Virtual button interface
AssigneeSandia Corporation
InventorJake S. Jones
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method of issuing commands to a computer by a user interfacing with a virtual reality environment. To issue a command, the user directs gaze at a virtual button within the virtual reality environment, causing a perceptible change in the virtual button, which then sends a command corresponding to the virtual button to the computer, optionally after a confirming action is performed by the user, such as depressing a thumb switch.
Claims21
A method of issuing commands to a computer by a user interfacing with a virtual reality environment, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) detecting direction of gaze within the virtual reality environment, wherein detecting direction of gaze comprises detecting a point of focus within a displayable portion of the virtual reality environment;
- b) determining whether the direction of gaze intersects a virtual button;
- c) causing a perceptible change in the virtual button;
- and
- d) sending a command corresponding to the virtual button to the computer.
An apparatus for issuing commands to a computer by a user interfacing with a virtual reality environment, comprising:
- means for detecting direction of gaze within the virtual reality environment;
- means for determining whether the direction of gaze intersects a virtual button;
- means for causing a perceptible change in the virtual button;
- and means for sending a command corresponding to the virtual button to the computer.
A method of issuing commands to a computer by a user interfacing with an immersive virtual reality environment, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) detecting direction of gaze within the immersive virtual reality environment, wherein detecting direction of gaze comprises detecting a point of focus within a displayable portion of the immersive virtual reality environment;
- b) determining whether the direction of gaze intersects a virtual button;
- c) causing a perceptible change in the virtual button;
- and
- d) sending a command corresponding to the virtual button to the computer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.