More useful man machine interfaces and applications

Abstract

The invention is a continuation of earlier applications aimed at providing affordable methods and apparatus for inputting position, attitude (orientation) or other object characteristic data to computers for the purpose of controlling the display thereof. Preferred embodiments utilize electro-optical sensors such as TV cameras, to input data from objects and fingers, and/or other body parts of the user, to laptop, hand held and other computers used for Computer Aided learning, Gaming, 3D graphics, internet commerce and other applications.

1 . A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, each of said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,    analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement of the child or object,    from said determination, comparing the position or movement to pre-programmed criteria, and    providing data to said child.    
   
   
       2 - 11 . (canceled)  
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 1 , including the additional step of recording data of said position or movement of said child for subsequent analysis.  
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein said recorded data is used to diagnose problems of the child.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein infra-red illumination of said child is used.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said point is on the clothing or an article of play of said child.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said data provided to said child is audio data.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said data provided to said child is visual data.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said data provided to said child concerns one or more of the parents of said child.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 1 , including the additional step of providing high contrast datums on said child or object which may be more easily seen by said one or more TV cameras.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said data is designed to elicit a response from said child which can be determined using said one or more TV cameras.  
   
   
       21 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said data is designed to improve the intelligence of said child.  
   
   
       22 . A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,    analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement data of said child or object,    recording said position or movement data for analysis, and    using said recorded data, enhancing the well being of said child.    
   
   
       23 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said data is used to determine potential problems of the child.  
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said data is designed to elicit a response from said child which can be determined using said TV camera.  
   
   
       25 . A method according to  claim 22 , wherein said data is used to determine appropriate responses to the child.  
   
   
       26 . A method for enhancing the well-being of small children including babies, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning one or more TV cameras to observe one or more points on said child or objects associated with said child, each of said one or more TV cameras having an output signal,    analyzing the output signals of said one or more TV cameras to determine the position or movement of said child or object,    from said determination, comparing the position or movement to pre-programmed criteria, and    if certain criteria are met, transmitting an image of said child to a remote monitor for observation.    
   
   
       27 . A method according to  claim 26 , including the further step of transmitting other data relating to said child.