Data augmentation system and method

Abstract

A system and method for augmenting data and for integrating the augmented data into a program running on a computer system is provided. The invented system couples to a data collection computer along with data generating equipment, such as a body suit, for augmenting data generated thereby. Augmentation data generated by the system and body movement data generated by the suit is simultaneously transmitted to the computer containing a data base defining a virtual world. As the suit generates movement data and transmits the data to the computer for controlling the movements of an object in the virtual world, an operator of the system monitors the data generated by the equipment and activates the system to selectively augment data generated thereby, for enhancing the movements of the character. The invented system transmits the augmentation data to the data collection computer to augment the data generated by the equipment so that the character, has exaggerated movements or cartoonish features. Additionally, the system and method of the present invention augments the data generated by the data generating device without overwriting the data generated thereby, so that the exaggerated movements of the character can continuously track the movements indicated by the data generating equipment.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for augmenting data comprising: 
 control signal generating means for generating selected control signals representative of selected augmentation data;    interface means coupled to the control signal generating means for receiving the control signals therefrom for generating augmentation data determined by the control signals; and    computing means for integrating the augmentation data into a data base program running on the computing means, the computing means applying the augmentation data to character movement data manipulated by the data base program for the direct enhancement thereof.    
     
     
         2 . The system of    claim 1    wherein the augmentation data is integrated into the data base program for altering selected components of the program for predetermined time periods.  
     
     
         3 . The system of    claim 2    wherein the data base program defines a virtual world, the augmentation data integrated into the data base for altering the characteristics of an object in the virtual world.  
     
     
         4 . The system of    claim 3    further comprising: 
 data generating means for generating data for controlling the movements of the object; and  
 the computing means integrating the data into the data base for controlling the movements of the object in the virtual world and simultaneously processing the augmentation data for augmenting the characteristics of the object, as the object is controlled by the data generating means.  
 
     
     
         5 . The system of    claim 4    wherein the augmentation data augments at least one predetermined characteristic of the object, as the object is controlled by the data generated by the data generating means.