Passive virtual reality
OwnerFrancis J. Maguire, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing, in response to image signals originating in an object space, mixed image signals for providing nonuniform resolution images for stimulating simulated active percepts for passive perception by a viewer in an image space. The images have a highly detailed component which has its image content changed according to changes in the direction of a simulated observer's eye position in an object space. The images may be provided stereoscopically. The images may be provided at various apparent distances and the relationship between accommodation and convergence may be preserved. Audio waves for directionally simulating that which would be heard by the simulated observer may be provided.
Claims32
A method, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an image signal encoded with image information for successive images, each image having nonuniform resolution comprising an area of greater resolution in a position in the image and within a surrounding area of lesser resolution together being simulative of retinal resolution, wherein the position of the area of greater resolution in the image changes between the successive images, said changes in the position of the area of greater resolution being indicative of changes in direction of a visual axis of an eye,
- decoding the input image signal, for providing a decoded image signal, and
- providing, in response to the decoded image signal, successive light images with said image information simulative of retinal resolution having areas of greater and lesser resolution, for viewing by the viewer with a visual axis of an eye of the viewer directed toward the area of greater resolution, wherein said image changes between the successive images are indicative of changes in direction of a visual axis of an eye, but other than an eye of the viewer, for emulation by the visual axis of the eye of the viewer.
Apparatus, comprising:
- a receiver, responsive to an image signal encoded with nonuniform resolution image information for successive images, for decoding the image signal, for providing a decoded image signal, and
- a display, responsive to the decoded image signal, for providing successive light images for viewing by a viewer, each image having nonuniform resolution comprising an area of greater resolution in a changing position in the image and within a surrounding area of lesser resolution together being simulative of retinal resolution for viewing by the viewer along a visual axis of an eye of the viewer directed toward the area of greater resolution, wherein the position of the area of greater resolution in the image changes between the successive images, said changes in the position of the area of greater resolution being indicative of changes in direction of a visual axis of an eye other than the eye of the viewer, for emulation by the visual axis of the viewer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.