Ergonomic support apparatus having situational sensory augmentation

摘要

An apparatus is provided for combined ergonomic support and situational sensory augmentation interface during an interactive session within a virtual environment generated by a computer system. The apparatus comprises a resilient body defining a mid portion extending laterally between a pair of side portions projecting transversely outward therefrom to terminate at respective free ends. The mid portion extends across a lap of a user. The mid and side portions collectively define an upper surface for hand and forearm support for the user and an inner side surface contoured about a cradle space for receiving a torso of the user in cradling manner. At least one actuator disposed on the resilient body is selectively driven in cooperation with the interactive session to generate tactile feedback to the user through at least one of the upper and inner side surfaces of the resilient body.

主权项

1. An apparatus for combined ergonomic support and situational sensory augmentation interface during an interactive session within a virtual environment generated by a computer system, comprising:
a portable resilient body defining a mid portion extending laterally between a pair of side portions projecting transversely outward therefrom to terminate at respective free ends, said mid portion extending across a lap of a user, said mid and side portions collectively defining an upper surface for hand and forearm support for the user and an inner side surface contoured about a cradle space for receiving a torso of the user in cradling manner; and, a plurality of actuators integrated in said resilient body to respectively bear against a plurality of preselected anatomical parts of the user during the interactive session, each of said plurality of actuators being selectively driven in cooperation with the interactive session to generate tactile feedback to a corresponding one of the preselected anatomical parts of the user.