Rodney Eric Williams

US Patent:

56064543, Feb 25, 1997

Filed:

Feb 17, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/019998

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX
Felix Garcia - Roundrock TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G02B 2722
G02B 2608

US Classification:

359462

Abstract:

A system wherein the observer can be positioned at the interior of a three dimensional display and observe the display looking outwardly therefrom. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the rotating disk of the prior art is made sufficiently large and at sufficient angle, preferably 45 degrees with respect to the shaft rotating the disk, so that the observer or a camera can be located in a conical portion of the cylinder swept out by the disk wherein the disk does not travel. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the rotating shaft onto which the disk is anchored is a hollow, transparent cylinder and is sufficiently large to retain a viewer or a camera within the cylinder. In this way, the observer can rotate 360 degrees within the cylinder to view the entire display looking outwardly from the interior thereof.

US Patent:

51226561, Jun 16, 1992

Filed:

Dec 13, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/626939

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Dallas TX
John Slaughter - Richardson TX
Felix Garcia - Roundrock TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

H01J 516

US Classification:

25022711

Abstract:

A sensor which comprises a light transmitting body having first and second opposing surfaces, the first surface having a first plurality of parallel grooves therein and wall members spacing the first grooves from each other, the second surface having a second plurality of parallel grooves therein extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first grooves, each of the second grooves optically coupled to one of the wall members, a first array of photoresponsive devices disposed at one end portion of the first grooves, the first array having a photoresponsive device associated with each groove of the first grooves and a second array of photoresponsive devices disposed at one end portion of the second grooves, the second array having photoresponsive device associated with each groove of the second grooves.

US Patent:

50429094, Aug 27, 1991

Filed:

Sep 17, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/584413

Inventors:

Felix Garcia - Williamson TX
Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G02B 2722
H04N 1304

US Classification:

359478

Abstract:

A three dimensional display wherein a scanned light beam is displayed upon a rotating display member rotating about a fixed axis for receiving and displaying the scanned light beam on a first surface thereof, fixed points in the display impinging upon the display member to display a harmonic motion along an axis passing through the scanned light beam in response to rotation of the display means. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the display member is translucent and a second scanned light beam is displayed upon an opposing surface of the display member for receiving and displaying the second scanned light beam on the opposing surface thereof to display a harmonic motion along an axis passing through the second scanned light beam in response to rotation of the display means.

US Patent:

51610540, Nov 3, 1992

Filed:

Dec 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/629794

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX
Felix Garcia - Roundrock

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G02B 2722

US Classification:

359462

Abstract:

A method of viewing a three dimensional display and structure therefor which comprises providing a three dimensional display, providing a projection surface which is a sector of a substantial spheroid, providing projection optics projecting the three dimensional display onto the projection surface and placing an observer within the substantial spheroid. In accordance with a second embodiment there is provided a method of viewing a three dimensional display comprising providing a double parabolic mirror, providing a three dimensional display within the double parabolic mirror, projecting an image of the three dimensional display external of the parabolic mirror and viewing the image from a location external of the double parabolic mirror.

US Patent:

51575469, Oct 20, 1992

Filed:

Dec 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/629806

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX
Felix Garcia - Roundrock TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G02B 2722
H04N 1304

US Classification:

359462

Abstract:

A system wherein the observer can be positioned at the interior of a three dimensional display and observe the display looking outwardly therefrom. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the rotating disk of the prior art is made sufficiently large and at sufficient angle, preferably 45 degrees with respect to the shaft rotating the disk, so that the observer or a camera can be located in a conical portion of the cylinder swept out by the disk wherein the disk does not travel. In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the rotating shaft onto which the disk is anchored is a hollow, transparent cylinder and is sufficiently large to retain a viewer or a camera within the cylinder. In this way, the observer can rotate 360 degrees within the cylinder to view the entire display looking outwardly from the interior thereof.

US Patent:

53583779, Oct 25, 1994

Filed:

May 4, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/879514

Inventors:

Tommy D. Wright - Irving TX
Felix Garcia - Round Rock TX
Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F04D 2900

US Classification:

415165

Abstract:

There is disclosed a system and method for rotationally controlling a circular structure, such as a dome, from the outer circumference of the dome. The system uses an air driven motor having a circular fixed section and a movable section. The movable section is attached to the rim of the dome and is supported by pressurized air over the fixed section. Air, or other fluid, is used to drive the movable section, and hence the dome, around the circle. The dome speed is controlled by air pressure and the position of the dome is monitored.

US Patent:

50244949, Jun 18, 1991

Filed:

Feb 21, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/482471

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX
Felix Garcia - RoundRock TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G03H 102

US Classification:

350 36

Abstract:

The disclosure relates to a pointer for a three dimensional display wherein a scanned light beam is displayed upon a rotating display member rotating about a fixed axis for receiving and displaying the scanned light beam on a first surface thereof, fixed points in the display impinging upon the display member to display a harmonic motion along an axis passing through the scanned light beam in response to rotation of the display means. A beam of focussed light, preferably from a laser is modulated to synchronize with rotation of the display member to provide a visible point in the display at a predetermined location therein. A second embodiment provides an encoder, light conducting rod bundle and sensor to determine the three dimensional location of the point denoted by the pointer.

US Patent:

50855077, Feb 4, 1992

Filed:

Dec 27, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/457439

Inventors:

Rodney D. Williams - Plano TX
Felix Garcia - Round Rock TX

Assignee:

Texas Instruments Incorporated - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G01B 1126

US Classification:

356152

Abstract:

A device for tracking an object (12) in three dimensional space is provided which comprises a fiber optic sensor array (14). Fiber optic sensor array (14) comprises a row plane (16) and a column plane (18) each comprising a plurality of parallel optical fibers bonded together. A row detector (20) is coupled to the ends of the fibers comprising row plane (16). A column detector (22) is coupled to the ends of the fibers comprising column plane (18). Row and column detectors (20) and (22) are coupled to a decoder circuit (24). First and second beam generators (26) and (28) are affixed to the object (12) and are each operable to transmit beams (30) and (32) which terminate on the fiber optic sensor array (14). By determining the points of incidence of beams (30) and (32), the decoder circuit (24) may determine the position of the object (12) in three dimensional space.