Patents by Inventor Ann Lasko-Harvill

Ann Lasko-Harvill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6621472
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael A Teitel, Jaron Z Lanier
  • Publication number: 20030020842
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application. One optical element disclosed is a bicolor polarizer, which allows an lcd to inexpensively provide a bicolor display without loss of resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael A. Teitel, Jaron Z. Lanier
  • Patent number: 6452574
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael Teitel, Jaron Z Lanier
  • Patent number: 6414731
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael A Teitel, Jaron Z Lanier
  • Publication number: 20010009409
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application. One optical element disclosed is a bicolor polarizer, which allows an lcd to inexpensively provide a bicolor display without loss of resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael A. Teitel, Jaron Z. Lanier
  • Patent number: 6124838
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application. One optical element disclosed is a bicolor polarizer, which allows an lcd to inexpensively provide a bicolor display without loss of resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael Teitel, Jaron Z Lanier
  • Patent number: 5850201
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for viewing computer generated images and for tracking the positions of the user's head and hand. One alternative of the apparatus includes a frame element, versatilely mountable, with sensors for the head tracking of a user whose bodily movement is constrained to a small area. Short range and inexpensive sensors are deployed for tracking the position of the user's head; these sensors are deployed partly on a on the user's head and partly on the tracking frame. All the electronics for tracking and user input are enclosed in a mobile pack. In another alternative of the tracking invention natural forces such as gravity, the Earth's magnetic field, and inertia are used, so additional references. The display allows for interchangeable optical elements so that it may be tailored to suit the needs of a particular user or application. One optical element disclosed is a bicolor polarizer, which allows an lcd to inexpensively provide a bicolor display without loss of resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael A. Teitel, Jaron Z. Lanier
  • Patent number: 5588104
    Abstract: A computer display displays a data flow network as a plurality of interconnected units. An interactive program allows the appearance of the plurality of interconnected units to be changed. The data flow network then is automatically altered to correspond with the visual changes. The interconnected units of the data flow network represent inputs, functions and outputs of the data flow network. Inputs represent control signals to manipulate the data flow network, functions modify the value of inputs according to the type of the function unit and outputs represent the x, y or z value of a point in a three-dimensional coordinate system of the virtual world.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: VPL Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaron Z. Lanier, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Chuck L. Blanchard, Joe L. Sparks
  • Patent number: 5588139
    Abstract: A computer model of a virtual environment is continuously modified by input from various participants. The virtual environment is displayed to the participants using sensory displays such as head-mounted visual and auditory displays which travel with the wearer and track the position and orientation of the wearer's head in space. Participants can look at each other within the virtual environment and see virtual body images of the other participants in a manner similar to the way that people in a physical environment see each other. Each participant can also look at his or her own virtual body in exactly the same manner that a person in a physical environment can look at his or her own real body. The participants may work on a common task together and view the results of each other's actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: VPL Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaron Z. Lanier, Jean-Jacques G. Grimaud, Young L. Harvill, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Chuck L. Blanchard, Mark L. Oberman, Michael A. Teitel
  • Patent number: 5102195
    Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Pin Dot Products
    Inventors: Peter Axelson, Michael Heinrich, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael W. Silverman
  • Patent number: 5074507
    Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanism to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which alows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Pin Dot Products
    Inventors: Peter Axelson, Michael Heinrich, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael W. Silverman
  • Patent number: 5052647
    Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Pin Dot Products
    Inventors: Peter Axelson, Michael Heinrich, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael W. Silverman
  • Patent number: 5035467
    Abstract: A seating system includes seat and back internal support frames disposed within respective foam-filled seat and back cushions which each have an outer fabric cover. The back assembly is provided with a pair of quick-release clip locks, while the seat assembly includes a plurality of support hooks in combination with mounting brackets and locking mechanisms to facilitate quick mounting and removal of the seat from a support frame such as a wheelchair base. The seat and back assemblies are coupled together in a pivoting manner by means of a handle assembly which allows the seat to be compactly folded and easily carried when removed from a support base. The back inner support frame includes upper and lower support subassemblies pivotally coupled by means of a hinge joint which allows for extension of the lumbar region when the upper support subassembly is moved rearwardly to a reclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Pin Dot Products
    Inventors: Peter Axelson, Michael Heinrich, Ann Lasko-Harvill, Michael W. Silverman