Abstract:
Bathing systems with electronic and optionally microcomputer control of optionally multiple functions, user safety being assured by fibre-optic remoting techniques. Systems include electrically safe optical control means to be positioned in or proximate to the bathing location, this location being a swimming pool, bathtub, whirlpool bath, shower, bidet, or similar installation. These systems also include such valves, pumps, pulsation-causing devices, water conditioning devices, and the like, as may be required by any of the multiple functions that may be desired, all of these devices being under the control of a single electronic controller responsive to the optical control means at the bathing location, and also responsive to various water condition sensors.The optical control means includes a light altering mechanism, preferably an optical touch switch such as might be operated by light reflected from the user's finger, this mechanism being connected by fibre optic tube means to a remote light source and detector; it may also include a display means such as optical fibres or fibre bundles carrying light from remote light sources indicating water or other conditions known by the electronic controller. The electronic controller preferably includes a microcomputer because of the ease with which microcomputers can handle many input variables and many possible output functions, for the optimization of both comfort and efficiency of the bathing installations.For simplicity of installation, fibre optic tube means are preferably incorporated into the water-carrying plastic pipe.
Abstract:
A method and devices for sensing changes in separation of a first member relative to a second member, as well as variables causing such changes is disclosed. Electromagnetic waves diffracted by means included in said first member interact with waves from means included in said second member to form a characteristic interference pattern. Measured changes in this pattern allow determination of changes in separation.
Abstract:
THE SEPARATION OF TWO POINTS, EACH LOCATED ON A MEMBER AND BEING SEPARATED BY AN APERATURE, IS MEASURED BY DIRECTING WAVES, SUCH AS LIGHT WAVES, ON THE POINTS TO FORM A DIFFRACTION PATTERN OF THE SINGLE APERATURE TYPE. A CHANGE IN DIMENSION OF THE MEMBER, OR IN THE SPACING BETWEEN TWO ADJACENT MEMBERS, CAUSES THE SEPARATION OF THE EDGES TO CHANGE WHICH, IN TURN, CAUSES A CHANGE IN THE CONFIGURATION OF THE PATTERN. BY COMPARING THE INTENSITY OF A GIVEN PORTION OF THE PATTERN WITH A PORTION OF A PATTERN PRODUCED UNDER KNOWN CONDITIONS, A CHANGE IN THE SEPARATION OF THE POINTS CAN BE DETERMINED FROM WHICH MEASUREMENT OF DIMENSION, STRAIN, ETC., CAN BE DETERMINED.
Abstract:
Disclosed are novel method and apparatus for monitoring and aiding persons in vehicles and at home, especially senior citizens and others whose capabilities may be diminished. Electro-optical sensing of both person's body portions and physical controls is utilized, following from both disclosure on my RTD (Reconfigurable Tactile Display) invention as well as other gesture and motion based inventions in regard to sensing of control inputs from physical control (e.g. knobs, switches) positions and persons gestures. Applications to vehicles and the home are disclosed as well as applications to areas such as operating rooms and other locations in the hospital where sterility is paramount. A unique self-sterilizing control panel is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for interactive TV camera based games in which position or orientation of points on a player or of an object held by a player are determined and used to control a video display. Both single camera and stereo camera pair based embodiments are disclosed, preferably using stereo photogrammetry where multi-degree of freedom information is desired. Large video displays, preferably life-size may be used where utmost realism of the game experience is desired.
Abstract:
New methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently and safely providing controls and displays therefore, particularly, but necessarily to be used within the center stack region of a vehicle instrument panel. The apparatus utilizes, in most embodiments, a rear projection display and machine vision sensing of control position and, optionally, finger touch. A very stylistic and easy to use instrument panel results which can be programmed or otherwise provided in many different forms to suit different users or option package designs.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus are disclosed to enable rapid TV camera and computer based sensing in many practical applications, including, but not limited to, handheld devices, cars, and video games. Several unique forms of social video games are disclosed.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus are disclosed to enable rapid TV camera and computer based sensing in many practical applications, including, but not limited to, handheld devices, cars, and video games. Several unique forms of social video games are disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are new forms of computer inputs particularly using TV cameras, and providing affordable methods and apparatus for unique game play, such as rear projection devices for pinball and common board games using machine vision to determine the location of objects and/or features of objects. Particular embodiments employing fast and reliable acquisition and tracking of game related objects and their motion are disclosed, together with numerous applications. Also disclosed are related embodiments for instrumentation and control systems, such as those used in homes and cars.