Importance

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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. Any movement of a monitored articulation causes flexure of the elongated portion, which in turn causes the sensors to generate signals indicating flexure of the sensor and degree of flexure to indicate body movement. A plurality of bend sensors are included for monitoring the articulations of the arm and for monitoring foot movement. Signals generated by the bend sensors are transmitted to a data processing unit located on the data suit for processing the signals prior to transmitting the signals to a computer. The signals generated by sensors are processed for controlling a program, such as a virtual reality program in real time.

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First Claim