U.S. patent application number 11/944226 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for virtual workstation.
Invention is credited to Julius Lin.
Application Number | 20080150899 11/944226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32312833 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080150899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Julius |
June 26, 2008 |
VIRTUAL WORKSTATION
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention there is provided
devices and methods for controlling a microprocessor controlled
device in a virtual environment through the use of at least one
sensor disposed at least one user's finger and a scanner, said
sensor and scanner being utilized to input position data, the
method comprising the steps of: loading an operating system in a
computing environment; displaying a virtual keyboard and a virtual
pointing device on a display device; initializing coordinates
defining individual keys of said keyboard; initializing coordinates
defining a location of said pointing device in relation to the
keyboard; monitoring the position of at least one sensor disposed
on a user's finger; determining if sensor movement correlates to
depression of a key on the keyboard and providing feedback to the
user to indicate that a key was depressed on the keyboard;
transmitting data correlating to the depression of the key; and
returning to the monitoring step.
Inventors: |
Lin; Julius; (Mountain View,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET, SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
32312833 |
Appl. No.: |
11/944226 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10703184 |
Nov 5, 2003 |
7337410 |
|
|
11944226 |
|
|
|
|
60424557 |
Nov 6, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/168 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/011 20130101;
G06F 3/014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/168 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/02 20060101
G06F003/02 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method for controlling a microprocessor-based system, the
method comprising: receiving data generated from movement that
interacts with a substantially horizontal surface; calculating
coordinates of the movement relative to the surface; using the
coordinates to determine an input; controlling the
microprocessor-based system using the input; and displaying at
least one output on a display based on the controlling of the
microprocessor.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving data generated from
movement that interacts with the surface comprises determining at
least one movement that physically contacts the surface.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving data generated from
movement that interacts with the surface comprises only receiving
data generated from movement that physically contacts the
surface.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving data generated from
movement that interacts with the surface comprises simultaneously
receiving a plurality of data generated from movements that
interact with the surface.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the surface comprises the
display.
7. The method of claim 2, further comprising transmitting at least
one signal from at least one transmitter, wherein receiving data
generated from movement that interacts with the surface comprises
receiving data generated from movement that interacts with the at
least one signal.
8. A method for controlling a microprocessor-based system, the
method comprising: transmitting at least one signal from at least
one transmitter; simultaneously receiving a plurality of data
generated from movements that interact with the at least one
signal; calculating coordinates of the movement relative to a
display; using the coordinates to determine an input; controlling
the microprocessor-based system using the input; and displaying at
least one output on the display based on the controlling of the
microprocessor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein transmitting the at least one
signal comprises transmitting at least one of an optical signal, an
electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal and an acoustical
signal.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein simultaneously receiving a
plurality of data generated from movements that interact with the
at least one signal comprises receiving a plurality of data
generated from movements that interact with a substantially
horizontal surface.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the surface comprises the
display.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein simultaneously receiving a
plurality of data generated from movements that interact with the
at least one signal comprises only receiving data generated from
movements that physically contact the surface.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the surface comprises the
display.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein transmitting the at least one
signal comprises transmitting within a range of about zero to three
feet relative to the surface.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein transmitting the at least one
signal comprises transmitting within a field of view of about zero
to 180 degrees relative to the surface.
16. A microprocessor-based system, comprising: an output device
configured to transmit at least one signal; an input device
configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of data in
response to movements that interact with the at least one signal; a
display device, at least one of the output device and the input
device being associated with the display device such that the
interaction with the at least one signal is relative to the display
device; and a processor in communication with at least the input
device and the display device, the processor being configured to be
controlled by the data generated by the input device and to cause
the display device to display at least one output based on the
control of the microprocessor.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the input device is configured
to simultaneously generate a plurality of data in response to
movements that interact with the at least one signal and with a
substantially horizontal surface.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the surface comprises the
display.
19. A microprocessor-based system, comprising: an input device
configured to generate data in response to movement that interacts
with a substantially horizontal surface; a display device
associated with the input device; a processor in communication with
at least the input device and the display device, the processor
being configured to be controlled by the data generated by the
input device and to cause the display device to display at least
one output based on the control of the microprocessor.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the input device configured to
simultaneously generate a plurality of data in response to
movements that interact with the surface.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the surface comprises the
display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/703,184 filed Nov. 5, 2003, and entitled
"Virtual Workstation," which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/424,557
filed Nov. 6, 2002. Said applications are incorporated by reference
into the present application in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is generally related to methods and
devices for producing a virtual computing environment. More
specifically, the present invention is related to methods and
devices that in combination mimic the functionality and behavior of
a physical computer system in a virtual environment. In particular
the methods and devices in accordance with the present invention
includes a portable computing system wherein the system is
configured to provide the user with a virtual hardware environment
that may be utilized for computing, gaming or other uses.
[0004] 2. Description of the Relevant Art
[0005] With the advent of the modern computer input devices were
invented to allow for the input of data, for example, early
computer systems utilized punch cards to input data into the
computer's memory. Although punch cards were effective at inputting
data, a more simplified device was necessary, thus the modern
keyboard was developed.
[0006] One of the most important factors contributing to the
effective use of a computer is the interface between the computer
and a person using it. Unquestionably the most popular computer
interface device is the keyboard, which has a plurality of
depressible keys each corresponding to a particular alphanumeric
character, symbol, or computer function. While computer keyboards
are widely accepted and quite suitable in many situations,
keyboards are not always the most efficient, convenient, or easy to
use devices.
[0007] A drawback of computer keyboards is that they include up to
110 individually marked keys mounted to a base with as many
switches. All of these components must be produced and assembled,
which accounts for considerable expense. Since keyboards are
mechanical, are also more prone to failure than solid-state
devices, additionally, due to the likelihood of failure, broken
keyboards additionally present disposal problems. Further, the
conventional keyboard cannot be quickly changed to a new keyboard
layout, such as might be desired by those who have learned a
keyboard layout other than the somewhat inefficient but traditional
QWERTY layout.
[0008] Another drawback of computer keyboards is that they are
built generally in one size for all users. As a result, users with
relatively small or large hands must adapt to a keyboard size that
is not optimal for their particular hand size. A person with
smaller hands must stretch further to strike a key some distance
from a home row of keys, whereas a person with larger hands will
have a harder time accurately striking any desired key. Keyboard
size that is optimized for a particular use may lead to decreased
hand fatigue. However, keyboard manufacturers have determined an
ergonomically acceptable compromise, which is a compromise
nevertheless. Since keyboards are produced having only one size
forces a user to type with his hands close together in an unnatural
manner. It has been found that so called "split" keyboards, which
are split into a separate keyboard for each hand, are more
comfortable for the user and produce a slightly faster typing speed
as a result. Additionally, as computers become more common in the
workplace, a greater number of injuries have been reported due to
utilizing a keyboard.
[0009] There have been attempts by various manufacturers to address
the problems associated with mechanical keyboards. One such example
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,484, wherein there is described
a finger mounted computer input device. The finger-mounted device
utilizes a series of pressure sensors to determine a users hand
movement which then corresponds to a key on a keyboard. A problem
with this type of system is that the user must still physically
interact with a surface to generate a signal. Additionally, the
sensors are usually disposed on a glove, wherein the user wears the
glove to utilize the system. A problem associated with glove-based
systems is that the material from which the glove has been
fabricated has a fatigue life, and therefore will eventually wear
out from prolonged usage. Additionally, a user may experience
discomfort from using these types of gloves in that they may
perspire inside the glove. The perspiration may further lead to
degradation of the glove.
[0010] Another example of a virtual keyboard are produced by
www.vkb.co.il, www.canasta.com, and www.virtualdevices.net. These
types of keyboards utilize an infrared projection system, wherein a
keyboard is projected onto a surface and a sensor detects the
position of a finger on top of the projected keyboard image. A
problem with they types of keyboards is that you can only utilize
the system on a smooth clean non- transparent steady surface,
additionally, if you rest your hands within the projected keyboard
the sensor may interpret this motion as keystrokes, thereby
resulting in errors. Further still, since the keyboard is projected
onto the surface, the user may experience light interference from
surrounding light sources.
[0011] Lastly, with the resurgence in tablet type computers having
pressure sensitive screens, Microsoft.RTM. has released an
on-screen keyboard in their latest version of Windows.RTM. that
enables a user to utilize their fingers or a stylus to input
data.
[0012] While each of these systems are a novel approach to
overcoming the dependence on a physical keyboard, there are still
shortcomings. Namely, each of the systems require the user to
either be physically tethered to a computer, where pressure
sensitive devices that must be depressed on a surface or find a
smooth surface to set up a virtual keyboard. Additionally, these
devices do not allow a user to customize the layout of the keyboard
or adapt the keyboard to a users specific style of typing. In
addition to being tethered to a computer, the use of physical input
devices may cause injury to the user. For example, many claims are
filed every year for repetitive stress injuries incurred from
keyboard usage. Examples of common injuries are carpal tunnel
syndrome, eye fatigue, neck and back strain, many of which are
attributed to usage of a personal computer.
[0013] Attempts have been made to eliminate the use of a keyboard
as an input device entirely. Many manufactures have attempted to
produce voice recognition software systems, wherein a user could
speak every command to a computer thereby eliminating the need for
a physical or virtual keyboard. While this approach may be novel,
presently voice recognition software has not advanced to the point
of being reliable enough to replace a keyboard. In addition to
requiring more hardware, a microphone, the voice recognition
software is always running within a computer's operating system,
thus requiring additional computing power. Also, voice recognition
software must be custom tailored to each user's voice, inflections
and/or accents, therefore once a system has been customized to an
individual user other user's cannot readily utilize the system.
Another shortcoming of voice recognition systems is that it is
difficult to use voice recognition for editing, browsing the
Internet, graphic design and similar input intensive programs.
Additionally, constant talking may fatigue the user's voice,
wherein the user's pitch and tone may change, thereby leading to
additional input errors because the voice recognition software no
longer recognizes the user's voice. Further still, voice
recognition systems cannot be utilized in cubicle type work
environments or similar "open" type environment where noise
interference from other voices may confuse the voice recognition
software.
[0014] Additional input devices may also be utilized in conjunction
with keyboards. For example, pointing devices, such as "mouse"
pointing devices and so called "track ball" devices are also
popular computer interfaces. Generally, these types of devices
provide velocity information, in both an X direction and an
orthogonal Y direction, to the computer, as well as signals from
one or more momentary contact push buttons. A pointing icon or
other "tool" on a computer monitor responds to such velocity input
by corresponding X and Y movement on the computer monitor. Graphics
tablets are another type of "pointing" input device that provide
the computer with X and Y positional information, as opposed to
velocity information, which is used in much the same manner by the
computer. Such devices are well suited for pointing to various
software "push button" options on the screen, selecting portions of
text or a group of software "objects," freehand on-screen drawing,
positioning a typing cursor location, and similar functions.
However, such pointing devices are remarkably ill suited for text
data input.
[0015] Other types of computer interfaces have been developed to
overcome some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,212,372 to Quick et al. on May 18, 1993, teaches a glove
device that has sensors for measuring the curvature of each finger
at joints thereof. For entering numerical data, a person using this
type of device curves his fingers to point to "zones," or virtual
keys, that each represents a particular number. While the input of
alphabetical data is mentioned in the Quick disclosure, only
numerical zones are illustrated and it remains unclear how such a
device could possibly be used to enter the twenty-six additional
characters of the alphabet, especially since the little finger is
used solely for designating an "enter" key and is therefore not
available for pointing to alphanumeric zones.
[0016] A variety of similar glove-based prior art devices exist,
and in most cases each uses some type of joint flexing sensor to
determine finger curvature. Many such devices are designed for
communication with deaf or otherwise challenged individuals, and
typically provide for computer interpretation of alphanumeric data
formed by a single hand with standard sign language. It is a slow
and fatiguing process for people, even those fluent in sign
language, to use such devices to enter a large amount of data into
a computer, such as might be required while typing a patent
disclosure, for example. Further, while finger curvature is
relatively easy to detect in a variety of sophisticated ways, such
detection is only accomplished in one dimension. Lateral movement
of the finger, for example from the "J" key to the "H" key of a
standard QWERTY keyboard, cannot be detected by such joint flexure
sensors as disclosed in the prior art. This drawback is also
evident in many "virtual reality" data manipulation gloves, which
also include a variety of motion sensors on similar gloves. As a
result, such devices have limited use and are not well suited for
prolonged data entry from a wide selection of character and command
keys, such as those found on the standard computer keyboard. As
previously described, these gloves are generally fragile and are
not constructed for constant everyday usage. Additionally, the
gloves are particularly sensitive to moisture such as sweat from
the users hands or a wet environment, wherein moisture may cause
sensor problems or lead to eventual failure of the glove.
[0017] Therefore there is a need for a device that eliminates the
shortcomings of the presently available input devices, wherein the
device may be utilized by a user in any physical configuration
without requiring the user to remain physically limited by the
device. Such a needed device would be adaptable to any individual,
regardless of hand size or typing style. Further, such a needed
device could be used equally well for both alphanumeric data entry,
command entry, and position/velocity input. Such a needed device
would be to a large extent software re-configurable, making use of
the device immensely flexible and adaptable. The present invention
fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.
[0018] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art
upon reading the details of the methods and systems of the present
invention, which are more fully described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides systems and methods for
interaction within a virtual environment. Wherein the methods of
the present invention may be utilized to virtually interact with a
computer system through the use of virtual input devices, wherein
the methods and systems allow a user to input data into a computing
system without physical limitations.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
method for controlling a microprocessor based system in a virtual
environment, the method comprising: loading a computer program into
a memory space; transmitting at least one signal from at least one
transmitter; displaying virtual input devices on a display device,
wherein the virtual input devices initially have pre-determined
coordinates; receiving data generated from movement of at least one
sensor; calculating coordinates of the sensor movement; comparing
calculated coordinates to the pre-determined coordinates of each
virtual input device; calculating desired input from coordinates
generated by the sensor movement; and displaying input on the
display device and transmitting the input to the operating
system.
[0021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a method for controlling a
microprocessor controlled device in a virtual environment, the
method comprising: loading a computer program into a memory space;
loading an operating system into a memory space; transmitting at
least one signal from a transmitting device displaying a virtual
keyboard and a virtual input device on a display device;
initializing coordinates defining individual keys of the keyboard;
initializing coordinates defining a location of the input device in
relation to the keyboard; receiving data at least one sensor
wherein the data received is converted into coordinate information
and stored in a memory space; determining if coordinated derived
from movement correlates to a key location of the virtual keyboard
or movement of the virtual input device; and displaying sensor
movement on the display device.
[0022] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
method of generating and controlling a virtual workstation, the
method comprising: initializing an operating system and a
controller system in a microprocessor based computer system;
displaying virtual hands, a virtual keyboard, a virtual pointing
device and a virtual workstation environment on a display device;
monitoring movement of sensors disposed on a user's hands for
movement; displaying movement of the virtual hands in response to
movement of the sensors; and determining if movement of at least
one sensor passes a user defined threshold.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
method of generating a virtual gaming system, the method
comprising: initializing an operating system and a controller
system in a microprocessor based computer system; loading a game
program into a memory space; displaying a virtual player on a
display device; monitoring movement of sensors disposed on a user
for movement; and displaying movement of the virtual player in
response to movement of the sensors.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
system for virtually controlling a microprocessor based system, the
system comprising: a microprocessor based computer system having an
operating system configured to be run thereon; a display device, at
least one tracking device; at least one sensor, wherein said
tracking device is configured to track movement of said sensor and
determine coordinates of said sensor and time components of sensor
movement within a pre-defined area; and a software component,
wherein said software is stored in a computer readable medium,
wherein said software is in communication with said tracker and
said display device, wherein said software determines vector
movement and acceleration of said sensor and displays said sensor
movement on said display device.
[0025] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
system for implementing a virtual reality environment, the system
comprising: a display device associated with a user, the display
device being responsive to image data for generating and displaying
an image simulating a physical computer system, including a
physical keyboard, a physical input device, and physical
representation of the user's hands, wherein each of the simulated
components appear to the user to be in space independent of actual
physical objects; an output device for transmitting a signal; an
input device for generating data in response to interaction with
the signal; a processor connected to the input and output device
and the display device and operating a virtual environment manager
program and a multi-dimensional basic input and output program for
generating a virtual keyboard, a virtual input device, and virtual
hands, the processor being responsive to data generated from the
input device, for generating motion image data corresponding to the
input device data; and wherein the display device is responsive to
motion image data for generating a second image simulating physical
motion of at least one virtual component.
[0026] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a
system for implementing a virtual reality (VR) computing
environment, the system comprising: VR display device including at
least one display and worn by a user the one display viewable by
the user, with the VR display, responsive to first image data, for
generating and displaying a first VR image simulating a physical
computer system including a virtual keyboard having a plurality of
physical keys, a virtual mouse having at least one physical button,
with the first VR image representing the VR keyboard and VR mouse,
the VR keyboard and VR mouse having a first appearance
corresponding to the first image data; an input and an output
device for generating motion-representative data corresponding to
motion of a user's body part; and a processor connected to the VR
display device and operating a virtual environment manager (VEM)
and multi-dimensional basic input/output subsystem(MD-BIOS)
program, wherein the VEM and MD-BIOS provide the first image data
to the VR display device, the processor being responsive to the
motion-representative data generated from the input device, for
generating motion image data corresponding to the motion; and
wherein the VR display device is responsive to the motion image
data for generating a second VR image simulating motion
corresponding to the motion of the portion of the body of the
user.
[0027] In accordance there is a need for smaller input/output
interfaces as miniaturized portable computing devices become more
common.
[0028] There is also a need for a system that recreates a full
desktop computing experience without requiring the space needed for
a full desktop computer or physically limiting a user to a physical
location to utilize such a system.
[0029] There is an additional need for a system that can be
utilized to minimize computer related injuries such as repetitive
stress injury, carpal tunnel injuries and other such injuries that
are related to physical computer use.
[0030] There is also a need for a system that is capable of
displaying true three dimensional real world human-machine
interactions.
[0031] It is the applicant's belief that the present invention
addresses these needs with novel software and hardware solutions as
described in detail below.
[0032] Other aspects, features and details of the present invention
can be more completely understood by reference to the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in
conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals
have been used (where practical) to designate similar elements that
are common to the Figures. Some such numbering has, however, been
omitted for the sake of drawing clarity.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary mechanical
devices that may be utilized with the methods in accordance with
the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a computer system in
accordance with the methods of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the tracker system
in accordance with the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the system in
accordance with the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment illustrating an
alternative embodiment of a display device in accordance with the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 6 an exemplary embodiment of an alternative display
device in accordance with the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 7 an exemplary embodiment of a user's hand illustrating
the wireless communication of the tracker system.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a functional flow diagram illustrating the method
in accordance with the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a functional flow diagram illustrating the
interaction between the software and hardware components of the
present invention in accordance with the methods of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of the memory structure of the multi-dimensional basic
input/output system in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the threshold values
and calculation methods of the virtual workstation manager in
accordance with the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a functional flow diagram illustrating the method
steps in accordance with the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 13 is an exemplary embodiment of a virtual workstation
environment as seen from a user's perspective, wherein a virtual
keyboard is shown disposed three dimensionally over a virtual
mouse.
[0047] FIG. 14 is an exemplary embodiment of a virtual workstation
environment as seen from a user's perspective, wherein the virtual
mouse is shown disposed three dimensionally over the virtual
keyboard.
[0048] FIG. 15 is a functional flow chart illustrating hardware
components of a virtual car control center.
[0049] FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
wherein the virtual environment manager has been configured as a
virtual car control system.
[0050] FIG. 17 is an exemplary embodiment of the high-level virtual
buttons in accordance with the virtual car control system.
[0051] FIG. 18 is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the
high-level virtual buttons and the second level of virtual buttons
in accordance with the virtual car control system.
[0052] FIG. 19 is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the
high-level virtual buttons, the second level, and third level of
virtual buttons in accordance with the virtual car control
system.
[0053] FIG. 20 illustrates exemplary embodiments of additional
second level virtual buttons after selection of the high-level
virtual button.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] Before the present invention is described in such detail, it
is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
particular variations set forth herein as various changes or
modifications may be made to the invention described and
equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true
spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications
may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition
of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s),
spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications
are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein.
[0055] Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events that are logically possible, as well as the
recited order of events. Furthermore, where a range of values is
provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between
the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or
intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the
invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of
the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein.
[0056] All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g.,
publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as
the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention
(in which case what is present herein shall prevail). The
referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to
the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the present invention is not
entitled to antedate such material by virtue of prior
invention.
[0057] Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that
there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as
used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"and," "said" and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may
be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement
is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive
terminology as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the
recitation of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
Last, it is to be appreciated that unless defined otherwise, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this invention belongs.
[0058] Referring to the detail drawings and the disclosure herein,
the term "keyboard" is defined herein to include alphanumeric
keyboards, subsets of alphanumeric keyboards, keypads including
numerical keypads, telephone and DTMF keypads, security access
input devices using buttons and labels, etc., and so it not limited
to QWERTY alphanumeric keyboards. Accordingly, it is understood
that the use of the term "keyboard" and the depiction in any of the
figures of a keyboard such as a QWERTY alphanumeric keyboard
typically used with personal computers and the like is only an
example of a keyboard for use, interaction, and operation by a user
for any application of keyboards for input and/or output devices.
As defined herein, the term "keyboard" is more than a plurality of
keys, since a keyboard includes a layout of the plurality of keys
as well as keys, with the layout typically being predetermined. The
keys may be associated with symbols such as alphabetical,
numerical, mathematical, or other representations, and the keys may
include associated pictorial or symbolic representations thereupon.
Accordingly, a keyboard is not identical to a set of buttons but
may be a plurality of buttons having a layout and a set of symbols
associated with each key or button.
[0059] The term "virtual reality" and its abbreviation "VR" are
herein defined to include, but not limited to, visual and/or other
sensory applications implemented using software and/or hardware to
simulate and/or provide representations of environments which may
be different from the physical environment of the user. Such VR may
provide visual and/or multimedia zones, worlds, and work areas in
which the user and/or other software applications may change and
interact representations of elements in the VR environment. For
example, in a VR world, a graphical representation of a switch may
be changed to represent the flicking or switching of the switch,
which may have an associated switch-flicking sound, which is
activated by flicking the switch. In addition, the VR switching of
the VR switch may cause the actuation of other events, either in
the VR world or in actual physical devices and structures; for
example, the flicking of the VR switch may cause an actual computer
to be turned on or off. Accordingly, the term "virtual reality" is
not limited to simulations or representations of VR devices and
information in VR worlds, but may also be extended to physical
devices as well as, in hybrid implementations, to both physical and
VR devices.
[0060] In accordance with the present invention, the detail
description of the present invention will be divided into sections,
wherein each section will be utilized to described components of
the present invention. It shall be understood that the examples
described herein should not be considered limiting in any manner
and should be considered exemplary.
[0061] In accordance with the present invention there is provided
devices, systems and methods for providing a human interface device
that may be utilized to simulate a virtual environment. The human
interface device includes hardware components consisting of a
tracker assembly, a processing unit, and a display device. The
software/firmware components comprise a virtual environment manager
(VEM) and a Multi-Dimensional Basic Input/Output subsystem
(MD-BIOS), wherein the software and hardware components are
utilized in combination to provide a virtual environment. Examples
of applications of the present invention include a virtual
workstation environment (VWE) wherein a physical computing system
is simulated in a virtual environment including virtual hands and
virtual input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device or other
similar input devices. Another contemplated application for the
present invention is a virtual gaming system (VGS) wherein the
present invention could be utilized to simulate a gaming
environment wherein the user could virtually interact within the
game. The above examples are to be considered to be merely
exemplary in that the present invention may be utilized in many
other applications such as military use, flight
simulation/training, corporate meetings, etc.
[0062] The present invention will now be described in greater
detail below with regard to the system's individual components.
[0063] Hardware
[0064] In accordance with the methods of the present invention
there will be disclosed hardware devices that may be utilized in
accordance with the methods of the present invention. It shall be
understood that many of the hardware components are described in a
general sense and that many other types/styles of similar hardware
devices may be substituted for those described herein. For example,
as described in the present invention a computer system may be
embodied as an Intel.RTM. central processor unit (CPU) based system
a RISC based processor system, though it shall be understood that
this should not be considered limiting in any manner in that a
computer system for use with the present invention may be based on
similar microprocessor devices.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of hardware components in accordance with the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the hardware components comprise a
microprocessor based computer system, a display device, and a
tracking system. In addition to the hardware shown, the present
invention further includes software running stored in a computer
readable medium, wherein the software is in association with the
hardware components of the system. The software of component of the
present invention will be described in greater detail below in
reference to the methods of the present invention.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the microprocessor based computer system
10 includes a central processing unit 20, memory 30, a
communication bus 40, a computer readable storage device 50 such as
an optical storage device, magnetic storage device, flash memory
storage device or similar computer readable storage mediums, and at
least one communication port 60. The communication port 60 comprise
any one of the following types of communication ports as well as a
combination thereof: universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394
(firewire), serial port, parallel port, infrared port, 802.11b,
802.11a, 802.11g, Bluetooth.RTM. or similar communication ports and
devices.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of the tracker system 80 in accordance with the present
invention. The tracker system 80 comprises a system electronic unit
(SEU) 82, at least one transmitter and at least one sensor each in
communication with the SEU 82.
[0068] The SEU 82 comprises communication ports that are in
communication with at least one sensor 86 and at least one
transmitter 84. The communication ports may comprise serial,
parallel, universal serial bus, firewire.RTM. or other similar
wired communication ports. The SEU 82 additionally includes an
analog section and a digital signal processing section controlled
by a computer program stored within an erasable programmable memory
device. The functionality of the SEU 82 and the interaction between
the transmitter and the sensors will be described in greater detail
in the methods section of the present invention.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, the SEU 82 is in communication with the
transmitter 84 and at least one sensor 86. In one embodiment the
sensor 86 is configured to be coupled to the SEU 82 through the use
of a cable communication device such as a serial port, parallel
port, universal serial bus, firewire port, or similar wired
communication ports. The transmitter may be coupled to the SEU
through similar communication devices such as those described above
with regard to the sensors.
[0070] The transmitter 84 is configured to emit an electromagnetic
signal, wherein the SEU 82 controls the transmission rate of the
transmitter 84. Transmitters 84 that may be utilized with the
current invention are those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,742,356, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by
reference. The transmitter 84 includes a plurality of radiating
antennas for radiating electromagnetic energy. Each of the
radiating antennas having independent components for defining a
source reference coordinate frame. The transmitted electromagnetic
field will generally have a transmission range of about 0 to 30
feet, more preferably 0 to 15 feet and most preferred about 0 to 3
feet. The range of the transmitted magnetic field may be adjusted
manually or automatically in accordance with the methods disclosed
herein. It is further contemplated that the transmitter 84 may be
configured to include more than one transmitting device, wherein
the two transmitting devices would be of different types. For
example, the transmitter 84 may include a first magnetic
transmitting device and a second transmitting device or third
transmitting device. The second or third transmitting devices may
be configured to transmit acoustical, optical, or electromagnetic
signals. As will be described in greater detail in the methods
section, the system in accordance with the present invention may be
configured to automatically choose between the two transmitters or
the system may be manually configured. For example, if the user
were to utilize the system in an environment having a large amount
of stray magnetic fields that may interfere with the magnetic
tracker, the system in accordance with the present invention may
automatically switch to one of the other transmitting devices.
[0071] The transmitter 84 is configured to transmit at least one
signal. The transmitted signal may be electromagnetic, optical,
acoustical, inertial etc. in a generally defined field of view. For
example, the transmitting device may be configured to transmit a
signal in a field of view having a spherical radius of between
about 0 to 360 degrees, more preferably between about 0 and 270
degrees and most preferred between about 0 and 180 degrees. It
shall be understood that although the present invention has been
described as including only a single transmitting device shall not
be considered limiting in any manner and that it is contemplated
that additional transmitting devices may be utilized with the
present invention to further expand the field of view of the
transmitting device and or to increase accuracy and
functionality.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of the hardware components of the present invention in
use. As shown in FIG. 4 the computer system 10, display device 75,
and the tracker system 80, wherein the tracker system 80 comprises
the transmitter 84, SEU 82 and sensors 86. In a preferred
embodiment the computer 10 is configured to be embodied in the form
of a wearable computer system. Examples of preferred computer
systems would be based on the Pocket PC.RTM. platform developed by
the Microsoft.RTM. corporation. Although a Pocket PC platform is
described as a preferred embodiment this shall not be considered
limiting in any manner. It is contemplated that a user may be
tethered to a conventional desktop computer system either wired or
wirelessly or utilize other computer systems such as an Intel.RTM.
or AMD.RTM. powered computing system, PalmPilot.RTM. or other
similar computing devices.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown one embodiment of an
display device 75 in accordance with the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 4, the display device 75 may be configured to include
the transmitter 84 of the tracker system 80. In one embodiment the
transmitter 84 is configured to be retained on the display device
75. The display device 75 in a preferred embodiment is a liquid
crystal display (LCD) device, wherein the LCD device is in
communication with the computer system 10 through the use of a
wired or wireless connection (not shown). In alternative
embodiments, the display device 75 may comprise other types and
styles of head mounted display devices, such as organic displays,
thin film transistor (TFT) displays, light emitting diode (LED)
displays. Additionally, it is contemplated that the display may
incorporate a multi-layer device, wherein one layer is generally
opaque and a second layer is a generally opaque dot-matrix layer,
wherein the opaqueness of the first layer may be manually or
automatically adjusted thereby allowing the heads-up display to be
utilized in many different ambient light situations. While the
present invention has been described as utilizing a single display
device, it is contemplated that a second display device may be
utilized for stereoscopic vision. The second display device may be
a conventional display device such as a cathode ray tube (CRT)
device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or a video
projection device, wherein the transmitter 84 would be mounted onto
the display device.
[0074] It is further contemplated that, a multi-layer liquid
crystal display may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention, wherein the multiple layers are capable of simulating
three-dimensions. By utilizing two display devices a three
dimensional workspace may be simulated. Such a system could be
utilized to simulate a "real" world experience in the virtual
environment and would further provide haptic feedback. As such, the
three-dimensional display device would be configured to interact
with the software components of the present invention. The present
invention would utilize a display device having two LCD screens,
wherein a left view model is generated and a right view model is
generated by a graphic processing unit (GPU). An example of such a
system can be seen in FIG. 5, where there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of the three dimensional system in accordance with the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a user's right and left eyes
would focus on the right and left view model generated in the
display device, wherein the user's brain can comprehend the
information displayed on the display device and decide the distance
and depth of the displayed object. Thus, the user would believe
that they are seeing a true three dimensional display of the object
displayed on the display device.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative
display device in accordance with the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 6, the display device may be a conventional display device
such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor or a liquid crystal
display (LCD) monitor, wherein the tracker would be in association
with the monitor frame. For example, the transmitter maybe
positioned in the upper corner of the monitor frame, wherein the
physical location of the transmitter will be utilized to establish
an origin for the coordinate system of the present invention as
will be described in greater detail. Further still, it is
contemplated that the transmitter may be placed in other locations
on the frame of the display device or alternatively in a location
near the display device. In addition to conventional display
devices as described above, other types of display devices may be
utilized. For example, a video projector may be utilized to project
an image on a surface, wherein the transmitter will be placed near
one corner of the projected image. The projected image may be
directed onto a screen, wall or similar vertical surface, or
alternatively, the projector may be mounted such that the image is
projected onto a horizontal surface such as a conference table.
Further still, the display device may be a combination of devices,
for example, a video camera and a CRT or LCD or projector, wherein
the present system and methods may be utilized for video
conferencing.
[0076] In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the display
device may be embodied in the form of a physical display device
such as a white board, chalkboard or a similar device, wherein the
transmitter would be mounted to one corner of the board.
[0077] Still further, it is contemplated that any of the display
devices described above may be utilized in any combination. For
example, a user may utilize a head mounted display device and a
projector simultaneously in accordance with the methods described
in the present application.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 1-6 the present invention further includes
at least one sensor device 86 disposed on the user. The sensor
device 86 is preferably disposed on the user's hand, and most
preferable disposed on the user's fingertip. It is contemplated
that at least one sensor 86 may be disposed on each of the user's
fingertips. As shown and described in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensors
are in communication with the SEU 80.
[0079] The sensor(s) 86 are comprised of multiple coils encased in
a protective housing, wherein the coils are configured to interact
with the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter 84.
Each of the sensors are configured to generate at least one
electrical signal, and more preferably between about three and six
electrical signals in response to interaction with the signal
generated by the tracking device. The electrical signal(s)
generated by the sensor 86 are passed through the cable connection
to the SEU 82, wherein the signals are amplified and converted into
a digital signal. In addition to converting the sensor signals into
digital form, the MD-BIOS further assigns a unique sensor id to
each sensor. The digital signals are embodied in the form of
coordinate information of the sensor, such as, x, y, z, and yaw,
pitch and roll information. This coordinate information is then
passed from the SEU 82 to the computing system 10.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative
embodiment of the tracker system 80 in accordance with the present
invention. Wherein in the alternative embodiment it is contemplated
that the sensors 86 may be connected to a transducer 81, wherein
the transducer is configured to convert the analog signals to
digital signals and wirelessly communicates the digital data to the
SEU 82. In one embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
the transducer 81 is configured to be hard wired to at least five
sensors. In this configuration the transducer would assign a unique
sensor identification (ID) to each sensor, wherein this unique
sensor ID would be transmitted to the SEU 82 along with the
coordinate data of each sensor. Although the transducer has been
described as being wirelessly coupled to the SEU 82 it is
contemplated that it may communicate with the SEU 82 through a
wired communication port. It shall be understood that more than one
transducer 81 may be utilized with the system in accordance with
the present invention. For example, sensors may be disposed on each
fingertip of a user's hands, wherein at least two transducers 81
will be utilized, one transducer 81 being disposed on each of the
user's hands and in association with the sensors disposed on each
of the user's fingertips respectively.
[0081] Although the SEU 82 has bee described as being an
independent component separate from the computing system 10 it is
contemplated that the SEU maybe integrally formed with the
computing system. For example, the SEU may be configured to be a
removable communications card in the form of a PCMCIA card, compact
flash card, PCI card or other similar removable devices.
Alternatively, SEU may be integrated into the system board of the
computing system.
[0082] Although specific hardware has been described in conjunction
with the present invention, it shall be understood that it is
contemplated that variances in the described hardware may be
undertaken without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0083] Methods
[0084] In accordance with the present invention, methods of use of
the present invention will be described in detail below, wherein it
shall be understood that these components will be described in a
general sense and should not be considered limiting in any manner.
In accordance with the present invention, various mechanical
components are utilized in conjunction with software and electronic
components to define the system and methods in accordance with the
present invention.
[0085] In accordance with the present invention there are provided
software components configured to control the various hardware
component of the present invention wherein the software and
hardware components together form the system of the present
invention. Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown an exemplary
functional flow chart illustrating the interaction between the
various software components of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 8, the software components in accordance with the present
invention comprise a virtual environment manager (VEM) 100 and a
multi-dimensional basic input/output system (MD-BIOS) 110, wherein
the software components are configured to interact with the
hardware components described above. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that the software components of the present invention
will be embodied in a computer readable media such as a cd-rom,
dvd, hard drive, flash memory, programmable read only memory or any
other type of computer readable media.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, the VEM 100 receives coordinate data and
a time stamp from MD-BIOS 110, wherein the VEM 100 utilizes the
coordinate data to simulate virtual device actions and display the
virtual device actions on the display device. Additionally, MD-BIOS
110 and VEM 100 are in communication with an operating system. It
shall be understood that the VEM 100 can be tailored for each
application purpose. For example, if the system in accordance with
the present invention is configured to virtually simulate a
computer workstation, then the VEM 100 would be configured as such
to generate a virtual workstation. Additionally, if a gaming system
is to be replicated then the VEM 100 would be a virtual gaming
manager, is a conferencing system is to be replicated than the VEM
would be configured to be a Virtual Conferencing Manager. It shall
be understood that the above examples should not be considered
limiting in any manner, in that they have been provided for
exemplary purposes only.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown an expanded
embodiment of MD-BIOS 110 in accordance with the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, MD-BIOS 110 receives coordinate data from the
SEU, wherein MD-BIOS adds time stamp information to the coordinate
information. Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of the memory structure of MD-BIOS, wherein data
received from each sensor is interpreted and placed into
appropriate memory location in the memory structure as shown.
MD-BIOS is capable of receiving data from a multiple number of
sensors, wherein each sensor is assigned a sensor identification
tag (id) by the MD-BIOS or transducer depending upon the system's
configuration.
[0088] Applications that utilize MD-BIOS not only can read the
sensor id's and their properties, but can also check the sequence
number to know the difference between each input to the
application. Applications can also interact with MD-BIOS in one of
two ways or in a combination of each. For example, it is
contemplated that multiple programs running in a memory space of
the personal computer may utilize different sets of sensors. For
example, in association with the virtual workstation embodiment, a
number of sensors associated with the user's fingertips may be
utilized to control the virtual keyboard and mouse in a word
processing program, while another program may be collecting data
from other sensors associated with the present invention. For
example, the present invention may be utilized in a laboratory
setting, wherein in addition to manually entering data by utilizing
the virtual keyboard, a scientist may wish to automatically collect
data from an experiment or room conditions. In this embodiment, the
scientist would dispose additional sensors to measure to desired
properties. For example, one sensor would be utilized to measure
room temperature, another for humidity, another to measure ph or
another chemical property of an experiment, etc.
[0089] The first method of program interaction is referred to as
synchronized interaction. In the synchronized method, if one or
more applications are interested in the same set of sensor id's the
applications need to register to MD-BIOS to listen to the set of
sensor id's which each application has interest and leave a
call-back function address with MD-BIOS. Therefore, whenever data
is updated, MD-BIOS interrupts the application to acquire the data,
then the application resumes processing the data. This provides
synchronous operation of data processing and data acquisition. In
the asynchronized method, if one or more unequal frequency
applications are interested in the same set of sensor id's, MD-BIOS
will filter out the application that requires a higher sampling
frequency. MD-BIOS will carry out its best resolution, if the
requested frequency is outside the resolution of the tracker, then
MD-BIOS will either return an error or will return a reduced
frequency rate. In this case, some of the lower frequency
applications may need to know the data acquisition gap and
therefore utilize the sequence number of the sensor id' to
determine the frequency.
[0090] Additionally as previously discussed and shown in FIG. 5,
MD-BIOS may additionally be utilized to create a true three
dimensional virtual environment through the use of at least two
display devices, wherein MD-BIOS generates a left and right view
which are then displayed on a customized display device as
previously described in the hardware section above.
[0091] Further still, it is contemplated that MD-BIOS may be
further configured to control the transmitter in combination with
the system electronic unit, wherein the two systems could be
utilized to adjust the transmission frequency of the transmitter or
switch between the various transmitter types. As described herein
in accordance with the present invention, the transmitter is
configured to emit an electromagnetic signal that the sensors
interact with and produce an electrical signal that is converted
into the coordinated received by MD-BIOS. MD-BIOS compares the
coordinate information against the previously received coordinate
information for each sensor, if the deviation of each sensor is
greater than a predetermined amount, for example, sensor movement
of a quarter of an inch in one computing cycle at 120 Hz would be
considered to be excessive. Therefore, MD-BIOS would automatically
direct the transmitter to energize the alternative transmitting
devices, wherein MD-BIOS would then sample the coordinate generated
by all transmitting devices, if one set of coordinate information
is outside the parameters as described above then that coordinate
information is discarded and the other two sets of coordinate
information are compared. If the two remaining coordinate
information sets are similar, MD-BIOS chooses one of the
transmitting systems and turns the remaining systems off.
Therefore, MD-BIOS will automatically switch between the individual
transmitting devices if interference is detected. Typically,
MD-BIOS will automatically switch without the user's knowledge,
though it is contemplated that the user may specify a desired
system and adjust the default values to their preferences.
[0092] In accordance with the present invention the Virtual
Environment Manager is utilized to generate a virtual workstation
environment. The virtual workstation includes a virtual keyboard at
least one virtual input device. As described above MD-BIOS receives
coordinate data from the sensors adds a time stamp to the
coordinate information and stores the coordinate data in a memory
structure as shown in FIG. 10. The virtual environment manager
includes a plurality of action thresholds to determine if sensor
movement is to be interpreted to be an intended user input or is
sensor movement can be attributed to inherent user movement such as
natural heartbeat or muscle twitching. Initially, these threshold
values are set at default levels, though these default levels may
be adjusted by the user to suit the user's own preferences.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 11 there is shown threshold values
that the VEM utilizes for determining if sensor movement correlates
to intended user input. After receiving coordinate data from
MD-BIOS, the coordinate data is utilized to determine whether the
sensor movement is to be returned as a key press or other intended
input or if the sensor movement is due to natural movement.
Initially, VEM generates a virtual keyboard having a known origin,
wherein the coordinates generated for each of the sensors are
compared to the origin coordinates to determine where the user's
hands are in relation to the keys of the virtual keyboard. A
virtual input device, such as a mouse is also generated wherein a
set of origin coordinates are also established for the virtual
input device, thereby allowing VEM to determine sensor location in
relation to the virtual keyboard and virtual input device.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 11, the key press threshold is a vector
property wherein a value of less than negative one millimeter of a
sensor's coordinates will be interpreted as a key press, wherein
VEM will compare the sensor's coordinates to the origin coordinates
of the virtual keyboard or mouse to determine the proper key press.
The key press will then be transmitted to the appropriate program,
such as a word processing program, text-editing program, graphics
program, etc. A key release will be interpreted as a vector having
a value of greater than 1 millimeter and having duration greater
than one second. A key hold will be determined by MD-BIOS as a
vector having a value equal to one millimeter.
[0095] Movement of the virtual input device is determined by vector
movement of the sensors, if the coordinate values of the sensors
are moved less than one millimeter then VEM will not consider this
to be a mouse movement, if the coordinate movement is greater than
one millimeter this will be interpreted as a mouse move. To
determine if the user intends to depress a button on the mouse, VEM
utilizes the threshold values which have been pre-established for
key presses on the virtual keyboard.
[0096] In accordance with the present invention a series of
functional flow diagrams will be described herein, wherein the
functional flow diagrams are utilized to illustrate the interaction
between the various components of the present invention.
[0097] Methods
[0098] In accordance with the present invention there is provided
methods for a virtual computing environment. Wherein a virtual
environment manager will be embodied in the form of a virtual
workstation manager. That is the present invention will be utilized
to replicate a personal computing system and the physical input
devices in a virtual environment. As will be described in detail
below, the virtual workstation manager will generate virtual input
devices such as a keyboard, a mouse or other input devices.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention,
wherein the VEM and MD-BIOS are embodied in a computer readable
medium. The method according to the present invention comprises the
steps of: initializing a computer system, including initializing
the SEU, loading an operating system into a memory space, loading
VEM and MD-BIOS into a memory space. As soon as MD-BIOS is loaded
into a memory space, MD-BIOS begins to receive coordinate
information from the SEU; VEM then begins to scan for sensor
movement to determine if any sensor movement passes the threshold
values. A display device is initialized, wherein VEM (such as VWM)
then displays virtual hands, virtual keyboard and at least one
virtual input device on the display device. MD-BIOS each of these
processes will be described in greater detail with reference to
detailed functional flow diagrams.
[0100] The methods according to the present invention may utilize
hardware devices such as those described above or hardware devices
similar to those shown and described above, wherein the present
invention utilizes software or firmware to control the hardware in
a manner to replicate a virtual environment. In accordance with the
present invention comprises at least one software program or
firmware code previously described herein wherein the software
includes the VEM and MD-BIOS programs
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 12 there is shown a functional flow
diagram illustrating exemplary steps of the method in accordance
with the present invention. At Box 190 a computing system is
powered on, this includes powering on the SEU additionally if the
SEU is embodied as an individual component separate from the
computer system. As Box 200 an operating system is loaded into a
memory space. At Box 210 MD-BIOS and the Virtual Environment
Manager are loaded into a memory space within the computer system.
After loading MD-BIOS and the virtual workstation manager into a
memory space, MD-BIOS immediately begins receive coordinate
information from the SEU at Box 215. As described in detail above
the electrical signals generated by the sensors are converted to
coordinate information and a time stamp is added by MD-BIOS and the
data is stored in a memory location. VEM then compares the
coordinates of each sensor to determine if motion of the sensor(s)
has occurred and whether the sensor motion is intended to be a key
press on the virtual keyboard or virtual mouse. The transmission
and scanning rate of the tracker is controlled by MD-BIOS. Wherein
the scanning and transmitting frequency of the tracker is
controlled in response to the physical location of the sensor(s) in
relation to the tracker and the origin coordinates of the virtual
devices. For example, as the sensors are moved closer to the
virtual devices the scanning rate of the tracker will be increased,
thereby increasing the accuracy and resolution of the system. When
the sensors move away from the virtual devices, the scanning rate
is reduced, thereby lowering the power consumption of the devices.
In addition to controlling the scanning rate, VEM also may be
configured to display a visual indicator of the sensor(s) position
on the display device as well as provide auditory feedback to the
user. For example, as the sensor(s) are moved to a location above
the virtual keyboard, the sensor may change colors to indicate how
close the sensor is to the keyboard, when the sensor moves toward
the keyboard, VEM changes the color of the sensor to indicate a key
press and provides an auditory response to the user to denote a key
press.
[0102] In an alternative embodiment the virtual keyboard may be
configured to respond to absolute movement of each of the user's
fingers (sensors). In this embodiment, the threshold values are set
to zero or near zero, wherein any movement of the user's finger
will correlate to a typing motion or mouse motion depending upon
where the user's fingers are located in relation to the virtual
devices.
[0103] At Box 230 the system prompts the user to enter the user's
login and password. At Diamond 235 it is determined If the user
already has a password and login then Box 237, where the user's
saved settings are loaded into a memory space. A user's settings
may control what is displayed on the virtual display device such as
input devices (keyboard, mouse, tablet), the location of these
input devices in the virtual setting and any other user definable
preferences such as visual or audio feedback, tactile feedback and
sensitivity of sensor movement, or other preferences. For example,
user A may have saved settings from a previous use, wherein once
logged into the system, VEM (such as VWM) displays a virtual
keyboard, a virtual monitor and a virtual mouse, wherein the
virtual workstation manager controls the origin coordinates of
where each of these devices will be displayed in the virtual
environment. If it is determined in Diamond 235 that a new user is
logging in then at Box 239 default values for the virtual devices
displayed on the display device are loaded into memory. At diamond
242, the system prompts the user whether or not they want to
customize the default values. If the user chooses to customize the
default values then Box 243. At Box 243 the user's customized
settings are saved under their login profile and then to Box 240.
If the user does not choose to customize the default settings then
Box 240.
[0104] At Box 240 the display device is initialized and at Box 250
the virtual devices are displayed in the virtual environment at the
location dictated by either the user's settings or the loaded
default values.
[0105] If the user is a previous user, the virtual environment
manager will be called wherein the user's preferred settings will
be retrieved from a memory location and loaded into a memory space.
If the user is new to the system, the Virtual Environment Manager
will be continue to use system default values into memory. These
default values may be changed by the user and saved under the
user's personal profile before exiting the system, wherein these
settings will be loaded when the user utilizes the system in the
future.
[0106] Examples of user definable settings are the type and style
of keyboard that will be displayed in the virtual environment. For
example, the user may prefer to utilize a standard size keyboard
having a standard QWERTY layout, or the user may prefer to utilize
an ergonomic keyboard. Additional settings would be the physical
location of the keyboard in the virtual environment. Such that when
the system is initialized the keyboard will be shown in the virtual
environment wherein the coordinates of the keyboard are known. In
addition to displaying a keyboard as a user setting, additional
settings may control the display of other virtual input devices
such as a mouse, a virtual monitor or similar devices. Each of the
virtual devices displayed within the virtual environment will have
origin coordinates known to the virtual environment manager. The
user in the virtual environment may control the style, size and
location on the virtual input devices. For example, the keyboard
may include handles, wherein the user can grab the handles in the
virtual environment and move, stretch, pull-apart the keyboard. The
other virtual input devices may also include handles to allow the
devices to be re-positioned re-sized or stylized within the virtual
environment. When the computer system is powered down, the virtual
environment manager can saves the user's settings, wherein the
virtual environment may be loaded each time as left by the user in
each previous use
[0107] Once the user has logged into the computer system, the
operating system and virtual environment manager and MD-BIOS
finishes loading into memory with the user's settings. After
loading the operating system and MD-BIOS into memory, the display
device is initialize, Box 240, wherein a graphical user interface
(GUI) is displayed on the display device Box 250. For example, if
the operating system is based on Microsoft Windows.RTM. then the
standard GUI interface will be displayed in the display device. In
addition to displaying the operating system's GUI, virtual input
devices will also be display on the display device. As described
above, the placement, size, shape and orientation of the input
devices as displayed within the virtual environment is dictated by
either the users saved preferences or in the case of a new user the
default settings of the Virtual Environment Manager. In addition to
displaying virtual input devices on the display device, a virtual
set of hands may also be displayed if the user is wearing sensors
on each of their fingertips.
[0108] Referring now to Box 260, the transmission rate of the
signal is controlled by MD-BIOS and the virtual workstation manager
in conjunction with the coordinate location of the sensors in
relation to the tracker. The transmission rate of the tracker may
be controlled according to sensor position. For example, if it is
determined that the sensor is disposed near the known location of
an input device, then the tracker's scan rate will be increased to
increase accuracy of the system, if the sensor is disposed at a
given distance from any virtual input device than the transmission
rate of the tracker will be reduced, thereby saving power and
reducing processing cycles. Further still, as described above, if
coordinates received from the SEU are outside the operating
parameters of the system, MD-BIOS will direct the transmitter to
energize the alternative transmission sources, wherein the
coordinates generated from these alternative transmission sources
will be compared and the strongest or more accurate coordinate
information will be utilized. Wherein MD-BIOS will direct the
transmitter to turn off the alternative transmitting devices. In a
preferred embodiment this process will occur automatically without
any user interaction.
[0109] Referring now to Box 270, each of the sensors are constantly
sampled by the SEU and coordinate data is sent to MD-BIOS where a
timestamp is added and the information is placed into a memory
location.
[0110] At Diamond 280, the virtual environment manager and
determines if the velocity component(s) and the vector component(s)
of the detected sensor motion pass threshold values. Threshold
values are utilized to filter out undesired input as well as
increase system accuracy. For example there are natural vibrations
associated with humans such as heartbeat, slight hand motion or
other natural vibrations. If it is determined that the vector
components are greater than the threshold values, then it is
determined if the coordinates are in the vicinity of the known
coordinates of the virtual input devices generated by the virtual
environment manager. For example, if the coordinates received
correlate to a keyboard position for a letter, the velocity
component and the previous coordinates are compared to determine
the intentions of the user. By comparing the previous coordinates
and the present coordinates in addition to the velocity component
it can be determine if the motion is intended to replicate a
keystroke, key release, key hold or key repeating. If the
coordinates correspond to the location of the mouse, then the
vector and velocity components will be utilized to determine if the
user intended a mouse move, a mouse button depress/release, or a
single or double click.
[0111] The movement of the sensors will be displayed on the display
device in the form of a virtual set of hands or in the case of
mouse motion, movement of a pointer within the virtual environment.
In addition to displaying motion within the virtual environment, it
may also be desirable to provide feedback in the form of audio,
tactile, or visual feedback of interaction between the user and the
virtual input devices. For example, if a key is determined to be
depressed on a keyboard, then the virtual keyboard will be
displayed wherein the chosen key is illustrated as being depressed.
In addition to the visual feedback, audio or tactile feedback maybe
provided in the form of "clicking" sounds intended to replicate the
physical sound of a standard keyboard.
[0112] At Box 300 and 305 the coordinate information generated from
sensor motion is compared to the known coordinate information of
the virtual input devices. For example, if a virtual keyboard is
displayed according to the user's defined settings, coordinates of
the keyboard are a known value that are stored within the shared
memory manipulated through MD-BIOS API calls. Thus, when
coordinates are calculated from sensor motion, the coordinates
transmitted from the memory location of MD-BIOS are compared to the
known coordinates of the keyboard. If the coordinates correspond to
or are within a pre-defined range of an individual key disposed on
the keyboard then the virtual environment manager will determine
the user's intention as indicated in Box 330. The virtual
environment manager determines the user's intention by comparing
the velocity component generated by sensor movement and comparing
the velocity component to a known value. For example, if the vector
component is toward the plane of the keyboard, then the virtual
workstation manager will interpret this to indicate a key press on
the virtual keyboard. If the vector component is away from the
plane of the keyboard it may also indicate that a key release was
performed and the user's finger is moving away from the key. If the
velocity component is zero or nearly zero this may be interpreted
to indicate a key hold, such as a user holding down a shift key or
the like. A vector of zero may also indicate a key repeating such
as when a typed word includes two or more of the same characters.
After the user's intention is determined then at Box 305, the
intended information is sent to the operating system for entry into
the event queue or windows manager. In accordance with the present
invention, the key presses may be determined utilizing pure vector
and velocity without consideration of the z-axis component. This
would allow a user to utilize the present system while resting
their hands on a surface, such as a tabletop or upon their person
or the like.
[0113] At Box 300, the user's intended motion may be displayed on
the virtual display device in the form of a virtual key-press on
the virtual keyboard, motion of a virtual hand or pair of virtual
hands, or an auditory or tactile response may be generated in
response to the sensor's motion.
[0114] At Box, the system returns to Box 270, wherein the system
returns to scanning for sensor motion and the process is repeated
until the system is powered off.
[0115] It shall be understood that although the sensor motion
component has been described herein in reference to a key press on
a keyboard it shall be understood that this should not be
considered limiting in any manner. In that the coordinates may
correspond to any type of virtual input device, wherein each
virtual input device has parameters which are utilized by the
virtual environment manager to interpret the sensor motion. For
example, if the coordinates received correlate to coordinated for a
mouse, it will be determined if the coordinates define movement of
the mouse, which will be displayed within the virtual environment.
A mouse button press, mouse button release, a single button press
or a double button press.
[0116] It is further contemplated that the virtual environment
manager may be capable of distinguishing between different sets of
sensors by each sensor(s) or transducer(s) unique ID. For example,
if two users both utilizing a system in accordance with the present
invention are near one another each tracker will only track those
sensors to which the system is initialized. Thus, multiple systems
can be utilized within close proximity to one another.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 12, the functional flow diagram illustrates
a graphic based system, wherein the virtual reality system in
accordance with the present invention is configured to display
three-dimensional virtual input devices in a virtual environment.
It is further contemplated that the present invention may be
utilized in a text-based system. In a text based system the
functional flow diagram as shown in FIG. 12 would not include Box
200 wherein the operating system is loaded into a memory space. In
the text-based system the virtual keyboard generated by the virtual
environment manager would be displayed one dimensionally and the
virtual input device in a preferred embodiment would be a touch pad
or a similar tracking device.
[0118] It is further contemplated that a portion of the software
components of the present invention may be embodied in the form of
a BIOS chip, wherein the BIOS chip would be installed on the
computer system's mother board, such that when the computer system
is powered on the software in accordance with the present invention
would be loaded into a memory space from the BIOS.
[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 there are shown exemplary
embodiments of various virtual keyboards as displayed in the
virtual environment. As shown in FIG. 13, the virtual keyboard 300
may be disposed over the top of the virtual mouse 310 thereby
allowing a user to immediately toggle between the keyboard and the
mouse without having to physically move the sensors a great amount.
This type of setup reduces motion associated with switching back
and forth between the keyboard and the mouse, thereby potentially
reducing repetitive stress injuries. Further still by providing
such a layout, users of programs that require a user to switch back
and forth between a pointing device and text input may be able to
increase their productivity because less time is spent switching
between the two devices. Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown
the virtual keyboard 300 and virtual mouse 310, wherein the virtual
mouse is disposed over the virtual keyboard. As shown in FIGS. 13
and 14 the virtual mouse can be transposed between the two
positions shown either through specific hand motions wherein the
sensors and VEM generate a specific signal to transpose the mouse
from one position to another. Alternatively, the mouse may be
transposed utilizing a voice command, a hot key associated with the
virtual keyboard or a hot spot located on within the virtual
display. Additionally, although a conventional computer mouse is
shown being displayed in the virtual environment, it is
contemplated that any type of input device may be displayed, for
example the input device may be a touch pad, trackball, tablet and
stylus or similar input devices.
[0120] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 there is shown yet another
application of the system in accordance with the present invention,
wherein the system of the present invention is configured as a
virtual car control system (VCCS) 400. In the present embodiment,
the VCCS comprises software and hardware components, wherein the
software and hardware components interact to provide a virtual
system that enables a user to control various systems within an
automotive environment without physically removing their hands from
the steering wheel and shifting their eyesight from the road.
[0121] The VCCS system 400 includes hardware and software elements
to replicate and control mechanical and electrical controls within
an automotive environment. The VCCS includes a computer unit 410, a
tracker system 450 including a system electronic unit 420, at least
one sensor 425 and at least one transmitter 430, a control button
460 and a heads up display device 470 or alternatively a see
through HMD. The VCCS further includes software components 480
stored on a computer readable medium disposed within the computer
unit 410. The software components include an operating system 482,
a virtual environment manager program 484 and a multi-dimensional
basic input/output subsystem (MD-BIOS) 486 program.
[0122] Referring now to FIG. 16 there is shown an exemplary
embodiment of the VCCS as seen from a user's perspective in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, an
image showing three-dimensional buttons 500 would be projected onto
the windshield 505 by a heads up display device 470, when the
buttons are displayed on the windshield coordinate information is
associated with each of the buttons. The coordinate information of
each button locates each button in space in a plane spaced apart
from the steering wheel, this can be seen by the three-dimensional
buttons disposed on box 510 which are shown for exemplary purposes
only and will not be actually seen by the user. By placing the
origin coordinates for each button in a plane aligned with the
physical steering wheel of the vehicle, the user may interact with
the buttons without removing their hand's from the steering wheel.
In addition to the three-dimensional buttons displayed on the
windshield, the VCCS may further include at least one physical
button. In a preferred embodiment the physical button(s) would be
disposed on the steering wheel or steering column. The physical
buttons may be utilized to turn the heads up display on and off,
menu return, enter, clear, dial, send or any similar command which
may be utilized to control any aspect of the VCCS system.
[0123] In use, at least one sensor would be disposed on a user's
person, in a preferred embodiment at least one sensor would be
disposed on each of the user's thumbs, but it is contemplated that
additional sensors may be disposed on the user's additional
fingers. The sensor(s) interact with a signal generated from a
transmitter, wherein the sensors produce a position signal due to
interaction with the transmitted signal. The position signal is
converted into coordinate information by the SEU after being
transmitted to the SEU. The coordinate information is transmitted
to the MD-BIOS software where time stamp data is added and the
coordinate information is stored in a memory location. It is
further contemplated that a sensor identification tag may also be
associated with the sensor, added by the SEU or added by MD-BIOS to
the coordinate data. The coordinate data is then utilized by the
VEM to determine if motion of a sensor passes threshold values, and
if so, what is the user's intent, the coordinate data is then
compared to the origin coordinate information for each of the
three-dimensional buttons virtually located in a plane adjacent to
the steering wheel. A virtual hand may also be displayed on the
windshield to illustrate the motion of the sensor or a cursor or
other visual marker may be displayed on the windshield so that the
user may visually correlate their hand location on the steering
wheel with the virtual three-dimensional buttons displayed on the
windshield.
[0124] As described above the VCCS system in accordance with the
present invention provides a virtual interface allowing a user to
control various components of an automobile. Each of the buttons
would be displayed on the windshield as having three-dimensional
characteristics. Wherein multiple layers of buttons may be utilized
to control various systems. For example, as one button is pressed,
additional buttons may be displayed on the windshield, wherein the
additional buttons are displayed as being tiled over the previous
layer of buttons. This may be better understood as shown in FIGS.
17-19 wherein there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the VCCS
system in use in accordance with the present invention.
[0125] Referring now to FIG. 17 there is shown a series of
three-dimensional buttons as they would be displayed by the
heads-up display device and projected onto an automobiles
windshield. As previously described, the display device or the VCCS
system may be controlled by a physical button wherein, after the
button has been depressed the buttons would be displayed on the
windshield. The buttons displayed would have origin coordinates
that would place the buttons in plane space adjacent to the user's
left hand on the steering wheel wherein the first level of buttons
displayed would be high-level system buttons. For example, one
button will be displayed to access the climate control system,
another for the GPS system, and another for an entertainment system
and so on. It shall be understood that the list above should be
considered exemplary and should not be considered limiting in any
manner. If the user desires to access the entertainment system,
they would move their thumb to a physical location which would
correlate to the virtual entertainment system button, wherein
motion of their thumb over the virtual entertainment button would
be deemed to be a button press by the software components of the
present invention. As a result, a second set of virtual buttons
would be displayed by the heads-up display device and projected
onto the windshield as shown in FIG. 18. The additional buttons
displayed would have origin coordinates that would place the
buttons in plane space adjacent to the user's right hand on the
steering wheel. As shown, the additional buttons would provide the
user with audio/video components as installed, such as AM/FM radio,
cassette, compact disc, DVD audio and the like. As shown in FIG.
19, the user has selected the CD button, wherein the visual display
of the CD button is changed, for example the button is made larger
thereby appearing to be in a different plane than the other buttons
and the color of the button may change to indicate that the button
has been selected. Additionally, it is contemplated that an audible
feedback may also be associated with button selection in addition
to the visual feedback described above.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 19, after selecting the CD button,
additional buttons will be displayed adjacent to the selected CD
button wherein the additional buttons include controls associated
with the CD player. For example, fast forward, skip, rewind, disc
selection, mute, volume and menu return.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 20 there is shown exemplary
embodiments of additional buttons that may be displayed in
accordance with the VCCS system of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 20, additional buttons may be displayed to control a
navigation system such as a GPS system, Climate control system,
communication system such as a cellular phone, as well as
automotive control systems such as traction control, system
information and the like. As shown in FIG. 20, each of the top
level buttons have been selected thereby causing the second menu to
be displayed on the screen. It shall be understood that the menus
shown in FIGS. 16-20 should be considered exemplary and not
limiting in any manner in that the menus may be altered without
deviating from the scope of the invention.
[0128] Although the present application has been described in
detail with reference to an entertainment system this shall not be
considered limiting in any manner. Further still, it is
contemplated that the VCCS system may be utilized in combination
with mechanical switches or physical control means. For example,
the entertainment system may be controlled with the UCC system by
the driver and also may be controlled by the driver or a passenger
with conventional means installed in the automobile. As described
previously, the heads-up display may be controlled by a mechanical
switch, a virtual switch or the display may be time controlled,
wherein once activated, if no input is received from the user, the
display will turn off, wherein the user can then re-activate the
system. It is further contemplated that the system may have
additional restrictive controls such as a maximum speed control,
wherein the system may not be accessed if the vehicle is traveling
beyond a pre-set speed, or if the steering wheel has been rotated
past a pre-set degree. Additionally, the VCCS system may utilize
voice command software in addition to those hardware and software
components described above.
[0129] Although the coordinate information of the present invention
has been described herein as being restricted to the x, y, and
z-axis, the sensors are further capable of generating yaw, pitch
and roll coordinate information in combination with the hardware
and software components of the present invention. The additional
coordinate information may be utilized by applications not
mentioned specifically herein. For example, if the virtual
environment manager of the present invention was tailored to
represent a virtual flight training simulator, the yaw, pitch and
roll coordinates would be utilized to simulate movement of a
virtual plane.
[0130] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to a virtual workstation such as a personal computer or
laptop computer it is contemplated that the system and methods in
accordance with the present invention maybe utilized to replace
other types of physical systems. Such as Virtual Game station or VR
conference. For example, the present invention may be utilized to
replace a gaming system such as an X-Box.RTM. or a
Playstation.RTM.. It is further contemplated that the present
invention may be utilized in combination with others, wherein the
multiple systems may be utilized for communication between each of
the users. Systems such as this may be utilized by military forces
for covert communications, pilots, motorsport race teams and other
similar careers that may require communication amongst more than
one person. Another contemplated use for the present invention is
warehouse management and inventory control, wherein the user may
roam freely around the warehouse entering inventory, fulfilling
orders, or maintaining quality control. Although the present
invention has been described with regards to specific examples
these examples should not be considered limiting in any manner in
that the methods of the present invention may be applied to a wide
variety of technologies, many of which were not disclosed here.
[0131] The instant invention is shown and described herein in what
is considered to be the most practical, and preferred embodiments.
It is recognized, however, that departures may be made there from,
which are within the scope of the invention, and that obvious
modifications will occur to one skilled in the art upon reading
this disclosure.
* * * * *
References