Providing input signals
First Claim
1. Apparatus for providing input signals to a device (1) to be controlled by an operator comprises means (3) for generating a virtual image (2) of an interface to the device to be controlled, means (5) for detecting the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator, and means (6, 7, 3) for generating a virtual image (8) of the operating member, the arrangement being such that movement of the operating member image (8) in accordance with movement of the operating member (4) interacts with the interface image (2) to provide the input signals for the device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for providing input signals to a device such as a computer (1) to be controlled by a n operator comprises means (3) for generating a virtual image (2) of an interface tot he device to be controlled, means (5) for detecting the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator, and means (6, 7, 3) for generating a virtual image (8) of the operating member (4), the arrangement being such that movement of the operating member image (8) in accordance with movement of the operating member (4) interacts with the interface image (2) to provide the input signals for the device. A method of providing the input signals is also disclosed. The detecting means (5) preferably comprises a stereoscopic image generator, while the means for generating the virtual images includes a virtual environment processor (3). The advantage of the apparatus and method lies in its ease of use, as the operating member can be held in a comfortable position.
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Citations
36 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for providing input signals to a device (1) to be controlled by an operator comprises means (3) for generating a virtual image (2) of an interface to the device to be controlled, means (5) for detecting the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator, and means (6, 7, 3) for generating a virtual image (8) of the operating member, the arrangement being such that movement of the operating member image (8) in accordance with movement of the operating member (4) interacts with the interface image (2) to provide the input signals for the device.
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15. A method of providing input signals to a device to be controlled by an operator comprising:
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generating a virtual image (2) of an interface to the device to be controlled;
detecting the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator;
generating a virtual image (8) of the operating member (4);
relating the virtual image (8) of the operating member to the virtual image (2) of the interface such that movement of the operating member image (8) in accordance with movement of the operating member (4) interacts with the interface image (2); and
providing input signals for the device from the interaction of the operating member image and the interface image. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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- 23. Apparatus for providing input signals to a device (1) to be controlled by an operator comprises means (5) for optically detecting the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator in a control space corresponding to an input device of the device to be controlled, movement of the operating member (4) in the control space being represented on an output device (20) and providing input signals for the device, characterised in that the means for detecting the position of the operating member comprises a stereoscopic image generator (5).
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34. A method of providing input signals to a device to be controlled by an operator comprising:
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defining a control space corresponding to an input device of the device to be controlled;
optically detecting by means of a stereoscopic image generator (5) the position of an operating member (4) actuated by the operator in the control space;
providing input signals for the device from the movement of the operating member (4) in the control space; and
representing movement of the operating member (4) in the control space on an output device (20) of the device to be controlled. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36)
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Specification