Abstract: Computer pointing systems include schemes for producing image map type hyperlinks which are associated and stored integrally with image data from which they are derived. An object being addressed by a pointing system of is implicitly identified by way of its location and position relative to the pointing system. A geometric definition which corresponds to space substantially occupied by the addressed object is rotated appropriately such that it perspective matches that of the imaging station. When an image is captured, the image data (pixel data) is recorded and associated with image map objects which may include network addresses such as a URL. On reply, these images automatically present network hyperlinks to a user whereby the user can click on an image field and cause a browser application to be directed to a network resource.

Abstract: Addressing systems are arranged to provide users information relating to objects of interest. Users point a hand-held device of the invention toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by making position and attitude measurements and a search of a database containing preprogrammed information relating to those objects being addressed. Information relating to objects determined to be those presently being addressed is presented at a user interface. Devices include a point reference, a direction reference, a position determining support, attitude determining support, a computer processor and database, and at least one user interface. Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object, determining position and attitude, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that senses physical characteristics of an electronic device. The system controls the electronic device in response to the sensed physical characteristics. The system includes a control subsystem. The control subsystem includes a time trigger and an anticipation/latency reduction subsystem. The anticipation/latency reduction subsystem includes additional subsystems such as a time trigger, a position trigger and an attitude trigger. In an alternate embodiment, the anticipation/latency reduction subsystem also includes an activation interval trigger, a repetitive action trigger and a repetitive distance trigger. The various triggers can be implemented using processors that execute software. The system also includes sensing devices, such as a position sensing device and an attitude sensing device, to sense physical characteristics of the particular electronic device being controlled. The control subsystem receives signals from the sensing devices.

Abstract: Vision systems for use in modeling environments or scenes are presented. Users view scenes via electronic cameras and are simultaneously presented with CAD type functionality for creating graphical representations of addressed scenes. These systems, having knowledge of position with respect to objects being addressed and with respect to positions measured at prior times, continuously update model perspective and size to reflect a present view of scenes in real time.

Abstract: Vision systems for use in modeling an environment or scene are presented. A user views a scene through an electronic camera and is presented with CAD type functionality for creating graphical representation of the addressed scene. The apparatus having knowledge of where it is with respect to objects being addressed and with respect to where it has been previously, the model perspective and size can be continuously updated to reflect the presend view of the scene in real time as the camera addresses from any point in space.

Abstract: Devices for remotely addressing objects via pointing action are provided with graphical user interfaces. In response to an object being addressed, a computer device and software provide graphical user interfaces which relates to objects being addressed. As different types of objects are addressed, user interfaces provided change in form and function to agree with the type of category of object being addressed at that instant. Devices have position and attitude determining facility in communication with a computer having prerecorded data. The data includes information relating to object types and corresponding graphical user interfaces.

Abstract: Vision systems for use in modeling an environment or scene are presented. A user views a scene through an electronic camera and is presented with CAD type functionality for creating graphical representation of the addressed scene. The apparatus having knowledge of where it is with respect to objects being addressed and with respect to where it has been previously, the model perspective and size can be continuously updated to reflect the presend view of the scene in real time as the camera addresses from any point in space.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may provide indication of a directional reference to a device. The device determines which objects are being addressed by searching a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects being addressed can then be presented at a user interface. A device of the system may include a point reference, a position determining means, a input receiving means, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of the system includes the steps of indicating a direction, determining position, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: A vision system for use in modeling an environment or scene is presented. A user views a scene through an electronic camera and is presented with CAD type functions for creating graphical representation of the scene. As the apparatus has knowledge of where it is with respect to objects in the scene and with respect to where it has been previously, the model perspective and size can be continuously updated to reflect the view of the scene as the camera addresses from any point in space.

Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may provide indication of a directional reference to a device. The device determines which objects are being addressed by searching a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects being addressed can then be presented at a user interface. A device of the system may include a point reference, a position determining means, a input receiving means, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of the system includes the steps of indicating a direction, determining position, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.

Abstract: A device for addressing objects via pointing is provided. In response to an object being addressed, a computer provides a graphical user interface which relates to the particular object being addressed. As different objects are addressed, the user interface provided changes to agree with the object being addressed at any given time. Devices have position and attitude determining facility in communication with a computer having prerecorded data and a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A vision system which collects information from similar vision systems having a different perspective of a scene are arranged to produce a composite image. The composite image having information from both perspectives can then include features impossible to otherwise show. Objects otherwise “hidden” from a first perspective are displayed as information from a second perspective may contain imagery relating to those images. A translation of spatial coordinates conditions the image from the second perspective such that it will fit into a composite image and match the first perspective.

Abstract: Computer vision systems provide a user a view of a scene whereby an image of the scene may have been augmented with information generated by a computer. Computer vision systems of the present invention include graphical user interfaces which have been discovered to operably interact with geometric constructs of a user environment, objects within a scene, perspective of the scene, image features of a signal which represents the scene, among others. These graphical user interfaces of the invention do not behave as those known because operation of these interfaces depends on properties and features particular to computer vision systems which have position and attitude determining means.

Abstract: The systems combine images of a real scene with computer generated imagery where the computer generated imagery is particular to the position and pointing attitude of the device. Being useful to spectators of the game baseball, the device can produce images showing where a strike zone is relative to the position of the players; can produce images of ball tracks; of replays and many other forms of information having characteristics dependent on a viewer's position and attitude.

Abstract: The following invention is primarily concerned with new and improved systems for viewing a sporting event. In particular, systems which combine images of a real scene with computer generated imagery where the computer generated imagery is particular to the position and pointing attitude of the device. Being useful to spectators of the game baseball, the device can produce images showing where a strike zone is relative to the position of the players; can produce images of ball tracks; of replays and many other forms of information having characteristics dependent on a viewer's position and attitude.

Abstract: Vision systems having knowledge of position and attitude can reliably determine what scenes are being addressed by the system. Real images of the scene can then be augmented with computer generated information which relates to the known scene. A determination of position and attitude of the device identifies which scene is being addressed. A computer recalls information regarding the scene and generates imagery according to that recalled information. The computer generated imagery is then combined with an image of the scene to form an augmented image which is presented to the user aligned to the viewing direction of the device.

Abstract: Vision systems having knowledge of position and attitude can reliably determine what scenes are being addressed by the system. Real images of the scene can then be augmented with computer generated information which relates to the known scene. Since the level of detail or resolution is not restricted in computer generated models, a system can continue to provide further magnified images without limit. As magnification increases, the amount of information presented to a user from images of the real scene decreases but computer generated imagery continues to provides realistic images which represent scenes being addressed by the apparatus. Computer generated imagery is combined with an image of a real scene to form an augmented image which is presented to the user aligned to the viewing direction of the device at any desired magnification.