Importance

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Abstract

A virtual body modelling apparatus and method models a users body in a virtual environment and animated to follow physical movements of the user. Stores (30,32) hold data defining the virtual environment as well as features of the virtual body representation, including sequences of virtual body motions (for example a walking sequence for the legs of the virtual body) which sequences are initiated in response to one or more predetermined physical movements by the user, and animated by a display generator (28) providing images of the virtual environment to the user. Various forms of feedback to the user are provided, including force feedback where the users physical movements are constrained in dependence on conditions within the virtual environment, visual feedback where the users viewpoint of the virtual world is modified as a sequence of body motions is executed, and audio feedback (62) such as the sound of footsteps triggered at predetermined points in the sequence of motions.

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First Claim