Abstract: A method of tracking wearable sensors attached to respective body parts of a user includes acquiring multiple yaw measurements from a wearable sensor by measurement circuitry within the wearable sensor, calculating errors in the yaw measurements based on comparisons of the yaw measurements with one or more yaw references, and correcting the yaw measurements by removing the errors.

Abstract: A technique for implementing computerized games includes providing multiple gameplay spaces of a computerized game and receiving a model of a physical environment in which the game is to be played. The technique proceeds by fitting the gameplay spaces of the game to the model, such as by placing the gameplay spaces and their respective virtual objects into respective portions of the model, thus actualizing the game to the particular environment in which the game is to be played.

Abstract: A technique includes constructing a WCS (world coordinate system) as a three-dimensional, Cartesian coordinate system based at least in part on (i) a plurality of anchor points detected in a physical space around a device and (ii) a secondary source of information that assists in localizing objects in the physical space. The technique further includes providing the WCS to the device as a coordinate system in which to place holograms.

Abstract: A technique for rendering virtual content to a user stores map data of features in a physical environment of the user and measures the location of the user with stationary sensors placed at respective locations within the environment. A server provides the location of the user and portions of the map data to a headset worn by the user. The headset is thus enabled to render virtual content at apparent locations that are based on the measured location of the user and the features described by the map data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product maintains the ability of an electronic headset to localize and orient itself in space upon a loss of tracking by a SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) system by switching to an auxiliary tracking mode upon detection of a loss of accurate tracking by the SLAM system. In one example, the auxiliary tracking mode is based upon detection of a fingerprint on a flat surface imaged by one or more cameras in the headset. The fingerprint is defined by a pattern of photographically-identifiable features on the flat surface, such as a pattern of colors and/or textures. In another example, the auxiliary tracking mode is based upon a location of the headset as obtained from an external LPS (local positioning service) and an orientation of the headset as measured by an IMU (inertial measurement unit) provided in the headset.

Abstract: A technique for controlling objects includes a handheld controller that provides output for generating a virtual ray. The virtual ray has a location and a direction. The location of the virtual ray is measured as a location of the handheld controller, based on input from sensors in the surrounding space. As a user moves and/or rotates the handheld controller, the virtual ray sweeps through space, intersecting various objects. When the virtual ray intersects with the location of a controllable object whose identity and location are known, the handheld controller identifies the object and accepts remote-control input from the user for controlling that object. Using the handheld controller, the user may control any controllable object having a known identity and location in space, and may control virtual as well as physical objects.

Abstract: A technique for detecting a velocity state of a device includes generating multiple phase measurements for each of multiple packets emitted by the device and monitoring differences between phase measurements made for different packets. The technique further includes asserting a particular velocity state of the device based on a condition of the monitored differences.

Abstract: A technique for measuring yaw (left-right direction) of a device includes obtaining a first measurement of an orientation of the device relative to a local magnetic frame of reference (FoR) and a second measurement of the orientation of the device relative to a spatial FoR, with both measurements made while the device is disposed at a known location and in the same orientation. The technique further includes computing an offset between the two measurements and storing the offset in connection with the known location. When the device later returns to the same location, the yaw direction of the device is determined based on acquiring a new measurement of the device's orientation relative to the local magnetic FoR and applying the offset as a correction.

Abstract: A technique for controlling access to a network provides an electronic system that includes multiple antennas located in a physical space. The antennas receive wireless signals at their respective locations from devices within range of the antennas, and the electronic system processes the wireless signals as received by the antennas to measure locations of the devices relative to the antennas. The electronic system then allows or denies access to the network depending on whether the devices' measured locations are inside or outside a predefined physical region relative to the antennas. In this manner, only devices confirmed to be physically present within the predefined region are allowed to access the network. Devices outside the predefined region are physically blocked, such that no wireless communication with the network is possible.

Abstract: A technique for promoting network security employs a user-centric approach in which a hardware appliance serves as a local security hub for storing and dispatching user identity information (UII). The hardware appliance is configured to release UII in response to access requests by applying a variable verification procedure. The variable verification procedure tests multiple verification factors associated with an access request, assigns a verification strength to each factor, and selectively releases the requested UII in response to a combined verification strength exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A technique for rendering virtual content to a user stores map data of features in a physical environment of the user and measures the location of the user with stationary sensors placed at respective locations within the environment. A server provides the location of the user and portions of the map data to a headset worn by the user. The headset is thus enabled to render virtual content at apparent locations that are based on the measured location of the user and the features described by the map data.

Abstract: A technique for locating devices detects wireless packets using multiple antenna units and generates antenna coordinates in an antenna coordinate system on a per-packet basis. Information about antenna coordinates are stored in entries of a data store. Packets originating from different locations produce different antenna coordinates, enabling antenna coordinates to differentiate regions in physical space. Although antenna coordinates do not directly describe physical locations, they are stable over time given a stable environment and thus allow determination as to whether a location has been visited before. Entries in the data store may store Cartesian (physical) coordinates associated with respective antenna coordinates, enabling real-time tracking of physical device locations by lookups into the data store based on antenna coordinates.

Abstract: A technique for promoting network security employs a vault appliance that serves as a local security hub for users and their devices. The vault appliance securely stores user information and definitions of rights, i.e., activities that user devices may perform, and securely dispatches those rights in response to right-requests from devices and subject to verification.

Abstract: A technique for controlling lockable devices includes a key device wirelessly transmitting a first request to a server apparatus. The server apparatus receives the first request and proceeds to identify a controllable lock whose location the server apparatus has measured to be within a physical space mapped by the server apparatus, causing the identified controllable lock to emit a human-detectable indication. In response to an action by a user, the key device wirelessly transmits a second request that directs the server apparatus to toggle a lock state of the identified controllable lock, such as to lock the controllable lock or to unlock it.