U.S. patent application number 15/471491 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-13 for virtual reality smoking system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Philip Morris USA Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Philip Morris USA Inc.. Invention is credited to Henry Dante, Gerd Kobal, Peter Lipowicz, Ashok Solanky, Rangaraj Sundar, William R Sweeney.
Application Number | 20170196260 15/471491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37496720 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170196260 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobal; Gerd ; et
al. |
July 13, 2017 |
VIRTUAL REALITY SMOKING SYSTEM
Abstract
A virtual or augmented reality smoking system is provided
herein. A smoker using the system can experience a virtual reality
of smoking by puffing on a cigarette shaped article and
experiencing the taste or aroma from the article while
simultaneously viewing a generated image of a burning cigarette and
exhaled and sidestream smoke. Additionally, the room environment
may be simulated to give the experience of smoking in a setting of
the smoker's choice (virtual reality) or the image of a burning
cigarette and smoke may be superimposed on a live or natural image
of the smoker's environment (augmented reality).
Inventors: |
Kobal; Gerd; (Sandy Hook,
VA) ; Dante; Henry; (Midlothian, VA) ; Sundar;
Rangaraj; (Midlothian, VA) ; Lipowicz; Peter;
(Midlothian, VA) ; Sweeney; William R; (Richmond,
VA) ; Solanky; Ashok; (Mechanicsville, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Philip Morris USA Inc. |
Richmond |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Philip Morris USA Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37496720 |
Appl. No.: |
15/471491 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11319784 |
Dec 29, 2005 |
9648907 |
|
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15471491 |
|
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60685656 |
May 31, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 19/20 20130101;
A24F 47/002 20130101; G06T 11/60 20130101; G06T 19/006 20130101;
G06T 13/60 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 47/00 20060101
A24F047/00; G06T 11/60 20060101 G06T011/60 |
Claims
1. A smoking system, comprising: a smoking implement shaped device;
an airflow sensor configured to measure air flow direction and
volume of air passing the sensor.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a movement sensor
located in the smoking implement shaped device; and/or a flavorant
or aroma emitting additive located in the smoking implement shaped
device.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the smoking implement shaped
device comprises a filter.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a movement sensor in
the smoking implement shaped device; and a movement sensor tracker
communicatively coupled to the movement sensor and an image
generator, wherein the image generator is optionally capable of
adapting an image based upon information provided to the image
generator from the movement sensor tracker.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein if the movement sensor tracker
provides a first signal, then the image generator generates an
image of a burning end on the smoking implement shaped device,
wherein if the movement sensor tracker provides a second signal,
then the image generator generates an image of an exhalation within
the viewing device, and/or wherein if the movement sensor tracker
provides a third signal, then the image generator generates an
image of a sidestream smoke emission from an end of the smoking
implement shaped device.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a computer
image generator which processes information provided by the sensor
to generate a virtual image to be viewed by a smoker using the
system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes a computer
which processes data provided by the sensor to generate a virtual
image of exhaling smoke, sidesteam smoke or a burning
cigarette.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes an image
generator which performs calculations using information provided by
the sensor to form a virtual image of a smoking environment.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the smoking implement shaped
device includes a light emitting device on an end thereof and the
intensity of the light emitting device can be controlled according
to a puffing profile generated by a smoker inhaling on the smoking
implement shaped device.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the smoking implement shaped
device is a cigarette model having a cigarette filter at one end
thereof.
11. A smoking implement shaped device, comprising: a hollow
cylindrical device; a releasable flavorant within the hollow
cylindrical device; at least one airflow controller within the
hollow cylindrical device; and an airflow sensor configured to
measure air flow direction and volume of air passing the
sensor.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the releasable flavorant
comprises tobacco or tobacco smoke, and/or wherein the at least one
airflow controller within the hollow cylindrical device comprises a
cigarette filter capable of providing a resistance to draw (RTD)
for the device, and the airflow sensor comprises a microphone.
13. The device of claim 11, further comprising a light emitting
device on an end of the hollow cylindrical device, wherein the
light emitting device optionally comprises at least one light
emitting diode, wherein the light emitting diode is capable of
being controlled based on readings by the airflow sensor.
14. The device of claim 11, comprising a cigarette model having a
cigarette filter at one end thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/319,784, filed Dec. 29, 2005 and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 60/685,656 filed on May 31, 2005, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems which
imitate the physical and/or sensorial pleasures of smoking.
SUMMARY
[0003] Provided herein is a virtual or augmented reality smoking
system which provides smoking sensations, such as the taste, feel,
aroma and visual experiences of smoking a tobacco product (or
smoking article), such as a cigarette, but without an actual
smoking or burning of tobacco.
[0004] As provided herein, an imitation smoking experience is
provided by a virtual or augmented reality smoking system, which
includes a device with the shape, weight, feel and resistance to
draw (RTD) of a smoking article, additives in the device, and a
virtual or augmented reality display.
[0005] Also provided herein is a virtual or augmented reality,
visual simulation that can also be provided in order to immerse a
smoker into a virtual smoking experience. The virtual or augmented
reality visual simulation can be provided by an image generating
device that generates an image of a lit smoking article, such as a
cigarette, and/or exhaled smoke therefrom, wherein a computer is
also provided with software to generate these virtual or augmented
reality images. By providing a system with a virtual or augmented
reality simulation along with an unsmokeable model of a smoking
article, such as a cigarette, a smoker can be provided with a
substitute virtual smoking experience similar to an actual smoking
experience without the actual smoking or burning (combustion) of
tobacco.
[0006] Also provided herein is a method of using a virtual or
augmented reality smoking system, wherein a smoker experiences a
virtual reality of smoking by viewing a generated image of a
smoldering tobacco product and/or the smoke therefrom, as well as
tasting a simulated smoke taste as desired.
[0007] Also provided herein is a virtual or augmented reality
smoking system, comprising: a model of a smoking article; an image
generator; and a viewing device, wherein the viewing device is
capable of displaying images from the image generator responsive to
a drawing action upon or a physical handling of the model of the
smoking article.
[0008] Also provided herein is a method of virtual or augmented
reality smoking, comprising: providing a smoking implement shaped
device; providing an image generator; providing a viewing device;
and simulating smoking of a smoking implement within the viewing
device using the image generator.
[0009] Also provided herein is a smoking implement shaped device,
comprising: a hollow cylindrical device; a releasable flavorant
within the hollow cylindrical device; airflow controllers within
the hollow cylindrical device; and a sensor on the hollow
cylindrical device.
[0010] Also provided herein is a virtual or augmented reality
display, comprising: two curved projection surfaces; and a laser
beam projector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional cigarette with a tobacco
rod and a filter.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary virtual or
augmented reality smoking system.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary model of a smoking article
of the virtual or augmented reality smoking system.
[0014] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary viewing device of a virtual
or augmented reality smoking system.
[0015] FIG. 4B is an exemplary diagram for using a viewing device
of the virtual or augmented reality smoking system.
[0016] FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a top view and a side view,
respectively, of an exemplary surround view device.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a computer of
the virtual or augmented reality smoking system.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary augmented reality cigarette
as viewed when using the virtual or augmented reality smoking
system.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary virtual or
augmented reality smoking system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] As used herein, "smoking articles" is intended to include
articles which include smokeable material (tobacco), such as
cigarettes, cigars and pipes.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional cigarette 100 typically
comprises a tobacco rod portion 120, and a filter portion 110 which
is also referred to as a filter tipping. Typically, tipping paper
122 is used to attach the filter tipping with the tobacco rod 120.
The tobacco rod 120 includes a paper wrapper 124 in which shreds of
tobacco are wrapped. A line of adhesive holds overlapping edge
portions of the paper wrapper together to form a seam 126. The
tobacco rod 120 has a first end, which is integrally attached to
the filter portion 110 and a second end which is lit or heated when
smoking the cigarette 100. During smoking, smoke is drawn from the
lit end to the filter portion end of the tobacco rod 120 and
further downstream through the filter portion 110.
[0022] "Smoking" of a cigarette is intended to mean the heating,
combusting or otherwise causing a release of smoke or aerosol from
a smokeable material such as tobacco. Generally, smoking of a
cigarette involves lighting one end of the cigarette and drawing
the smoke downstream through the mouth end of the cigarette, while
the tobacco contained therein undergoes combustion, pyrolysis or
release of volatiles. However, a cigarette may also be smoked by
other means also included in the term "smoking." For example, a
cigarette may be smoked by heating the cigarette using a
combustible heat source, whose thermal output is used to volatilize
tobacco flavors during a draw upon the smoking article, as
described, for example, in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,053,176; 6,026,820, 5,934,289; 5,591,368 or 5,322,075, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0023] In order to accurately simulate human action within a
virtual environment, virtual reality systems aim to facilitate
input and output of information representing human senses. In many
situations, among all the human senses, sight (or visual input) is
useful as an evaluative tool. Accordingly, a display system for
visualization is preferably part of a virtual reality system.
[0024] "Virtual or augmented reality" is intended to mean a visual
simulation that creates a virtual or augmented visual environment.
As used herein, the term "virtual reality" is intended to include
simulated images, which are generated for visualization by a smoker
and can include a partially or completely simulated environment.
Also, as used herein, the term "augmented reality" is intended to
include a combination of simulated images used to augment a real or
"live" environment, wherein live images are used in combination
with simulated images, which are overlaid on the live images. As a
result of using virtual or augmented reality, simulated virtual
images can be provided or live visual images can be augmented with
simulated augmented images to form an interactive environment that
can look and feel like reality.
[0025] Visualization in virtual or augmented reality systems can be
accomplished by means of a head-mounted display (HMD) worn on a
smoker's head with a viewing display mounted in front of the
smoker's eyes. Additionally, a camera if desired can be
incorporated in a HMD for gathering live visual information of the
smoker's actual environment, wherein the live information from the
camera can be used as a base environment in virtual and/or
augmented reality systems. Exemplary virtual reality components,
such as HMDs can be provided by Virtual Realities, Inc. of
Galveston, Texas.
[0026] In a virtual or augmented reality smoking system, a smoker
can experience a virtual reality of smoking by puffing on a
(preferably unlit) smoking article or a model of a smoking article.
Optionally, the model can include a flavor release mechanism so
that the virtual smoker can inhale from the model and experience a
simulated taste or aroma of tobacco while simultaneously viewing a
generated virtual image of a smoldering smoking article along with
other virtual images, such as smoke being exhaled and
alternatively, sidestream smoke being emitted. Additionally, a
smoker's environment may also be provided with simulated or virtual
images to give the experience of smoking in a setting of the
smoker's choice (virtual reality), such as at a home-setting, a
lounge of a cigar-store or the like. Alternatively, the image of a
smoking article can have a virtual image of a burning tip or smoke
superimposed on a live or natural image of the smoker's environment
so as to produce an augmented reality (by way of example).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, an overview of an exemplary virtual or
augmented reality smoking system 200 is illustrated. In the
exemplary virtual or augmented reality smoking system 200 of FIG.
2, the system includes a cigarette model 300 which has the
dimensions and appearance of a traditional, lit-end cigarette (it
is noted that the "cigarette model" is merely exemplary and can be
substituted with a model of any smoking article, such as a cigar,
pipe, etc.), a HMD 400, and a computer system 500. In the exemplary
embodiment, the system 200 allows a smoker to interact with his
surrounding environment including the cigarette model 300 (or unlit
real cigarette), wherein the computer monitors the interaction of
the smoker with the model 300, creates a virtual or augmented image
including an image of a cigarette that is mimicked by the model
300, and displays a virtual or augmented image of the smoker
interacting with the model 300 through the HMD 400.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary cigarette model 300 is
provided with a filter portion 310, which is preferably similar to
a conventional filter tipping of a cigarette. The filter portion
310 preferably provides a resistance to draw (RTD) similar to a
conventional cigarette. For example, the filter material of the
filter may be any of the variety of fibrous materials suitable for
use in tobacco smoke filter elements. Typical fibrous materials
include cellulose acetate, polypropylene or paper. Preferably, the
filter material is cellulose acetate.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the filter portion 310
includes additives, such as releasable flavorants and/or aromas to
provide a smoker with experiences of taste and/or smell sensations
in addition to the visual sensations. Additionally, the additives
can be provided anywhere in the model 300, such as a midsection
portion 320 or at a "lit end" portion 330 depending on desired
properties, ease of manufacture, additive concentration, etc.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the additives may include one or
more releasable flavorants or aromas, such as liquid or solid
flavorants or aromas or flavorant/aroma-containing materials. The
terms "flavorant" and "aroma" may include any flavorant compound or
aroma, such as tobacco extracts or volatile flavor compounds, that
can be released when drawn through the cigarette model 300.
[0031] Suitable flavorants and aromas include, but are not limited
to, any natural or synthetic flavor or aroma, such as tobacco,
smoke, menthol, mint, such as peppermint and spearmint, chocolate,
licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma octalactone,
vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavors, spice flavors
such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil,
geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavor.
[0032] The exemplary cigarette model 300 preferably includes a
sensor 340, which can be used to sense the position and motion of
the model 300, as well as air flow direction and force within the
model 300. For example, if a cigarette model 300 is placed in a
smoker's mouth, the sensor 340 can be used to sense the position of
the cigarette model 300, as well as the path of movement by which
the smoker moved the cigarette model 300 and transmit signals
indicative of same to a monitor.
[0033] Additionally, the sensor 340 can be adapted to detect air
flow and force of air passing through the lumen of the cigarette
model 300 to determine whether a smoker has drawn on the cigarette
model 300 and with how much force (how deeply). A flow sensor, such
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,525, which is incorporated
herein in its entirety, may be used to execute this draw-sensing
function.
[0034] An exemplary sensor 340 that can be used in this embodiment
of the system 200, preferably includes a transmitter by which data
from the sensor can be transmitted to a computer 500 within the
system 200. For instance, one or more sensors can be used to detect
movement of the model 300 and a draw on the model 300 by a smoker.
Exemplary sensors can be provided by Virtual Realities, Inc. of
Galveston, Tex.
[0035] It is noted that by providing a sensor 340 at a lit end of
the cigarette model 300, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the movement of
the lit end of the cigarette shaped model 300 can be closely
monitored and tracked. It is noted that the use of a single sensor
340 positioned at the lit end is only one embodiment and that the
sensor 340 can be embodied by more than one sensor that can be
positioned within more than one portion of the cigarette model 300
as desired.
[0036] An exemplary HMD 400 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. Preferably,
the HMD 400 includes a viewing device 410 and a camera 420, wherein
the camera 420 can be used to gather visual data from the live
environment in front of the HMD 400 for use in displaying the
virtual or augmented reality environment through the viewing device
410 to the smoker. The camera 420 can be used to provide the
background for an augmented reality in conjunction with a computer
to superimpose simulated images on the camera's images in the
viewing device 410.
[0037] A virtual or augmented reality environment, as illustrated
in FIG. 4B, can be formed by mixing the live environment gathered
and transmitted to a mixer 430 from the camera 420 with a virtual
or augmented reality environment created by a computer system 500.
The environment created by the computer system can be transmitted
to a computer image receiver 440 in the HMD 400, which in turn can
transmit the virtual or augmented reality environment to the mixer
430. The mixer 430 can then overlay the virtual or augmented
reality environment from the computer image receiver 440 onto the
live environment or portions of the live environment from the
camera 420. Then, the mixer 430 can transmit the combined live and
virtual or augmented reality environment through the viewing device
410 for perception by a smoker of the viewing device 410.
[0038] For example, in an augmented reality system, the mixer 430
can be used to overlay only a virtual image of sidestream smoke
being emitted from the cigarette model 300 on to the live image of
the model 300 while leaving the majority of the live image
environment unchanged. Thus, only a small part of the visualized
environment would be simulated or "virtual." On the other hand, in
an exemplary virtual reality system, the mixer 430 can use a
simulated virtual environment provided by a computer for a majority
of the visualized environment, such as the scenery and/or objects,
and wherein images from the camera 420 can be used to manipulate
items in the simulated environment, such as the cigarette model
300.
[0039] In an exemplary HMD, a surround view device can be provided.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a surround view device 450 can
include two projection surfaces (one for each eye) 460, 470,
wherein a projection from a projector 480 can be projected upon the
surfaces 460, 470 to provide a stereoscopic image.
[0040] The projection surfaces 460, 470, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C
and 4D, can be shaped into smoothly curved surfaces. These smoothly
curved surfaces can be shaped through mathematical coding to
provide surfaces which correspond to a digital processor so that
the projection from the projector automatically forms incoming two
dimensional images into a surround visual mode. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the smoothly curved projection
surfaces 460, 470, appear as a dual-lobed device, wherein the
surfaces appear smoothly and intentionally warped. Thus, by using a
device with smoothly curved projection surfaces (along with a
digital processor), rather than flat screens in a visual plane,
non-rectilinear images can be viewed.
[0041] The projector 480 can project illumination or laser images
against the projection surfaces 460, 470 to form a virtual or
augmented reality image. If opaque or semi-transparent projection
surfaces 460, 470 are provided, standard light projection, similar
to those used for movies, projection televisions, etc., can be
used. If an augmented reality image is desired, laser images may be
preferable in order to provide further overlay qualities. For
example, a coaxial tri-color laser beam projection device can be
provided by Symbol Technologies, Inc. based in Holtsville, N.Y., to
provide the size and visual attributes desired in exemplary device
450.
[0042] The projector 480 can be placed separate from projection
surfaces of a HMD 400. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and
4D, the projector can be attached to a top portion of a smoker's
head, rather than within the HMD 400 (as illustrated in FIG. 4A).
By placing the projector separate from the projection surfaces, the
portion of the device being supported by portions of the face can
be made lighter and thus may be more comfortable.
[0043] Additionally, splitting prisms, mirrors, or other elements
can also be provided within the device 450, such that a single
projector can simultaneously provide stereo imagery to both eyes by
spreading the image out in a pair of projection surfaces 460, 470.
For example, a splitting prism can be provided attached to the
projector 480 for use with the device 450 as illustrated in FIGS.
4C and 4D. The image can thus "surround" in either or both the
vertical and horizontal axis of vision.
[0044] The projection surfaces can be screens, which can be opaque
for virtual reality or clear/semi-transparent for augmented
reality. If non-opaque screens are used, the viewed image can be
externally viewable as well, thus others can share in the visual
experiences of the user if desired.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, a photochromic material
sensitive to specific wavelengths can be incorporated into a
transparent screen to create a complex, dynamically shaped, spatial
light modulator. Laser color, intensity, and dwell time can be
changed in localized areas of the screen to exceed a threshold for
photochromic effects, thus creating dynamic reflective,
non-transparent areas in the screen. These shapes can have the
effect of blocking out areas of vision so that virtual images can
be substituted for overlaid augmented imagery at any point in the
field of view to provide dynamic windowing of virtual or overlaid
imagery. Thus, by allowing dynamic windowing of a virtual or
overlaid imagery, opaque computer generated imagery can be inserted
into a virtual display or fixed overlay of computer generated
imagery or a see through screen.
[0046] Additionally, a non-visible laser, such as an infrared (IR)
or ultraviolet (UV) laser, can be provided in a coaxial laser
projector (e.g., as part of the projector 480, if desired) to
energize photochromic materials. Also, an IR or UV blocking filter
can be inserted between the surface and the eye to isolate the eye
from exposures to potentially harmful IR or UV light, if higher
intensities for activating a given photochromic material are
used.
[0047] In order to provide a virtual or augmented reality
environment, a computer 500, as illustrated in FIG. 5, can include
a sensor tracker 510, an image generator 520 and an image
transmitter 530. By using a sensor tracker 510 in conjunction with
an image transmitter 530, items, such as the cigarette model 300,
can be moved within the live environment and the virtual or
augmented reality environment simultaneously to provide a realistic
simulation.
[0048] The virtual or augmented reality can be created by using a
sensor tracker 510 to gather data transmitted from a sensor 340 on
a cigarette model 300 regarding the position and movement of the
cigarette model 300, as well as air flow direction and volume
passing over the sensor 340. By tracking the position, movement and
air flow information, any movements of the cigarette model 300 can
be incorporated into the virtual or augmented reality
environment.
[0049] The incorporation of the sensor information into the virtual
or augmented reality environment can be accomplished by using an
image generator 520, wherein the calculations for forming the
virtual or augmented reality environment can incorporate
information from the sensor tracker 510. Thus, through the combined
use of the sensor 340, the sensor tracker 510 and the image
generator 520, a virtual or augmented image can be formed,
positioned and superimposed within a live environment for viewing
by a smoker.
[0050] The sensor 340 can operate based on any number of the
following principles: electromagnetic, optical (video-metric),
ultrasonic, mechanical linkage, gyroscopes, and accelerometers,
etc. For example, microphones, tilt switches, proximity sensors,
motion angle sensors, etc. can be used with the system.
[0051] The sensor 340 can be used individually or in combination
with other sensors 340 in order to provide additional data to the
computer 500 controlling the creation of the virtual or augmented
reality visualization. The sensor 340 is preferably a low latency,
high accuracy measuring device as to the position and orientation
of the items in the system. Sensors, as used within the system, can
be placed on one or more of the HMDs, projectors, shutter glasses,
display systems, cigarette models, projection surfaces, etc.
[0052] The computer 500 can also include an image transmitter 530,
which can transmit the virtual or augmented reality environment to
the viewing device 410. Preferably, the image transmitter is
wireless and can use any wireless technology to transmit the
virtual or augmented reality environment onto the live environment
for mixing and viewing in the viewing device 410.
[0053] In one embodiment, the system 200 can be used to provide an
augmented cigarette model 600 (FIG. 6) for virtual smoking. By
using the system 200, a smoker could visualize an augmented
cigarette model 600 with a virtual image of a burning tip 610
superimposed on a cigarette model 300 (to appear as a burning
cigarette) through a viewing device in a virtual or augmented
reality environment, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Also, in such a
device, rather than superimposing a burning tip 610, a light
emitting diode (LED) can be provided at the end of the cigarette
model, wherein the LED can also be controlled within the system 200
to vary the intensity of the emission as desired.
[0054] Alternatively or additionally, a virtual image of an
exhalation of smoke 700, as illustrated in FIG. 7, can be provided
(to visualize a smoke puff). Alternatively or additionally, a
virtual image of a sidestream smoke emission 620, as illustrated in
FIG. 6 can be provided (to visualize a burning cigarette) through a
viewing device in a virtual or augmented reality environment.
[0055] For example, if a sensor 340 in a cigarette model 300
determined that a smoker was inhaling on the cigarette model 300,
an image generator 520 could generate a virtual image of a red
burning tip 610 to simulate an inhalation on a conventional
cigarette, wherein the burning tip 610 could be located wherever
the lit end of the augmented cigarette model 600 was located as
determined by the sensor 340. Alternatively, the red burning tip
610 can be provided by light emitting devices, such as light
emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be activated during a "smoking
session," wherein the intensity of the glow can be controlled by a
puffing profile to provide a realistic experience. It is noted that
the virtual image of a red burning tip 610 can also be controlled
as to its intensity of glow to reflect a puffing profile.
[0056] Sidestream can also be provided for visualization similar to
a sidestream smoke pattern from a burning cigarette. The pattern
and characteristics of the sidestream smoke would be different from
exhaled smoke, and could be controlled such as to reflect ambient
conditions in a room, such as airflow, temperature, etc., as
measured or sensed by sensors in the system, if desired.
[0057] As another example, if a sensor 340 determined that a smoker
was exhaling by determining that the model 300 has been moved away
from the smoker's mouth after an inhalation, the image generator
520 could generate a virtual image of an exhalation of smoke 700,
which could be located in front of the HMD 400. As yet another
example, if a sensor 340 determined that there was neither an
inhalation nor an exhalation, the image generator 520 could
generate a virtual image of a sidestream smoke emission 620,
wherein the sidestream smoke emission 620 could be located wherever
the lit end of the augmented cigarette model 600 was located as
sensed by the sensor.
[0058] In addition to providing an augmented cigarette model 600
with virtual images, such as the burning end or smoke discussed
above, the virtual or augmented smoking system 200 can also allow
for the environment in which the smoking system 200 is used to be
altered or substituted. For example, if a smoker is using the
system 200 is a closed room setting, the system 200 can be used to
alter the closed room by adding windows with an outdoor view. Or,
as another example, the system 200 can be used to substitute a
beach environment for the closed room. Thus, a smoker using the
system 200 can be virtually smoking a cigarette on a beach even
though the smoker is using the system in a closed room.
[0059] For example, in order to visualize smoke in a realistic
manner, inhalation, exhalation and puffing instances, which include
durations, puff volumes, and profiles, can be provided to a system
for virtual or augmented reality smoking. Microphones, puff
detectors, and flow sensors to detect the various parameters can be
used. For example, microphones can be used to detect inhalation and
exhalation sounds, and this data along with the signal from a puff
detector can be used to identify inhalation and exhalation
instances as well as normal breathing. Thus, this data can also be
used to derive puff volume and drive the visualization for the
system. Additionally, multiple microphones and combination of
signals from different sensors can be used to provide accuracy to
the parameters for smoke visualization.
[0060] Additionally, a projection based system, which can include a
large screen back or front projector, can be used to provide an
active or passive system. An exemplary projection based system can
be set up like a movie theatre, and can be used to serve multiple
users by providing a real life "smoking lounge" experience.
[0061] Alternatively, a desktop environment can be provided if
desired. In order to provide an immersive visualization system in a
desktop environment, screen magnifiers or optical magnifiers can be
used as an alternative to portable HMD based systems.
[0062] The size of the projection surfaces can vary depending upon
the application desired. For example, if the system includes a
large screen projector, the screen for the large screen projector
can be greater than two square feet, such as the size of a
television screen, a movie projector screen, or one or more walls
in a room. Alternatively, if the system includes a portable viewing
device, such as a HMD, the projection surface should be much
smaller, for example, a projection surface on the order of less
than about one square foot or even less than about a square inch
can be used. Thus, projection surfaces can be quite small for
applications, such as video games, or large for applications such
as "smoking lounges."
[0063] Variations and modifications of the foregoing will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations and
modifications are to be considered within the purview and scope of
the claims appended hereto.
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