Abstract: A distributed animation comprising a plurality of processors wherein each processor is responsible for rendering only a portion of the entire image. After the plurality of processors compute their respective images, the image data is communicated to a buffer. The buffer also receives image data from other sources. The buffer combines the image data from all sources into a single image frame which is then stored in a frame buffer. The buffer comprises a plurality of buffer elements, each buffer element being associated with a single graphics element (processor or video source). Each buffer element includes an input terminal for receiving pixel data from its corresponding graphics element, an output terminal for outputting pixel data, and a second input terminal for receiving pixel data from the output terminal of a previous buffer element. The pixel data typically includes a Z value which provides the depth location in the image of the object represented by that pixel.

Abstract: A radiation source directs radiation toward a radiation sensor in such a way that the intensity of radiation sensed by the radiation sensor alternates in a periodic manner as the radiation source moves radially relative to the radiation sensor. The radiation sensor generates either a "1" or a "0" depending upon whether the intensity of the radiation sensed by the radiation sensor is above or below a particular reference value. Thus, the angular position of the radiation source relative to the radiation sensor is indicated by an alternating series of "1"s and "0"s. A multi-bit binary value which indicates the absolute position of the radiation source relative to the radiation sensor can be generated. In this case, a band of radiation is directed toward the radiation sensor. The radiation band is separated into a plurality of portions, the intensity of each successive portion being twice the frequency of the preceding portion. Each portion of the radiation band impinges upon a corresponding sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating control signals for the manipulation of virtual objects in a computer system according to the gestures and positions of an operator's hand or other body part. The apparatus includes a glove worn on the hand which includes sensors for detecting the gestures of the hand, as well as hand position sensing means coupled to the glove and to the computer system for detecting the position of the hand with respect to the system. The computer system includes circuitry connected to receive the gesture signals and the hand position signals for generating control signals in response thereto. Typically, the control signals are used to manipulate a graphical representation of the operator's hand which is displayed on a monitor coupled to the computer system, and the graphical representations of the operator's hand manipulates virtual objects or tools also displayed by the computer.