Abstract: An apparatus for use as an aid to using respirator mask. The apparatus includes a mounting module for mounting the replaceable mask at a clearance distance from the user's face so as to create an air chamber for storing the air for the user to breathe. At least one powered fan is mounted in the mounting module for removing the exhaled air and sucking in fresh air into the air chamber so that the user does not need to spend additional energy to overcome the resistance to air flow due to the filtration in the mask.

Abstract: There is disclosed an input device for providing three-dimensional, six-degrees-of-freedom data input to a computer. in an embodiment the device includes a tracker having tracking points. One array of tracking points defines a first axis. Another array defines a second axis or plane orthogonal to the first axis. There is provided at least one cluster of tracking points. Selected distances are provided between the tracking points. This allows a processor to determine position and orientation of the input device in three-dimensional space based on a perspective, two-dimensional image of tracking points captured by a camera. In an embodiment, there is provided a method of providing three-dimensional, six-degrees-of-freedom data input to a computer. The method includes capturing an image of the tracker. Next, processing the image to determine distances between tracking points. Finally, determining position and orientation of the device using the distances determined. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A human-computer-interface design scheme makes possible the creation of an interactive intuitive user navigation system that allows user to issue his intended direction and speed for traversing in the virtual environment with just appropriately positioning a tracker within the operating space. The interface system contains the information about the boundary and center of an arbitrarily-defined static zone within the operating space of the tracker. If the tracker is positioned inside this static zone, the system would interpret it as no traverse is intended. When the user decides to move in a particular direction, he just needs to move the tracker outside the static zone in that direction, and the computer would be able to calculate the intended traverse vector by finding the vector from the center of the static zone to the position of the tracker. The further the tracker is positioned from the static zone, the greater the speed of the intended traverse.

Abstract: A human-computer-interface design scheme makes possible the creation of an interactive intuitive user navigation system that allows user to issue his intended direction and speed for traversing in the virtual environment with just appropriately positioning a tracker within the operating space. The interface system contains the information about the boundary and center of an arbitrarily-defined static zone within the operating space of the tracker. If the tracker is positioned inside this static zone, the system would interpret it as no traverse is intended. When the user decides to move in a particular direction, he just needs to move the tracker outside the static zone in that direction, and the computer would be able to calculate the intended traverse vector by finding the vector from the center of the static zone to the position of the tracker. The further the tracker is positioned from the static zone, the greater the speed of the intended traverse.

Abstract: A golf practice device, for use in combination with a golf ball which simulates the performance of a real hole of a conventional golf course. The device has a planar base support with a base aperture formed in its top surface to accommodate an appropriately sized base rim for either stationary or rotational engagement therein. A deflector attached to the base rim with an inner surface curved to dissipate a determined amount of the total kinetic energy from the golf ball struck toward the device redirects the ball into or away from a base cavity depending upon the amount of force the ball possesses when it strikes and travels over the curved deflector. Additional dissipation of energy from the golf ball may be achieved by forming the deflector from material which will absorb some of the balls energy when striking the deflector.