A two-part, anthropometric, position-monitoring system will be developed. First, small electronic perimeter units will flood a volume of space with precisely controlled ultrasonic and infrared pulses. Second, these invisible, inaudible pulses within the volume will be detected by sensors mounted on a user-worn bodysuit. Position and pointing of the user's head, torso, calves, thighs, feet, upper arms, forearms, and hands will be measured in real-time with millimeter accuracy at 30 samples per second. This process improves upon existing technology because infrared links replace unwieldy cables, ultra-sound replaces inadequate magnetic and tension sensors, and more accurate positioning data will be obtained at lower cost. The company will write BodyElectric software module to interface this device with the existing NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Human Factors Laboratory's virtual reality system. The device will be called VIRUPS (virtual reality ultrasonic positioning system).
Potential Commercial Applications:VIRUPS offers a new way to input position data into virtual reality simulations, thereby significantly improving the existing commercial methods. The VIRUPS hardware promises to be cheaper, more accurate, and more convenient to use. These factors, combined with the explosive growth foreseen in the virtual reality market, should make VIRUPS a commercial success.
