Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods employing fiber optic shape and position tracking. The systems, devices, and methods permit measurement of and continuous tracking of the shape and position of objects whose shape dynamically changes with time. Applications include tracking and monitoring of endoscopes for diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isotonic six degree-of-freedom input device to be grasped by a user's fingers and manipulated by both fingers, wrist and upper limb. The device includes a housing having a shape and dimension effective to permit a user to grasp and manipulate the housing using the fingers of his hand. In one embodiment the housing encloses an interior cavity adapted to contain a position sensor. The entire housing is a pressure sensitive switch which is activated by the user squeezing the housing with his fingers and/or thumb from any position on the outer surface of the housing. In a preferred embodiment the input control device is spherical in shape and has a textured outer surface adapted to prevent slippage in the user's fingers. In addition to the large muscle groups of the shoulders, arm and hand, the input device makes extensive use of the small muscle groups of the fingers and thumb.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image generator for superimposing a stereographic pointer video signal onto a composite standard video signal, the genrator comprises a computer for generating the stereographic pointer video signal in response to an input signal representive of the three dimensional coordinates of a point in a three dimensional video image, a video synchronizing circuit for receiving the composite standard video signal and delivering a synchronization signal to the computer, and a video keying circuit for receiving the composite standard video signal and the stereographic pointer video signal and superimposing the stereographic pointer video signal onto the composite standard video signal to produce a single combined video signal, the single combined video signal allowing the stereographic pointer video signal and the composite standard video signal to be viewed together simultaneously on the same video screen.

Abstract: An electro-optical device for influencing the presentation of visual information when placed before the eyes of an observer, comprising one or more cholesteric liquid crystal cells which, under the control of an electric driving signal, can be rapidly switched, by means of the cholesteric-nematic phase change effect, between a clear, transparent texture and a cloudy, scattering texture. The invention is particularly suited for applications as a spectacle-mounted stroboscope, tachistoscope or stereoscopic viewer, wherein special features are the absence of color distortion, the continued illumination of the eye during visual occlusion and the very high switching speeds.