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Top 5 questions people ask:
Q: I can see a hole in the sphere in some of your pictures – will the user fall
out?
A: The hole is open only for the photo, for you to better see the user inside. Operation
of the VirtuSphere requires that all holes be closed with hatches, so that the shell is
uniform. This way the user inside is in no danger of falling out and can move naturally
in any direction.
Q: The VirtuSphere – how does it operate?
A: The VirtuSphere system consists of a large hollow sphere that sits on top of a base
and allows the sphere to rotate 360 degrees. Wearing a wireless, head-mounted
display, users can step inside the sphere to fully interact in immersive virtual
environments. The VirtuSphere enables 6 degrees of freedom – one can move in any
direction; walk, jump, roll, crawl, run over virtually unlimited distances without
encountering real-world physical obstacles.
Q: Where do you see VirtuSpheres being used?
A: VirtuSphere products and solutions are marketed to target customers including:
- Military, law enforcement, homeland security agencies and “first responders” (for
simulated training exercises)
- The electronic gaming industry (as the ultimate setting for immersive gaming)
- Health clubs and athlete training
- Education and museums
- Architects, real estate professionals and others who can use virtual walk throughs as
a powerful way to present plans
We see the VirtuSphere as version 1 of the Holodeck and the ultimate portal to the
matrix.
Q: What kind of software runs on VirtuSphere?
A: VirtuSphere systems are compatible with a number of games, simulation training
exercises and literally thousands of 3D worlds available on the Web (via the “Cortona”
VRML technology from Parallel Graphics). The company is also working with top
developers to create and adapt titles especially for the VirtuSphere.
Q: Where can I see a VirtuSphere in action?
A: With 18 systems built to date, VirtuSpheres are now located in Washington D.C.,
Moscow, Redmond, Seattle, Saint-Petersburg, Binghamton and Almetyevsk. Please
view our videos: www.virtusphere.com/videos
Full FAQ
Q: VirtuSphere, Inc. – what does the company do?
A: VirtuSphere, Inc. is a developer of high-end simulation systems and solutions that
deliver the most-advanced setting for fully immersive simulated training, gaming and
virtual walk throughs.
Q: VirtuSphere – what does it do?
A: The VirtuSphere patented technology enables the user to make lifelike movements
in cyberspace and delivers a breakthrough Human Computer Interface (HCI) via the
most natural form of navigation - by walking.
Q: VirtuSphere – why was it created?
A: The VirtuSphere was invented as a result of the need to overcome key limitations
that the real world imposes on the ability of people to move freely and in any direction
in simulated environments.
Q: Who invented the VirtuSphere?
A: It is the brainchild of brothers Ray and Nurulla Latypov, inventors who are famous
for their numerous discoveries and developments in the field of computers, user
interfaces and games.
Q: VirtuSphere – is it patented?
A: The VirtuSphere is protected by a number of international patents, including U.S.
patents 5,846,134 “Method and apparatus for immersion of a user into virtual reality”
and 6,563,489 “System for placing a subject into virtual reality”.
Q: How long did it take to develop the VirtuSphere?
A: Over 45 man/years have been invested into product research and development.
Q: VirtuSphere system – what does it consist of?
A: VirtuSphere systems are made to client specifications and typically include an easy-
to-assemble sphere, a base platform that enables it to rotate, a head-mounted display,
3D sensors, sphere rotation trackers, a computer, device drivers and 3D software
applications.
Q: Have you sold any?
A: VirtuSphere has sold products and services to the Office of Naval Research, Intel
Corporation, Moscow City Government’s Tourism Office, TatNeft Oil, Moscow 2012
Olympic Bid Committee and a number of other fine customers. VirtuSphere systems
have been delivered to the Naval Research Lab/U.S. Marine Corp's VIRTE program,
the Museum of Communications and University of Telecommunications, and the
University of Washington, among others. 18 VirtuSphere systems have been built. We
have received numerous RFPs and are working with interested parties in different parts
of Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle East.
Q: What do specialists think about the VirtuSphere?
A: "The HIT Lab has been looking at omni-directional interfaces for some
time, and we are convinced that VirtuSphere has developed the most elegant and
effective solution for navigating within virtual environments," said Dr. Suzanne
Weghorst, senior research scientist and assistant director of research at the University
of Washington's Human Interface Technology Lab. "
Q: Where are you located?
A: VirtuSphere, Inc. has its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, USA and has
offices in Binghamton, New York and Moscow, Russia.
Q: Do you have a team?
A: VirtuSphere, Inc. is led by a team of seasoned professionals with prior C-level
experience in both start-up and established company environments. Members of the
management team have had successful carriers at Intel, Microsoft, major
manufacturing companies and received PhDs and MBAs in Leadership, International
Trade, and Applied VR as well as numerous industry awards for outstanding
achievement. There are approximately 20 people (employees, contractors, advisors)
working on advancing VirtuSphere.
Q: What are the size/dimensions of the VirtuSphere?
A: Weight: total - 440-485 pounds; sphere - 285 pounds. Size: disassembled - 45 cubic
feet; assembled - height: 8.5-10 feet; space: 100 sq. feet.
Q: Is it difficult to assemble the VirtuSphere?
A: Actually, it is fairly easy. The sphere consists of 32 self-similar parts – there is 20 of
“Part A” (a hexagon), and 12 of “Part B” (a rounded pentagon). It is a straightforward
process, where 2 people can assemble the full system (including the platform, sensors
and computer) and have it operational in less than 4 hours.
Q: Is it difficult to disassemble the VirtuSphere?
A: It is even easier and quicker than assembly. A team of 2 people can disassemble the
VirtuSphere and have it loaded into a vehicle for transportation in under 2 hours (4
people can do it in less than 1 hour).
Q: Is it difficult to transport the VirtuSphere?
A: It is very easy. The parts that form the shell are self similar and stack onto each
other taking up the minimal space possible. The platform and computer can be
disassembled and packed for easy transportation. We have shipped VirtuSpheres from
Europe to America on standard palettes. VirtuSpheres have been loaded into cars and
moved from the East Coast to the West Coast of the US. A full VirtuSphere set fits into
cars as small as a Honda Accord and LADA 2104. Two VirtuSpheres can fit into a
HMMWV – to travel along with four people.
Q: What is the computer that runs the VirtuSphere?
A: The VirtuSphere works on Intel Architecture (Pentium 4 processors) and with
Windows 2000/XP as the OS. We can make the VirtuSphere compatible with additional
computing platforms, such as Xbox, Sony PlayStation, others. There are special device
drivers and a proprietary SDK that we currently license to software developers.
Q: Is the person inside the VirtuSphere tethered?
A: No. That’s part of what makes the VirtuSphere experience unique. We use a wireless
configuration, sending data to and from the Head Mounted Display and manipulator. To
be more specific – we use Bluetooth and video signal transmission.
Q: Looks like you have a PC outside the sphere. How about wearable
computers?
A: That is an option that we’ve worked with before and see in the near future. A
wearable computer has pros (such as very little signal transmission) and cons (for
example: a heavier set for the user to wear). There is fast progress in this field and we
are working on it.
Q: What type of Head Mounted Display do you use?
A: Our standard VirtuSphere systems ship with a base model of I-Glasses, but this can
be changed based on user requirements.
Q: Would it be possible to do VR in the VirtuSphere without a Head Mounted
Display?
A: Yes. We are looking at translucent materials and projection systems that can project
onto the surface of the sphere, thus providing a much greater field of view and
eliminating the need for an HMD.
Q: What sensors do you use?
A: Movement sensors are located on the bottom of the sphere – we use a Doppler-
effect ultrasonic device to track the rotation of the sphere and then translate that to X,
Y coordinates on the plain for the PC. An additional 3D sensor is located on the Head
Mounted Display (HMD) and it tracks the Point Of View (POV) of the user. The HMD
sensor is connected wirelessly via Bluetooth with the PC that runs the application. To
make the sensors work in unison and to process the data to and from the application,
we have our own proprietary algorithms, SuitManager and device drivers.
Q: Do you plan to add force-feedback and other enhancements?
A: Yes we are planning to add force feedback, haptic devices and a number of other
developments (like full body motion capture).
Q: It looks like the sphere is made out of metal?
A: Actually spheres are made out of plastic – there are versions made out of ABS
plastic and Polycarbonate.
Q: It looks big and heavy – is it difficult to get it to turn and then slow it down?
A: One of the results of 45 man/years of R&D is a unique combination of a fairly heavy
sphere (which weighs approx. 285 pounds) and platform with omni-directional wheels,
which allow for an easy and effortless movement of the sphere. We’ve had kids as
small as 5-6 years old do well in the VirtuSphere.
Q: Will it fit in my living room?
A: If you have 100 sq. feet and your ceiling is 9 feet or higher – yes. It will definitely fit in
most garages, usually taking up just half of one car bay.
Q: Can a person fall inside the VirtuSphere?
A: Yes, and controlled falls are actually fun. There is also the accidental kind – like the
ones that happen in the world outside of the sphere all the time. Falling in the
VirtuSphere may be less traumatic, as by design the sphere rotates on the supporting
platform as the person falls – taking away some of the negative energy of impact. The
shell protects the person from hitting objects outside of the sphere.
Q: If I fall – how do I get up?
A: In 99% of the cases – unassisted. The VirtuSphere has a “sweet spot” of stability.
People easily locate the spot and get up – as they would after falling on the ground.
Q: When you say “full body motion” what do you mean?
A: The VirtuSphere was initially designed to allow people to walk in cyberspace. In
addition, a user can run in the sphere (even at a very fast pace), jump (up and down,
forwards, backwards, sideways), roll (any direction). There is quite a lot of space inside
the sphere – the current model is 8.5 feet in diameter. Users can punch, kick and do all
kinds of moves with their whole body without encountering a physical obstacle.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: Please write to info(at)virtusphere(dot)com. We welcome your questions – they will
help us update the FAQ :-).