Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for motivating persons to undertake exercise, employing camera based computer monitoring of persons and/or exercise apparatus, and displays of video data, which may be derived from such monitored information.
Abstract:
The disclosed invention relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various dietary and exercise regimens they might undertake, providing an interactive, iterative, “what-if” type of procedure where someone can see their predicted appearance in the future, also in clothes of their choice, and balance this with realistic expectations of what they may be able to achieve in terms of modification of their physical shape as a result of a planned course of action. This in turn leads to new methods of purchasing and manufacturing apparel and dietary or exercise related items in the present and future. A unique life size display screen, a “digital mirror” so to speak, with optional touch capabilities is also disclosed for input to, and display of, the computer aided models used, as well as inputs from a persons body sensed by TV cameras. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain mental and other disorders, and in other situations where a form of companionship may be provided the user.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for interactively and dynamically undertaking exercise are disclosed which utilize camera means to provide 2D or 3D data relating to locations or movements of exercise undertaken by a person. This data is analyzed by a computer and in a typical example an instructor's image is displayed and both visual and audio assistance to the person is provided via a computer program either resident locally or remotely located. Applications to exercise involving treadmills, bicycles, dance, weight lifting and other exercises are disclosed.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for motivating persons to undertake exercise, employing camera based computer monitoring of persons and/or exercise apparatus, and displays of video data, which may be derived from such monitored information.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and apparatus, which enable the reconfigurable control of vehicles, homes, computers and other applications. Physical controls and virtual displayed controls on single and multipoint touch screens are used, separately or in combination to enable higher visibility and understanding of control information and easier operation of controls, particularly useful in stressful situations. Some embodiments use optical sensors and rear projection of displayed embodiments, and are advantageous where curved screens are desired such as in a car.
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:
Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.
Abstract:
A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby utilizes at least one TV camera positioned to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child. Signals from the TV camera are outputted to a computer, which analyzes the output signals to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object. The determined position or movement is then compared to preprogrammed criteria in the computer to determine a correlation or importance, and thereby to provide data to the child.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for providing human input to a computer which allows a user to interact with a display connected to the computer. The method includes the steps of placing a first target on a first portion of the user's body, using an electro-optical sensing means, sensing data related to the location of the first target and data related to the location of a second portion of the user's body, the first and second portions of the user's body being movable relative to each other, providing an output of the electro-optical sensing means to the input of the computer, determining the location of the first target and the location of the second portion of the user's body, and varying the output of the computer to the display based upon the determined locations for contemporaneous viewing by the user.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for providing human input to a computer which allows a user to interact with a display connected to the computer. The method includes the steps of placing a first target on a first portion of the user's body, using an electro-optical sensing means, sensing data related to the location of the first target and data related to the location of a second portion of the user's body, the first and second portions of the user's body being movable relative to each other, providing an output of the electro-optical sensing means to the input of the computer, determining the location of the first target and the location of the second portion of the user's body, and varying the output of the computer to the display based upon the determined locations for contemporaneous viewing by the user.