More useful man machine interfaces and applications

• US 20050012720A1
• Filed: 06/14/2004
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1998
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Timothy R. Pryor
• Original Assignee: Timothy R. Pryor
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy R.
• Application Number:
  US10/866,191
• Publication Number:
  US 20050012720A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/017 Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0304 Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means constructional details of pointing devices not related to the detection arrangement using opto-electronic means G06F3/033; optical digitisers G06F3/042
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0325 using a plurality of light emitters or reflectors or a plurality of detectors forming a reference frame from which to derive the orientation of the object, e.g. by triangulation or on the basis of reference deformation in the picked up image
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0386 for light pen

Abstract

The invention is a continuation of earlier applications aimed at providing affordable methods and apparatus for inputting position, attitude (orientation) or other object characteristic data to computers for the purpose of controlling the display thereof. Preferred embodiments utilize electro-optical sensors such as TV cameras, to input data from objects and fingers, and/or other body parts of the user, to laptop, hand held and other computers used for Computer Aided learning, Gaming, 3D graphics, internet commerce and other applications.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of:

positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, each of said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,

analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement of the child or object,

from said determination, comparing the position or movement to pre-programmed criteria, and

providing data to said child.

12. A method according to claim 1, including the additional step of recording data of said position or movement of said child for subsequent analysis.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein said recorded data is used to diagnose problems of the child.

14. A method according to claim 1, wherein infra-red illumination of said child is used.

15. A method according to claim 1, wherein said point is on the clothing or an article of play of said child.

16. A method according to claim 1, wherein said data provided to said child is audio data.

17. A method according to claim 1, wherein said data provided to said child is visual data.

18. A method according to claim 1 wherein said data provided to said child concerns one or more of the parents of said child.

19. A method according to claim 1, including the additional step of providing high contrast datums on said child or object which may be more easily seen by said one or more TV cameras.

20. A method according to claim 1 wherein said data is designed to elicit a response from said child which can be determined using said one or more TV cameras.

21. A method according to claim 1, wherein said data is designed to improve the intelligence of said child.

2-11. -11. (canceled)

22. A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of:

positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,

analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement data of said child or object,

recording said position or movement data for analysis, and

using said recorded data, enhancing the well being of said child.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein said data is used to determine potential problems of the child.

24. A method according to claim 22, wherein said data is designed to elicit a response from said child which can be determined using said TV camera.

25. A method according to claim 22, wherein said data is used to determine appropriate responses to the child.

26. A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of:

positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, each of said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,

analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement of said child or object,

from said determination, comparing the position or movement to pre-programmed criteria, and

if certain criteria are met, transmitting an image of said child to a remote monitor for observation.

27. A method according to claim 26, including the further step of transmitting other data relating to said child.