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.

Mobile,

Stationary &

Combo Options

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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

Vertical Reality goes Virtual with 360 Virtual Ventures!

The Virtusphere is an incredibly versatile platform for immersion into cyberspace.

Walk, jump, roll,

crawl, run over

virtually unlimited

distances!

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Virtusphere for simulation training Virtusphere is a simulation platform for safely training practical skills of user’s preparing for dangerous environments. The system provides in� nite space for the most immersive experience. Applications for Virtusphere include but are not limited to: Locomotion simulation training for military, law enforcement, � re safety, and counter terrorism.

Virtusphere for entertainment and other civilian applications• Virtusphere technology enhances virtual reality & 3D entertainment for the most immersive experience. • Applications include but are not limited to:• Entertainment & Gaming

• Health & Fitness• Museums & Education• Architecture and construction walk through• Events and Shows• Virtual travel & Tourism

Where do you see Virtuspheres being used?Virtusphere products and solutions are marketed to target customers including:• Military, law enforcement, homeland security agencies and “� rst 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

What kind of software runs on Virtusphere?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 technol-ogy from Parallel Graphics). The company is also working with top developers to create and adapt titles especially for the Virtusphere.

Virtusphere – what does it do?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.

Virtusphere – why was it created?The Virtusphere was invented as a result of the need to over-come key limitations that the real world imposes on the ability of people to move freely and in any direction in simulated environments.

Virtusphere – is it patented?The Virtusphere is protected by a number of international patents, including U.S. patents 5,846,134 “Method andapparatus for immersion of a user into virtual reality” and 6,563,489 “System for placing a subject into virtual reality”.

Virtusphere system – what does it consist of?Virtusphere systems are made to client speci� cations 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.

What are the size/dimensions of the Virtusphere?Weight: total - 440-485 pounds; sphere - 285 pounds. Size: disassembled - 45 cubic feet; assembled - height: 8.5-10 feet; space: 100 sq. feet.

Is it diffi cult to assemble / disassemble the Virtusphere?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. 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).

Is it diffi cult to transport the Virtusphere?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 � ts into cars as small as a Honda Accord and LADA 2104. Two Virtuspheres can � t into a HMMWV – to travel along with four people.

What is the computer that runs the Virtusphere?The Virtusphere works on Intel Architecture (Pentium 4

Virtusphere:Everything you need to know....

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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 cur-rently license to software developers.

Is the person inside the Virtusphere tethered?No. That’s part of what makes the Virtusphere experience unique. We use a wireless con� guration, sending data to and from the Head Mounted Display and manipulator. To be more speci� c – we use Bluetooth and video signal transmis-sion.

Looks like you have a PC outside the sphere. How about wearable computers?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 � eld and we are working on it.

What type of Head Mounted Display do you use?Our standard Virtusphere systems ship with a base model of I-Glasses, but this can be changed based on user requirements.

What sensors do you use?Movement sensors are located on the bottom of the sphere – we use a Doppler-e� ect ultrasonic device to track the rota-tion 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 wire-lessly 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.

It looks like the sphere is made out of metal?Actually spheres are made out of plastic – there are versions made out of ABS plastic and Polycarbonate.

It looks big and heavy – is it diffi cult to get it to turn and then slow it down?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 e� ortless movement of the sphere. We’ve had kids as small as 5-6 years old do well in the Virtusphere.

Can a person fall inside the Virtusphere?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.

If I fall – how do I get up?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.

When you say “full body motion” what do you mean?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.

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