Image display method and apparatus with means for yoking viewpoint

Abstract

An image display method and system in which exertion of a user's viewpoint orienting muscle groups is yoked to sensors measuring displacement and/or force to provide feedback information for control of a virtual-world without requiring full physical-motion by the user. The yoked muscle exertion is mapped to the rate and direction of movement in the virtual-world. Preferably, force exerted by, and/or rotation or translation of, the yoking device in one direction in response to exertion of the muscle groups is mapped to virtual-motion in a corresponding direction in the virtual-world. Due to the fluidity of the human vertebral column, the invention effectively yokes rotational movement of a human's viewpoint orienting muscles to virtual movement in a virtual-world without the disadvantages of a head-mounted display. To orient toward an area-of-interest in a leftward portion of a virtual-world, the user simply and naturally activates muscles that would be used to orient left in the physical world. At the same time, the effect of virtual-motion as the displayed image viewpoint moves is compelling because while the muscles are contracting, special sensory information is sent to the brain to indicate that such movement should be occurring.