Development of stereoscopic-haptic virtual environments

• US 20020084996A1
• Filed: 04/28/2001
• Published: 07/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Texas Tech University System
• Original Assignee: Texas Tech University (Texas Tech University System)
• Inventors: Temkin, Bharti, Watson, Kirk, Acosta, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 7,098,888 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/204
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/221 using the relative movement between cameras and objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/275 from 3D object models, e.g. computer-generated stereoscopic image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/286 having separate monoscopic and stereoscopic modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/341 using temporal multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/398 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual-haptic environment that can be used to advantage to simulate and teach surgical procedures. Computer haptics simulates human sense of touch is provides with visual stereoscopy that simulates our natural depth perception and feeling of touch. Integration of these two senses enhances sense of realism. Thus by coupling force-feedback (or haptic) devices with a stereoscopic display, results in the illusion of being “inside” a virtual world, by being able to “see” and “touch and feel” 3D virtual environment. The computer based (on a PC using NT operating system) present invention provides an inexpensive, easy-to-use technique for generating a stereoscopic-haptic environment that provides a realistic virtual touch and see environment and dynamically adding haptic characteristics.

Claims

1. Method of creating a stereoscopic-haptic virtual environment comprising the steps of generating stereoscopic images, with active stereoscopic displays, shuttering of computer monitor or video screen display to present one image at a time to each eye of a viewer in quick succession while the other eye is covered, interlaced video display and buffered delivery of image data to different scan lines.