Abstract: A graphical user interface is implemented as a human interface device which can directly sense where on a domed screen a user is pointing. The human interface device can be an optical pointing device which emits a beam of light, preferably produced using a laser, which can be tracked by a camera appropriately located inside the dome. As an alternative, the human interface device can be a hand held device capable of tracking position and orientation. Data produced by the human interface device is then detected and mapped to the location for a corresponding cursor.

Abstract: A graphical user interface is implemented as a human interface device which can directly sense where on a domed screen a user is pointing. The human interface device can be an optical pointing device which emits a beam of light, preferably produced using a laser, which can be tracked by a camera appropriately located inside the dome. As an alternative, the human interface device can be a hand held device capable of tracking position and orientation. Data produced by the human interface device is then detected and mapped to the location for a corresponding cursor.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved method and apparatus for generating a sequence of video frames representative of three-dimensional animation. A plurality of key frames are stored, each key frame including a common figure having one or more joints, and each joint having associated therewith a set of vectors defining a limb. Each joint is defined in each frame by operator-controllable parameters which determine the three-dimensional position, rotational orientation, and scale factors of a local coordinate system in which the limb vectors are placed. A plurality of in-between frames are generated, the in-between frames including the common figure having one or more joints and limbs corresponding to the joints and limbs of the common figure in the key frames. The parameters of the joints of the in-between frames are obtained by interpolating in three dimensions, the position, rotational orientation, and scale factors of the corresponding joints of the key frames.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for generating video-representative signals which represent one or more operator-selected portions of an existing scene. In accordance with the invention, frame storage means are provided for storing an array of elemental pixel values representative of the video content of the individual elemental areas of the scene. As defined herein, video content is intended to include shading and/or coloration of monochrome or color images. Means are provided for interrogating the frame storage means and for tabulating the pixel values stored in the frame storage means. Operator controllable means are provided for selecting one or more of the pixel values of the tabulation. Means responsive to the selected values are provided for forming video-representative signals corresponding to those portions of the scene having the selected pixel values. In the preferred embodiment of the invention there are provided means for displaying the tabulation of the pixel values.