Importance

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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. The resistance values on each side of the sensor diverge to a value corresponding to the degree of flexure of the sensor. A reference voltage is applied to each side of the sensor for establishing a voltage differential between its two sides. Any flexure of the sensor causes the resistance value of each side to change, for changing the reference voltage level between the two sides to indicate that the sensor has been flexed and the degree of flexure.

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First Claim