Abstract: A system is provided for manipulating computer generated animation in real time, such as a virtual reality program running on a computer. The system includes a data glove for managing data based on an operator's hand gestures. The invented data glove comprises an elastic material that closely matches the shape of a wearer's hand, enabling the wearer to move their hand freely. A movement sensing unit is provided for sensing any hand gestures of the wearer. The movement sensing unit comprises a flexible circuit board that extends along the dorsal region of the wearer's fingers and hand. The circuit board includes a base with a signal processor for processing received signals generated by a plurality of movement sensors. The sensors transmit signals to the processor for determining any movement of the wearer's hand. The sensors have a resistive material disposed on each side thereof, so that any flexure of the sensor causes the resistance values to diverge, preferably linearly.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting data and for integrating the augmented data into a program running on a computer system is provided. The invented system couples to a data collection computer along with data generating equipment, such as a body suit, for augmenting data generated thereby. Augmentation data generated by the system and body movement data generated by the suit is simultaneously transmitted to the computer containing a data base defining a virtual world. As the suit generates movement data and transmits the data to the computer for controlling the movements of an object in the virtual world, an operator of the system monitors the data generated by the equipment and activates the system to selectively augment data generated thereby, for enhancing the movements of the character. The invented system transmits the augmentation data to the data collection computer to augment the data generated by the equipment so that the character, has exaggerated movements or cartoonish features.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a computer generated animation in real time that includes a head mount configured to inhibit relative movement between the head mount and head of a wearer is provided. The head mount is coupled to a computer that processes data generated by the head mount in real time. Data generated by the facial movements of a wearer of the head mount is processed in real time so that an object, such as a cartoon in a virtual reality program, has facial expressions analogous to the facial expressions of the wearer, as the wearer is performing. A plurality of cameras monitor different localized regions of the wearer's face for sensing movements in these regions to generate data indicating movement. The cameras are attached to the head mount with flexible arms for precise positioning of the cameras. The cameras monitor each of the mouth, chin and cheek, and an eyebrow and forehead regions of the wearer's face and one of the wearer's eyes.

Abstract: A system is provided for manipulating computer generated animation in real time, such as a virtual reality program running on a computer. The system includes a data glove for managing data based on an operator's hand gestures. The invented data glove comprises an elastic material that closely matches the shape of a wearer's hand, enabling the wearer to move their hand freely. A movement sensing unit is provided for sensing any hand gestures of the wearer. The movement sensing unit comprises a flexible circuit board that extends along the dorsal region of the wearer's fingers and hand. The circuit board includes a base with a signal processor for processing received signals generated by a plurality of movement sensors. The sensors transmit signals to the processor for determining any movement of the wearer's hand. The sensors have a resistive material disposed on each side thereof, so that any flexure of the sensor causes the resistance values to diverge, preferably linearly.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking body movements, including subtle body movements, in a virtual reality system and for integrating data generated therefrom into a virtual reality system in real tine. The system of the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a data generating body suit having a plurality of movement indicating sensors secured thereto at a number of predetermined positions for determining movements of the wearer. Any movement by the wearer generates data that is transmitted to a computer for processing the data in real time. The data suit includes sensors for determining body position and orientation and sensors for accurately tracking subtle body movements such as movements of the wrist. Bend sensors include elongated portions that traverse an articulation to be monitored.