Three-dimensional computer image variable perspective display system
First Claim
1. Apparatus for controlling the perspective view of computer generated graphical images in proportion to the head movements of a computer operator viewing the images on a computer monitor, comprising:
- only a single transmitter, mounted relative to the computer operator'"'"'s head for movement therewith for transmitting ultrasonic signals of a given frequency and at predetermined intervals;
a plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers, mounted relative to said computer monitor and being arranged in a geometrical pattern surrounding said computer monitor, for receiving the ultrasonic signals from said transmitting means; and
measuring means, connected to each of said plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers, for converting said signals received by each of said plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers into a plurality of data signals representative of the instantaneous distance between the computer operator'"'"'s head and said computer monitor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A three-dimensional computer image variable perspective display system provides for the real-time perspective control of a three-dimensional computer generated image controlled by the head movements of a computer operator viewing the image. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter module worn on the head of the computer operator, a set of ultrasonic receivers mounted on or near the computer display monitor, and a computer interface unit. The ultrasonic transmitter transmits sound waves towards the display monitor which are detected by the ultrasonic receivers and processed by the computer interface unit. The computer interface unit calculates the elapsed times between the transmission and reception of the sound waves and converts this information into digital data words. The quantative magnitude of these data words represent in direct proportion, the instantaneous distance between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receivers. This distance information interacts with rotational axis algorithms used to control the three-dimensional display to cause the image to change it'"'"'s perspective view in correspondence to the movement of the computer operator'"'"'s head, in a manner exactly analogous to viewing three-dimensional objects in nature.
95 Citations
30 Claims
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1. Apparatus for controlling the perspective view of computer generated graphical images in proportion to the head movements of a computer operator viewing the images on a computer monitor, comprising:
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only a single transmitter, mounted relative to the computer operator'"'"'s head for movement therewith for transmitting ultrasonic signals of a given frequency and at predetermined intervals; a plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers, mounted relative to said computer monitor and being arranged in a geometrical pattern surrounding said computer monitor, for receiving the ultrasonic signals from said transmitting means; and measuring means, connected to each of said plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers, for converting said signals received by each of said plurality of individual ultrasonic receivers into a plurality of data signals representative of the instantaneous distance between the computer operator'"'"'s head and said computer monitor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. Apparatus for controlling the perspective view of computer generated, three-dimensional graphic images in direct proportion to the head movements of a computer operator viewing the images on a computer monitor, comprising:
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only a single transmitter, mounted relative to the computer operator'"'"'s head for movement therewith, for transmitting bursts of ultrasonic audio signals of a given frequency and at predetermined intervals; three individual ultrasonic receivers, mounted relative to said computer monitor and being arranged in a triangular configuration surrounding said computer monitor, for receiving the ultrasonic audio signals from said transmitting means; measuring means, connected to said three individual ultrasonic receivers, for measuring the elapsed times between the transmission of the bursts of ultrasonic audio signals and the receipt of the bursts of ultrasonic audio signals by each of said three individual ultrasonic receivers, wherein the elapsed times are dependent upon the orientation of the computer operator'"'"'s head relative to said computer monitor and represent in direct proportion, the instantaneous distance between the computer operator'"'"'s head and said computer monitor, said measuring means having means for generating three data signals corresponding to said instantaneous distance in a three-dimensional coordinate system; and processing means, interfaced with said measuring means for receiving said three data signals, for updating the perspective view of said computer generated, three-dimensional graphic images in direct correspondence to the movement of the computer operator'"'"'s head based upon the three data signals. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for controlling the perspective view of computer generated graphical images in proportion to the head movement of a computer operator viewing the image on a computer monitor, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) transmitting ultrasonic signals of a given frequency and at predetermined intervals from only a single transmitter at a position in close proximity to said computer operator'"'"'s head towards said computer monitor; (b) measuring the elapsed times between the transmission of said ultrasonic signals and the receipt of said ultrasonic signals by a plurality of ultrasonic receivers mounted in close proximity to said computer monitor; (c) converting the received signals into a plurality of data words representative of the instantaneous distance between said computer operator'"'"'s head and said computer monitor; and (d) processing said data words and altering the perspective view of said graphical image displayed on said computer monitor based upon the instantaneous distance between the computer operator and said computer monitor. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification