WO2020075143A1

WO2020075143A1 - Tracking device for a virtual reality system

Info

Publication number: WO2020075143A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/058711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Gabriel; Gabriel King; Kema SUBSOMBOON
Original assignee: Dreamscape Immersive, Inc.
Priority date: 2018-10-12
Filing date: 2019-10-11
Publication date: 2020-04-16

Abstract

A tracking device for a virtual reality system includes a tracked element having tracking indicia arranged thereon and associated with a unique identity. A securing arrangement is engaged with the tracked element and is adapted to removably secure the tracked element to a user extremity. The securing arrangement includes a strap member having opposing proximal and distal ends, and configured to extend around the user extremity. A releasable one-way friction-securing device includes a first portion having the proximal end of the strap member engaged therewith and second portion arranged to receive the distal end of the strap member, wherein the distal end of the strap member advanced through the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device thereby secures the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device and secures the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

Description

TRACKING DEVICE FOR A VIRTUAL REALITY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to virtual reality systems and, more particularly, to a tracking device for a user’s extremities in a virtual reality system, such as a virtual reality system implementing optical tracking.

Description of Related Art

In a virtual reality installation, a tracking system detects and streams the position and orientation of every tracked object to a simulation process so that the virtual representations of the tracked objects can be correctly rendered as part of the virtual reality environment. In a simple form, such a tracking system follows the position and orientation of the head-mounted display (see, e.g., element 50 in FIG. 1) being worn by the user so that the viewpoint of the user in the virtual reality environment can be rendered correctly on the display screens of the head-mounted display. More complex systems include tracking of secondary and tertiary objects, allowing the user or multiple users to experience more complex virtual reality environments. For example, if the user is using one or more extremities (e.g., hands and/or feet) to interact with physical objects in the real space or virtual objects in the virtual space, it may be advantageous for other tracked objects to include the user’s extremities. In this manner, the tracking system may be able to determine, for example, whether the user is engaging an object with one or both hands, or the manner in which the user is moving about the physical space. This tracking information can then be included in the viewpoint of the user and/or in the viewpoints of other (one or more) users rendered on the display screens of the respective head-mounted displays.

One method of tracking physical objects in virtual reality systems is the use of optical cameras to track the physical objects, typically by way of tracking markers or other tracking indicia mounted on or associated with the physical object to be tracked. The tracking markers or other tracking indicia mounted on or associated with the physical props or objects can be imaged by the cameras arrayed around the physical installation (e.g., stage). The images of the tracking markers or other tracking indicia captured by the cameras facilitate the determination of the position and orientation of each physical object or prop associated with the respective markers/indicia by comparing the view of the object as seen by all cameras having the markers/indicia of the physical object in view (e.g., by triangulation).

Since the scope and accuracy of the tracking function further increases the level of immersion, interaction, and utility provided by physical objects or props in a virtual environment, it may be desirable for the tracked objects to be reliably tracked within the physical environment. To that end, the tracking devices associated with the tracked objects should be securely affixed to any tracked object. However, in the event of the tracked object being a user extremity, such as a user’s hands and/or feet, securement of the tracking device thereto in light of the movement of the user / user’s extremities during the virtual reality experience raises some concerns. For example, since subsequent users will also be outfitted with the same virtual reality equipment, a cleanliness/sanitation issue may be raised in relation to the manner in which the tracking device is secured to the user’s extremities. Gloves /socks to which the tracking devices are mounted may be difficult to clean/sanitize between users and may tend to lack durability. Adjustable fabric straps, elastic straps, and/or straps using hook-and-loop fasteners may likewise be difficult to clean/sanitize between users. Such adjustable fabric straps, elastic straps, and/or straps using hook-and-loop fasteners may also have issues with insufficient securement to the user’s extremities, issues with lack of durability on repeated use, and/or issues with the user being able to put on or removing such straps without assistance. “One-size-fits- all” securing provisions, on the other hand, may suffer from a lack of adjustability and thus may be limited in providing a sufficient securement to all users. Moreover, using the same securement provision for both the user’s feet and hands (or other body portions) may also be limited in providing sufficient securement to all body portions (i.e., a securement provision securely fastening a tracking device to the user’s feet may not provide a secure attachment of the tracking device to the user’s hands).

Thus, it would be desirable to have a tracking device for a virtual reality system which tracks user extremities, wherein the tracking device can be reliably secured to and used by subsequent users by way of a securing arrangement. It would also be desirable for this securing arrangement to readily put on or removed by the user with little or no assistance. Further, when put on by the user, the securing arrangement should cause the tracking device to be self-positioning with respect to the user extremity. The securing arrangement should also desirably provide a secure engagement with the user’s extremity with a relatively wide range of adjustability to accommodate various users, while being easily and expediently removable. In addition, the securing arrangement and/or the tracking device overall should desirably provide or facilitate

cleanliness/sanitation between users. Moreover, it would be desirable for the securing arrangement to be durable and to remain capable of effectively performing the securing function after repeated use by the same user or by successive users.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The above and other needs are met by the present disclosure which, in one aspect, provides a tracking device for a virtual reality system comprising a tracked element including tracking indicia arranged thereon and associated with a unique identity. A securing arrangement is engaged with the tracked element and is adapted to removably secure the tracked element to a user extremity. The securing arrangement includes a strap member having opposing proximal and distal ends, and configured to extend around the user extremity. A releasable one-way friction-securing device includes a first portion having the proximal end of the strap member engaged therewith and second portion arranged to receive the distal end of the strap member, wherein the distal end of the strap member advanced through the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device thereby secures the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device and securing the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

The present disclosure thus includes, without limitation, the following embodiments: Embodiment 1: A tracking device for a virtual reality system, comprising: a tracked element including tracking indicia arranged thereon, the tracking indicia being associated with a unique identity; and a securing arrangement engaged with the tracked element and adapted to removably secure the tracked element to a user extremity, the securing arrangement including: a strap member having opposing proximal and distal ends, and configured to extend around the user extremity; and a releasable one-way friction-securing device including a first portion having the proximal end of the strap member engaged therewith and second portion arranged to receive the distal end of the strap member, the distal end of the strap member advanced through the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device thereby securing the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device and securing the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

Embodiment 2: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the one-way friction-securing device includes a ratchet device, a compression device, or an interference device interacting with the strap member to allow the strap member to be advanced therethrough in a first direction while preventing retraction of the strap member therefrom in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Embodiment 3: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein proximal end of the strap member is bisected to form first and second strap ends, each of the first and second strap ends being engaged with the ratchet device, the first and second strap ends being adapted to receive a user’s thumb therethrough so as to secure the securing arrangement along a user’s hand.

Embodiment 4: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member is comprised of an elastomer.

Embodiment 5: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member is comprised of silicone, rubber, urethane, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or latex, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 6: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member is comprised of an elastomer-coated web.

Embodiment 7: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the first portion of the releasable one-way friction-securing device is arranged to receive the proximal end of the strap member, and wherein the proximal end of the strap member advanced through the first portion of the one-way friction-securing device secures the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device.

Embodiment 8: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the tracked element is removably engaged with the securing arrangement so as to facilitate replaceability of the tracked element.

Embodiment 9: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a quick disconnect mechanism interposed between the tracked element and the securing arrangement. Embodiment 10: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device defines a receiving port having a pawl normally biased across the receiving port by a first biasing device, the distal end of the strap member received through the receiving port causing an engagement surface of the strap member to be engaged by the pawl so as to secure the strap member within the receiving port.

Embodiment 11: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the one-way friction-securing device is configured to interact with the strap member for the strap member to be single-handedly manipulated to secure the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

Embodiment 12: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the engagement surface of the strap member includes a series of protrusions spaced apart therealong, each protrusion providing a detent for the pawl such that the strap member is securable at discrete intervals by the one-way friction-securing device.

Embodiment 13: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the one-way friction-securing device includes a selectively -actuatable release element arranged to release the engagement of the pawl with the engagement surface of the strap member so as to allow the strap member to be retracted from the receiving port.

Embodiment 14: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the release element is configured to be single-handedly actuatable to release the strap member from the one-way friction-securing device.

Embodiment 15: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the release element comprises a release button normally biased away from the pawl by a second biasing device, the release button, upon actuation against the second biasing device, engaging the pawl and urging the pawl against the first biasing device and away from the engagement surface of the strap member to allow the strap member to be retracted from the receiving port.

Embodiment 16: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes a biocide, an antimicrobial agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a fungicide, or an insecticide associated therewith.

Embodiment 17: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes an anti-bacterial texture or an anti-bacterial coating associated therewith.

Embodiment 18: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes one or more indicia associated therewith, the one or more indicia being arranged to facilitate intuitive donning and removal of the tracking device by the user.

Embodiment 19: The device of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the one or more indicia includes a color, a symbol, or text, or any combination thereof. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended, namely to be combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

It will be appreciated that the summary herein is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example aspects so as to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that the above described example aspects are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential aspects, some of which will be further described below, in addition to those herein summarized. Further, other aspects and advantages of such aspects disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a virtual reality system and the tracking arrangement for a tracking device used therein, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one aspect of a tracking device for a virtual reality system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3-5A schematically illustrate a securing arrangement for a tracking device used in a virtual reality system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a securing arrangement for a tracking device used in a virtual reality system, according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 6 A and 6B schematically illustrate a release mechanism for a tracking device used in a virtual reality system, according to the aspect of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to a tracking device for a virtual reality system, the virtual reality system being schematically illustrated as element 100 in FIG. 1. Such a virtual reality system 100 includes a detection arrangement 200 which, in some instances, is at least an optical detection arrangement configured to detect emitted or reflected light from tracking markers or other tracking indicia as one manner of tracking physical objects, props or the like 300 in a physical reality, wherein the tracked objects associated with the tracking markers or other tracking indicia are then projected into a virtual reality scene 400. Such a detection arrangement 200 may be particularly suitable for tracking

movable/moving objects, props or the like 300. In an optical detection system, the light emitted or reflected from the tracking markers or other tracking indicia associated with the objects/props 300 and detected by the detection arrangement 200 is subsequently transmitted or otherwise directed to a computer device 500 configured to receive and interpret the detected light and to associate the detected light from the tracking markers or other tracking indicia with an object, prop or the like 300 in the virtual reality scene 400. In this manner, the light emitted or reflected by the tracking markers or other tracking indicia associated with the object, prop or the like 300 can be correlated with a unique identity thereof in the virtual scene or space. For example, the light emitted or reflected by the tracking markers or other tracking indicia associated with the optically -tracked object, prop or the like 300 and detected by the detection arrangement 200, may be interpreted by the computer device 500 with a unique identity or unique object type, such as a flashlight, a burning torch, or whatever object, prop, or tool envisioned within the virtual scene or space. In some aspects, the unique identity or unique object type may include user extremities, such as the right hand, the left hand, the right foot, and the left foot of the user.

In order for user extremities to be tracked by the detection arrangement 200, a particular tracking device 600 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2) for the user extremities must be secured to each of the right hand, left hand, right foot, and left foot of the user, in addition to the head-mounted display 50 and/or a backpack- mounted computer device or torso tracking element. That is, in certain instances, the head-mounted display 50 may also require a user-mounted computer device 75 (e.g., a backpack-mounted computer device) associated therewith, which must also be worn by the user, wherein the user-mounted computer device 75 (or other torso tracking element) also desirably includes a tracking device 600 for tracking the user’s torso. Accordingly, prior to participating in the virtual reality experience, the user must be outfitted with each of these components that are tracked, via the tracking device 600 associated therewith, by the detection arrangement 200.

In this regard, whether the users must don the required components by themselves, or whether an attendant is present to assist the user in donning the components, it may be desirable for the components to be as convenient and ergonomic as possible for the user to put on and take off. It may also be desirable, in the case of the tracking devices 600 for the user extremities, for the components to be secured to or removed from the user in a single-handed operation, particularly if such securing or removal is being performed by the users themselves and without tools or assistance. Further, the tracking device 600 worn on the user’s extremities should desirably include a securing arrangement 700 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2-4, 5A, and 5B) engaged therewith to provide an effective securement of the tracking device 600 to the user extremity. Moreover, since these components are used by the same user or a series of successive users participating in the virtual reality experience, the securing arrangement 700 should desirably be durable and/or at least be readily replaceable. In addition, the securing arrangement 700 should desirably be resistant to contaminants (e.g., microbes, bacteria, fungi, insects, etc.) or should at least be configured to readily cleaned/sterilized between uses by successive users.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, some aspects of the tracking device 600 for the virtual reality system include a tracked element 625 having tracking indicia 650 arranged thereon, with the tracking indicia 650 being associated with a unique identity of the tracked object to which the tracked element 625 is secured. In particular aspects, the unique identity may be associated with the light being emitted or reflected in a particular pattern from the tracking indicia 650. That is, the tracking indicia 650 comprises a plurality of light emitting or reflecting devices (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or prismatic reflectors) arranged in a particular pattern or to otherwise form a particular pattern of the emitted or reflected light. The tracked element 625 may thus be a planar support, a contoured support, or otherwise a support that includes a surface with which the tracking indicia 650 are fixedly and rigidly mounted in relation to each other in a fixed pattern or arrangement. If a light-emitting element is implemented, the light emitted by the light- emitting tracking indicia 650 may be in the visible spectrum, the infrared spectrum, or any other spectrum of light capable of being detected by the detection arrangement 200. If a light-emitting element is implemented, electrical power may be provided to the light-emitting tracking indicia 650, as appropriate, by a power source (not shown) engaged with the tracked element 625. If implemented, the power source may be, for example, a battery, supercapacitor, or any other suitable power source that is preferably rechargeable or, if disposable, easily replaced with respect to the tracked element 650. If the tracking indicia 650 comprises reflecting devices, the virtual reality system 100 may also include a light emitter (not shown) arranged to emit light that is captured by the detection arrangement 200 upon reflection by the reflecting devices of the tracking indicia 650.

In some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A and 5B, in order to secure the tracked element 625 to the user, the tracking device 600 further includes a securing arrangement 700 engaged with the tracked element 625 and adapted to removably secure the tracked element 625 to a user extremity, such as the right hand, the left hand, the right foot, and/or the left foot. In some instances, the tracked element 625 is fixedly secured to the securing arrangement 700. However, in other instances, the tracked element 625 is removably engaged with the securing arrangement 700 so as to facilitate replaceability of the tracked element 625. For example, in some instances, a quick disconnect mechanism (not shown) may be interposed between the tracked element 625 and the securing arrangement 700.

In particular aspects, the securing arrangement 700 includes a strap member 750 having opposing proximal and distal ends 760, 770, and configured to extend around the user extremity. A selectively releasable one-way friction-securing device 800, including a first portion 810 having the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 engaged therewith and second portion 820 configured to receive the distal end 770 of the strap member 750. The one-way friction-securing device 800 is configured such that the distal end 770 of the strap member 750, when advanced through the second portion 820 of the one-way friction- securing device 800, thereby secures the strap member 750 to the securing arrangement 700 and secures the securing arrangement 700 to the user extremity. That is, for example and as shown in FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B, at least the second portion 820 of the one-way friction-securing device 800 is configured to function as a “one way” securing device with the strap member 750 being readily advanced therethrough to shorten or tighten the strap member 750 about the user’s extremity, but with the second portion 820 of one-way friction-securing device 800 otherwise engaging the strap member 750 to prevent the strap member 750 from lengthening, loosening, or otherwise being retracted from the second portion 820 of the one-way friction-securing device 800. In this manner, the securing arrangement 700 may provide a relatively wide range of adjustability so as to allow application of the tracking device 600 to a variety of users.

In some aspects, the first portion 810 of the one-way friction-securing device 800 has the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 fixedly engaged therewith. In other aspects, the first portion 810 of the one-way friction-securing device 800 is arranged to receive the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750, wherein upon advancement of the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 advanced through the first portion 810 of the one-way friction-securing device 800 secures the strap member 750 with respect to the one-way friction-securing device 800.

In some aspects, at least the strap member 750 is comprised of an elastomer. For example, the strap member 750 may be comprised of silicone, mbber, a urethane polymer (e.g., urethane, polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane), or latex, or any combination thereof. In particular aspects, the strap member 750 may be comprised of an elastomer-coated web.

In some instances, the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 is bisected to form first and second strap ends 762, 764 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B), wherein each of the first and second strap ends 762, 764 is fixedly engaged with the first portion 810 of the one-way friction-securing device 800. Such a configuration of the proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 results in the first and second strap ends 762, 764 and the distal end 770 of the strap member 750 forming a“Y” or“V” shape extending between the first and second portions 810, 820 of the ratchet device 800. In this manner, the crook between the first and second strap ends 762, 764 is adapted to receive a user’s thumb therethrough or therein so as to allow the strap member 750 to better secure the securing arrangement 700 along the user’s left or right hand. That is, the securement about the user’s thumb provided by the bisected proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 provides an increase in the overall securement of the tracking device 600 to the user’s hand compared to, for example, a single strap extending across the palm of the hand. In addition, such a configuration of the strap member 750 may facilitate single-handed donning and removal of the tracking device 600/securing arrangement 700 with respect to the user’s hand. Such a configuration of the strap member 750 may also promote or facilitate self-positioning or positive location of the tracking device 600 upon the user securing the same to the appropriate extremity using the securing arrangement 700. In various aspects, the one-way friction-securing device 800 may be configured as or otherwise includes a ratchet device, a compression device, or an interference device interacting with the strap member 750 to allow the strap member 750 to be advanced therethrough in a first direction while preventing retraction of the strap member 750 therefrom in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some instances, the second portion 820 of the one-way friction-securing device 800 defines, in some instances, a receiving port 850 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B) having a pawl 860 (See, e.g., FIGS. 6A and 6B) normally biased across the receiving port 850 by a first biasing device (not shown). In such a configuration, the distal end 770 of the strap member 750 received through the receiving port 850 causes an engagement surface 780 of the strap member 750 (see, e.g., FIG. 4) to be engaged by the pawl 860 so as to secure the strap member 750 within the receiving port 850. In some instances, the engagement surface 780 of the strap member 750 includes a series of ridges or protrusions 790 spaced apart therealong (see, e.g., FIG. 4), with each protrusion 790 providing a detent for the pawl 860 such that the strap member 750 is securable at discrete intervals therealong by the one-way friction-securing device 800. For example, each protrusion 790 may comprise a ridge extending transversely across the strap member 750 at least about the distal end 770 thereof. In other instances, the strap member 750 may be comprised of a material selected to facilitate a secure grip (e.g., via friction) with the pawl 860 such as, for example, silicone, rubber, a urethane polymer (e.g., urethane, polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane), or latex, or any combination thereof, or an elastomer-coated web. The securing arrangement 700 configured as disclosed herein may provide, for example, increased durability over a hook-and-loop fastener configuration, while the elastomeric or elastomeric -coated strap may provide sufficient pliability for a more comfortable fit for the user. In such aspects of the securing arrangement 700, the one-way friction-securing device 800 may be configured to interact with the strap member 750 in such a manner that the strap member 750 can be single-handedly manipulated to secure the securing arrangement 700 to the user extremity (i.e., securable to the user extremity by advancing the strap member 750 with one hand through the second portion 820 of the one-way friction-securing device 800). Moreover, while the bisected proximal end 760 of the strap member 750 is disclosed herein as being applicable to a user’s hands, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the securing arrangement 700 with the strap member 750 configured in such a manner, may also be equally applicable to a user’s feet.

In another aspect, since the tracking device 600 is reusable and will likely be used by several subsequent users, it may also be desirable for the tracking device 600 to be readily cleaned, sterilized, and/or configured to be resistant to certain contaminants. As such, in some instances, the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 may include a biocide, an antimicrobial agent, an antibacterial agent, a fungicide, and/or an insecticide associated therewith. For example, the biocide, antimicrobial agent, antibacterial agent, fungicide, and/or insecticide may be incorporated into the materials forming the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 (in particular, the portions of the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 in contact with the user), or applied as a coating to appropriate portions of the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800. That is, in one aspect, the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 includes an anti-bacterial texture or an anti-bacterial coating associated therewith.

In some aspects, the one-way friction-securing device 800 includes a selectively -actuatable release element 900 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B) configured to release the engagement of the pawl 860 with the engagement surface 780 of the strap member 750 so as to allow the strap member 750 to be retracted from the receiving port 850 (i.e., to loosen the strap member 750 such that the tracking device 600 can be removed from the user’s extremity). In one example, the release element 900 comprises a release button normally biased away from the pawl 860 by a second biasing device (e.g., springs 910A, 910B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). As such, the release button, upon actuation against the second biasing device, engages the pawl 860 and urges the pawl 860 against the first biasing device, and also away from the engagement surface 780 of the strap member 750, to allow the strap member 750 to be retracted from the receiving port 850 (i.e., loosened). In such aspects of the securing arrangement 700, the release element 900 is configured to be single-handedly actuatable to release the strap member 750 from the one-way friction-securing device 800 (i.e., removed from the user extremity by pressing the release button with one hand such that the strap member 750 releases from the one-way friction-securing device 800).

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the portion of the tracking device 600 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 in contact with the user’s extremity (e.g., the back of a hand or the top of a foot) may be contoured, may be pliable, or may have a pliable material (e.g., closed cell foam) engaged therewith. In this manner, the tracking device 600 and/or the one-way friction-securing device 800 may conform with or otherwise be cushioned with respect to the user’s extremity so as to increase user comfort during use. Moreover, this conformity of the tracking device 600 / one-way friction-securing device 800 to the user’s extremity, alone or in conjunction with other elements such as the“Y” or“V” shaped strap member 750 and/or the protrusions / ridges 790 associated with the strap member 750 may further promote or facilitate self-positioning or positive location of the tracking device 600 / one-way friction-securing device 800 with respect to the user’s extremity upon the user securing the same to the appropriate extremity using the securing arrangement 700.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the strap member 750 and/or the one-way friction- securing device 800 includes one or more indicia (not shown) associated therewith, wherein the one or more indicia are arranged to facilitate intuitive donning and removal of the tracking device 600 by the user. The one or more indicia may include a color, a symbol, or text, or any combination thereof. For example, the distal end 770 of the strap member 750 may be colored blue, while the receiving port 850 may be colored the same color blue or a different color such as yellow, or may include a directional arrow which may be embossed, debossed, and/or also colored. In such instances, the donning instruction for the tracking device 600 may be, for example,“insert blue strap end into yellow receiving port and pull blue strap end in the direction of the arrow,” thus facilitate intuitive donning of the tracking device 600 by the user.

Aspects of the present disclosure thus advantageously provide a device for use in a virtual reality system for tracking a user’s extremities, while allowing the user extremity tracking devices to be secured to or removed from the user with increased convenience (e.g., single-handed donning and removal, with little or no assistance) while providing a more secure, aesthetically- and ergonomically-advantageous, and durable engagement of the tracking device with the user’s extremities, and also an easier-to-clean and more hygienic tracking device for use by multiple successive users.

Many modifications and other aspects of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

1. A tracking device for a virtual reality system, comprising:

a tracked element including tracking indicia arranged thereon, the tracking indicia being associated with a unique identity; and

a securing arrangement engaged with the tracked element and adapted to removably secure the tracked element to a user extremity, the securing arrangement including:

a strap member having opposing proximal and distal ends, and configured to extend around the user extremity; and

a releasable one-way friction-securing device including a first portion having the proximal end of the strap member engaged therewith and second portion arranged to receive the distal end of the strap member, the distal end of the strap member advanced through the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device thereby securing the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device and securing the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the one-way friction-securing device includes a ratchet device, a compression device, or an interference device interacting with the strap member to allow the strap member to be advanced therethrough in a first direction while preventing retraction of the strap member therefrom in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

3. The device of Claim 1, wherein proximal end of the strap member is bisected to form first and second strap ends, each of the first and second strap ends being engaged with the ratchet device, the first and second strap ends being adapted to receive a user’s thumb therethrough so as to secure the securing arrangement along a user’s hand.

4. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member is comprised of an elastomer.

5. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member is comprised of silicone, rubber, urethane, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or latex, or any combination thereof.

6. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member is comprised of an elastomer-coated web.

7. The device of Claim 1, wherein the first portion of the releasable one-way friction-securing device is arranged to receive the proximal end of the strap member, and wherein the proximal end of the strap member advanced through the first portion of the one-way friction-securing device secures the strap member with respect to the one-way friction-securing device.

8. The device of Claim 1, wherein the tracked element is removably engaged with the securing arrangement so as to facilitate replaceability of the tracked element.

9. The device of Claim 1, comprising a quick disconnect mechanism interposed between the tracked element and the securing arrangement.

10. The device of Claim 1, wherein the second portion of the one-way friction-securing device defines a receiving port having a pawl normally biased across the receiving port by a first biasing device, the distal end of the strap member received through the receiving port causing an engagement surface of the strap member to be engaged by the pawl so as to secure the strap member within the receiving port.

11. The device of Claim 10, wherein the one-way friction-securing device is configured to interact with the strap member for the strap member to be single-handedly manipulated to secure the securing arrangement to the user extremity.

12. The device of Claim 10, wherein the engagement surface of the strap member includes a series of protrusions spaced apart therealong, each protrusion providing a detent for the pawl such that the strap member is securable at discrete intervals by the one-way friction-securing device.

13. The device of Claim 10, wherein the one-way friction-securing device includes a selectively -actuatable release element arranged to release the engagement of the pawl with the engagement surface of the strap member so as to allow the strap member to be retracted from the receiving port.

14. The device of Claim 13, wherein the release element is configured to be single-handedly actuatable to release the strap member from the one-way friction-securing device.

15. The device of Claim 13, wherein the release element comprises a release button normally biased away from the pawl by a second biasing device, the release button, upon actuation against the second biasing device, engaging the pawl and urging the pawl against the first biasing device and away from the engagement surface of the strap member to allow the strap member to be retracted from the receiving port.

16. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes a biocide, an antimicrobial agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a fungicide, or an insecticide associated therewith.

17. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes an anti-bacterial texture or an anti-bacterial coating associated therewith.

18. The device of Claim 1, wherein the strap member or the one-way friction-securing device includes one or more indicia associated therewith, the one or more indicia being arranged to facilitate intuitive donning and removal of the tracking device by the user.

19. The device of Claim 18, wherein the one or more indicia includes a color, a symbol, or text, or any combination thereof.