Abstract: A method and apparatus for observing exhibit sites which provides the ability to overlay computer generated images and sound on a live exhibit to create and present these overlays on demand in varying levels of detail for use by the general public, in indoor and outdoor settings, without requiring instruction, operators, fitting, training, or supervision. The viewing device may comprise a viewing portion, a processing portion, a displaying portion, and an audio portion. Each of these components combine to provide the user with the ability to view an actual exhibit site overlaid with informational or historic re-creations to enhance the exhibit experience, as opposed to a separate display booth or other means which takes the exhibit viewer's attention away from the actual exhibit site.

Abstract: A virtual view system uses raw imagery from cameras placed around a sporting arena to generate virtual views of the sporting event from any contemplated view point. The system consists of an optical tracking system, a virtual environment server, and one or more virtual view stations. The optical tracking system receives raw, 2-dimensional video data from a pre-selected number of cameras strategically placed around a sporting arena. The raw 2-dimensional data is then compartmentalized into data gates and processed via a series of software image processors into body state data assigned to each sports player or other targeted entity. The body state data is then passed to a virtual environmental server which generates body position information and visual models for transfer to a selected number of virtual view stations. Each virtual view station includes viewing software for rendering and viewing a virtual sports scene as desired.