Patents by Inventor Joe L. Walker

Joe L. Walker 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: 5908300
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Joe L. Walker, Paul C. Lyon, Richard B. Linton, Rulon Nye, Ralph W. Fisher, Jeffrey B. Edwards, Clifford N. Cox
  • Patent number: 5825538
    Abstract: In a multiple-projector concave-screen display system, spacial alignment of images on the screen, is enabled by designating calibration points with retro-reflective dots and illumination markers. The manufacture of the screen involves locating calibration points and depositing the dots with a tool utilizing a rotary mechanism for loading and applying the dots from solenoid actuated pod units. Areas for retro-reflective dots, versus illumination markers, are defined on the basis of reflectance angles between vectors to the screen from a projector and from the screen to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Joe L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5638208
    Abstract: In a multiple-projector concave-screen display system, spacial alignment of images on the screen, is enabled by designating calibration points with retro-reflective dots and illumination markers. The manufacture of the screen involves locating calibration points and depositing the dots with a tool utilizing a rotary mechanism for loading and applying the dots from solenoid actuated pod units. Areas for retro-reflective dots, versus illumination markers, are defined on the basis of reflectance angles between vectors to the screen from a projector and from the screen to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Joe L. Walker
  • Patent number: 5584696
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Joe L. Walker, Paul C. Lyon, Richard B. Linton, Rulon Nye, Ralph W. Fisher, Jeffrey B. Edwards, Clifford N. Cox
  • Patent number: 4239355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical translation linkage and lamp support apparatus for maintaining the projection light source inside a gimballed transparency displaced from the geometric center of the transparency and in a fixed spatial relation with the center of the transparency as the transparency rotates about any of its three mutually perpendicular axes. The translation apparatus employs only a mechanical linkage to ground and reacts to rotation of the support gimbal about either the X or Y axis to maintain the projection light source at the required position regardless of the attitude of the gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Vought Corporation
    Inventors: Hughie A. Brown, Jr., Joe L. Walker