations. Virtual entities can be associated with specific users, and users can define desired behaviors for associated entities. Behaviors control the real world actions triggered by virtual events. Users can modify these behaviors, and the virtual reality system may change behaviors based on changing conditions, such as time of day or the whereabouts of a particular user.

A user interface enables a user to calibrate the position of a three dimensional model with a real-world environment represented by that model. Using a device's sensor, the device's location and orientation is determined. A video image of the device's environment is displayed on the device's display. The device overlays a representation of an object from a virtual reality model on the video image. The position of the overlaid representation is determined based on the device's location and orientation. In response to user input, the device adjusts a position of the overlaid representation relative to the video image.

The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for using a three-dimensional (3D) diffractive element (e.g., a 3D diffractive grating) for expanding in one or two dimensions the exit pupil of an optical beam in electronic devices. Various embodiments of the present invention can be applied, but are not limited, to forming images in virtual reality displays, to illuminating of displays (e.g., backlight illumination in liquid crystal displays) or keyboards, etc.

PCT No. PCT/DK95/00089 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 27, 1996 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 27, 1996 PCT Filed Feb. 27, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO95/23493 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 31, 1995A method and apparatus for simulating the transmission of sound from sound sources to the ear canals of a listener encompasses novel head-related transfer functions (HTFs), novel methods of measuring and processing HTFs, and novel methods of changing or maintaining the directions of the sound sources as perceived by the listener. The measurement methods enable the measurement and construction of HTFs for which the time domain descriptions are surprisingly short, and for which the differences between listeners are surprisingly small. The novel HTFs can be exploited in any application concerning the simulation of sound transmission, measurement, simulation, or reproduction. The invention is particularly advantageous in the field of binaural synthesis, specifically, the creation, by means of two sound sources, of the perception in the listener of listening to sound generated by a multichannel sound system. It is also particularly useful in the designing of electronic filters used, for example, in virtual reality systems, and in the designing of an "artificial head" having HTFs that approximate the HTFs of the invention as closely as possible in order to make the best possible representation of humans by the artificial head, thereby making artificial head recordings of optimal quality.

Systems, methods and structures for combining virtual reality and real-time environment by combining captured real-time video data and real-time 3D environment renderings to create a fused, that is, combined environment, including capturing video imagery in RGB or HSV/HSV color coordinate systems and processing it to determine which areas should be made transparent, or have other color modifications made, based on sensed cultural features, electromagnetic spectrum values, and/or sensor line-of-sight, wherein the sensed features can also include electromagnetic radiation characteristics such as color, infra-red, ultra-violet light values, cultural features can include patterns of these characteristics, such as object recognition using edge detection, and whereby the processed image is then overlaid on, and fused into a 3D environment to combine the two data sources into a single scene to thereby create an effect whereby a user can look through predesignated areas or “windows” in the video image to see into a 3D simulated world, and/or see other enhanced or reprocessed features of the captured image.

A modular and customizable virtual reality headset system comprises an optional mobile device case, a support module, a device module with a dock for a mobile device or for the mobile device case, and a lens module. The modules preferably removably attach together with nesting extensions and a removable plug that extends through aligned holes defined by the extensions. The support module comprises one or more walls, optional corners, and optional edges. The system further comprises control and processing components, one or more input devices, a comfort module, and a strap. Additional features include a microphone, headphones, a camera, a display, communication components, motion sensors and movement trackers, filters, battery chargers, and warning devices. The basic components of the VR headset system and the optional features and components are preferably all customizable and upgradeable to match the user's aesthetic preferences and technical requirements.

A user interface enables a user to calibrate the position of a three dimensional model with a real-world environment represented by that model. Using a device's sensor suite, the device's location and orientation is determined. A video image of the device's environment is displayed on the device's display. The device overlays a representation of an object from a virtual reality model on the video image. The position of the overlaid representation is determined based on the device's location and orientation. In response to user input, the device adjusts a position of the overlaid representation relative to the video image.