Joe L Walker

US Patent:

58255389, Oct 20, 1998

Filed:

Feb 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/802326

Inventors:

Joe L. Walker - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

G03B 2156

US Classification:

359451

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.

US Patent:

56382081, Jun 10, 1997

Filed:

Jul 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/685154

Inventors:

Joe L. Walker - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

G03B 2156

US Classification:

359443

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.

US Patent:

55846963, Dec 17, 1996

Filed:

Jul 28, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/282925

Inventors:

Joe L. Walker - Salt Lake City UT
Paul C. Lyon - Sandy UT
Richard B. Linton - Salt Lake City UT
Rulon Nye - Salt Lake City UT
Ralph W. Fisher - Park City UT
Jeffrey B. Edwards - Salt Lake City UT
Clifford N. Cox - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

G09B 924
G09B 934

US Classification:

434 43

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. The visual display provides stereoscopic "pupil forming" images of positional states of the hang glider to the riders at a fixed point of reference relative to the visual display.

US Patent:

59083000, Jun 1, 1999

Filed:

Dec 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/763717

Inventors:

Joe L. Walker - Salt Lake City UT
Paul C. Lyon - Sandy UT
Richard B. Linton - Salt Lake City UT
Rulon Nye - Salt Lake City UT
Ralph W. Fisher - Park City UT
Jeffrey B. Edwards - Salt Lake City UT
Clifford N. Cox - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation - Salt Lake City UT

International Classification:

G09B 924
G09B 934

US Classification:

434 43

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. The visual display provides stereoscopic "pupil forming" images of positional states of the hang glider to the riders at a fixed point of reference relative to the visual display.