US3585628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer for generating animated images with overlap prevention and animation recording
Assignee: Computer Image Corp
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Filing: 1969-06-18
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Granted: 1971-06-15
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Expires: 1989-06-18
Abstract
Abstract A system for generating, animating and displaying one or more figures as a series of high frequency displays. The displays are produced by generating a plurality of vectors representing lines of a figure to be displayed. The vectors are located on the display by positioning voltages which uniquely determine the placement of each of the segments of the figure. The system further includes means to generate background information and to prevent the overlapping of foreground and background information. A coordinate transformation network provides resolution of the three-dimensional generated image into a two-dimensional display. Means are also provided for modulating the intensity of selected parts of the displayed image in accordance with shading requirements.
Inventors
- 👤 Lee Harrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:38
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/22; G06G7/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A network for resolving voltages representing three dimensions of a display subject into voltages representing two dimensions comprising a sine-cosine generation means, means to supply the voltages representing three dimensions as inputs to the generation means, variable means to produce selected sine and cosine value voltages of the said inputs, means to combine selected ones of the sine and cosine value voltages to produce the voltages representing two dimensions of the display, and means to vary the variable means to thereby vary the sine and cosine value voltages which in turn causes a variation in the viewing angle of the three dimensional display subject as represented by the two dimension voltages.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A network for resolving voltages representing three dimensions of a display subject into voltages representing two dimensions comprising a sine-cosine generation means, means to supply the voltages representing three dimensions as inputs to the generation means, variable means to produce selected sine and cosine value voltages of the said inputs, means to combine selected ones of the sine and cosine value voltages to produce the voltages representing two dimensions of the display, and means to vary the variable means to thereby vary the sine and cosine value voltages which in turn causes a variation in the viewing angle of the three dimensional display subject as represented by the two dimension voltages.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The network of claim 1 plus means to deliver the voltages representing two-dimensions of the display to the horizontal and vertical controls of a display tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
121 words
A network for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display device comprising means to generate deflection voltages to cause the beam of the display device to move according to the deflection voltages, a memory device for storing information particles, means to interrogate the memory device in an order correlated to the generation of deflection voltages, means to change the state of the information particles in the memory device as a function of interrogation of the same information particles more than once, means to modulate an electrical signal in response to the change in state of information particles, and means to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display device in response to the modulated electrical signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
121 words
A network for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display device comprising means to generate deflection voltages to cause the beam of the display device to move according to the deflection voltages, a memory device for storing information particles, means to interrogate the memory device in an order correlated to the generation of deflection voltages, means to change the state of the information particles in the memory device as a function of interrogation of the same information particles more than once, means to modulate an electrical signal in response to the change in state of information particles, and means to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display device in response to the modulated electrical signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The network of claim 3 wherein the memory device comprises a random access scanning device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The network of claim 4 wherein the scanning device has a scanner, and means connecting the deflection voltages to the scanner to cause the scanner to scan parallel to movement of the beam of the display device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The network of claim 5 wherein the scanning device comprises a vidicon tube.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of preventing overlap in the production of an image on a display device comprising the steps of generating voltages for deflecting the beam of a display device in a pattern corresponding to the locus points on the surfaces of a display subject, setting the state of stored information in a memory device to correspond to no interrogation thereof, interrogating the stored information in the memory device in parallel with the generation of deflection voltages, changing the state of those portions of the memory device that are interrogated, generating output signals from the memory device as it is interrogated, modulating the output signals according to the state of the information which is interrogated, and modulating the beam of the display device in response to the modulations of the output signals from the memory device.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
135 words
A method of preventing overlap in the production of an image on a display device comprising the steps of generating voltages for deflecting the beam of a display device in a pattern corresponding to the locus points on the surfaces of a display subject, setting the state of stored information in a memory device to correspond to no interrogation thereof, interrogating the stored information in the memory device in parallel with the generation of deflection voltages, changing the state of those portions of the memory device that are interrogated, generating output signals from the memory device as it is interrogated, modulating the output signals according to the state of the information which is interrogated, and modulating the beam of the display device in response to the modulations of the output signals from the memory device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the deflection voltages are generated in a sequence of preceding the generation corresponding to surface points behind other surface points with the generation corresponding to the said other surface points.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
137 words
A network for resolving three coordinate voltages representing and describing the three-dimensional configuration of a three-dimensional subject into two coordinate voltages representing a two-dimensional display of the subject as viewed from any selected angle comprising a sine-cosine generation means, means to supply the three coordinate voltages as inputs to the generation means, variable means to produce selected sine and cosine value voltages of the inputs, means to combine selected ones of the sine and cosine value voltages to produce the two coordinate voltages representing the two-dimensional display, and means to seleCtively vary the variable means for selection of a viewing angle whereby varying the variable means produces corresponding variations in the sine and cosine value voltages which in turn produce a corresponding variation in the viewing angle of the three-dimensional subject as represented by the two-dimensional display.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
137 words
A network for resolving three coordinate voltages representing and describing the three-dimensional configuration of a three-dimensional subject into two coordinate voltages representing a two-dimensional display of the subject as viewed from any selected angle comprising a sine-cosine generation means, means to supply the three coordinate voltages as inputs to the generation means, variable means to produce selected sine and cosine value voltages of the inputs, means to combine selected ones of the sine and cosine value voltages to produce the two coordinate voltages representing the two-dimensional display, and means to seleCtively vary the variable means for selection of a viewing angle whereby varying the variable means produces corresponding variations in the sine and cosine value voltages which in turn produce a corresponding variation in the viewing angle of the three-dimensional subject as represented by the two-dimensional display.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
168 words
A network for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display tube in the generation of animated images including foreground and background on the face of the display tube comprising an overlap scanning device having a scanning beam for scanning a surface, the scanning device having means to produce a first output voltage during scanning of the surface over areas not previously scanned and means to produce a second output voltage different from the first voltage during scanning of the surface over areas previously scanned, means to first cause the scanning beam of the scanning device to parallel the movement of the scanning beam of the display tube in drawing the foreground information, means to cause the scanning beam of the scanning device to parallel the movement of the scanning beam of the display tube in drawing the background information after drawing the foreground information, and means to modulate the scanning beam of the display tube when the scanning device produces the second voltage output.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
168 words
A network for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display tube in the generation of animated images including foreground and background on the face of the display tube comprising an overlap scanning device having a scanning beam for scanning a surface, the scanning device having means to produce a first output voltage during scanning of the surface over areas not previously scanned and means to produce a second output voltage different from the first voltage during scanning of the surface over areas previously scanned, means to first cause the scanning beam of the scanning device to parallel the movement of the scanning beam of the display tube in drawing the foreground information, means to cause the scanning beam of the scanning device to parallel the movement of the scanning beam of the display tube in drawing the background information after drawing the foreground information, and means to modulate the scanning beam of the display tube when the scanning device produces the second voltage output.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
93 words
The network of claim 10 including a background reading device for reading a source of background information, the background reading device having a voltage output proportional to the variations in the source of background information, means to produce modulations of the scanning beam of the display device according to the output from the background reading device to display background behind the foreground information, and means to cause the overlap scanning device to scan its surface parallel to the reading by the background reading device to prevent overlap of background with the foreground information.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display tube in the generation representing animated images including background comprising the steps of causing a scanning beam of an overlap scanning device to scan a surface with scanning movements parallel to those of the scanning beam of the display tube first in drawing the foreground information of the image to be generated and next in drawing the background information of the image to be generated, producing output voltages from the overlap scanning device according to whether or not the surface scanned by the overlap scanning device has been previously scanned, and modulating the intensity of the scanning beam of the display tube according to the output from the scanning device.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for preventing overlap of lines drawn on the face of a display tube in the generation representing animated images including background comprising the steps of causing a scanning beam of an overlap scanning device to scan a surface with scanning movements parallel to those of the scanning beam of the display tube first in drawing the foreground information of the image to be generated and next in drawing the background information of the image to be generated, producing output voltages from the overlap scanning device according to whether or not the surface scanned by the overlap scanning device has been previously scanned, and modulating the intensity of the scanning beam of the display tube according to the output from the scanning device.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for recording variations in parameter voltages used in producing an animated sequence comprising the steps of recording variations in first selected parameter voltages in a timed sequence, rerecording the first selected parameter voltages simultaneously with the recording of second selected parameter voltages in the same timed sequence, repeatedly rerecording the previously recorded parameter voltage information with additionally subtractor parameter voltage information until a recording is obtained containing all of the desired parameter voltage information variations, synchronizing the recording of additionally selected information with the rerecording of previously recorded information, and transmitting the information contained on the last recording for producing the animated sequence.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for recording variations in parameter voltages used in producing an animated sequence comprising the steps of recording variations in first selected parameter voltages in a timed sequence, rerecording the first selected parameter voltages simultaneously with the recording of second selected parameter voltages in the same timed sequence, repeatedly rerecording the previously recorded parameter voltage information with additionally subtractor parameter voltage information until a recording is obtained containing all of the desired parameter voltage information variations, synchronizing the recording of additionally selected information with the rerecording of previously recorded information, and transmitting the information contained on the last recording for producing the animated sequence.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for recording variations in parameter voltages used in producing an animated sequence comprising means for recording variations in first selected parameter voltages in a timed sequence, means for rerecording the first selected parameter voltages simultaneously with the recording of second selected parameter voltages in the same timed sequence, means for repeatedly rerecording the previously recorded parameter voltage information with additionally selected parameter voltAge information until a recording is obtained containing all of the desired parameter voltage information variations, means for synchronizing the recording of additionally selected information with the rerecording of previously recorded information, and means for transmitting the information contained on the last recording for producing the animated sequence.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for recording variations in parameter voltages used in producing an animated sequence comprising means for recording variations in first selected parameter voltages in a timed sequence, means for rerecording the first selected parameter voltages simultaneously with the recording of second selected parameter voltages in the same timed sequence, means for repeatedly rerecording the previously recorded parameter voltage information with additionally selected parameter voltAge information until a recording is obtained containing all of the desired parameter voltage information variations, means for synchronizing the recording of additionally selected information with the rerecording of previously recorded information, and means for transmitting the information contained on the last recording for producing the animated sequence.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising means having a predetermined intensity pattern of intensity information corresponding to each point on the images to be displayed, means for interrogating the intensity pattern means in synchronization with the generation of each part of the displayed image to produce a signal corresponding to the intensity information being interrogated, and means to modulate the intensity of the display tube with the signal.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
88 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising means having a predetermined intensity pattern of intensity information corresponding to each point on the images to be displayed, means for interrogating the intensity pattern means in synchronization with the generation of each part of the displayed image to produce a signal corresponding to the intensity information being interrogated, and means to modulate the intensity of the display tube with the signal.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising a film containing intensity information thereon corresponding to each point on the image to be displayed, scanning means, means to scan the film with the scanning means in synchronization with the generation of each part of the displayed image, means for generating a signal that varies in correspondence to the variations of intensity information on the film as the film is scanned, and means for modulating the intensity of the display tube beam with the signal, thereby producing variations in intensity and shading of the image.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
112 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising a film containing intensity information thereon corresponding to each point on the image to be displayed, scanning means, means to scan the film with the scanning means in synchronization with the generation of each part of the displayed image, means for generating a signal that varies in correspondence to the variations of intensity information on the film as the film is scanned, and means for modulating the intensity of the display tube beam with the signal, thereby producing variations in intensity and shading of the image.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for generating and displaying an animated figure and for applying shading to the figure comprising the steps of generating a series of reference voltages, each voltage having a characteristic representing lines on a display scope, each of predetermined length according to lengths of parts of the image to be displayed, for each reference line voltage applying selected voltages to the deflection plates of the display scope corresponding to the positions of the reference line, scanning a film in synchronization with the generation of the parts of the figure, the film having areas assigned to different parts of the image to be displayed, each area having variations in density proportional to distances of points on the surface of a part of the image from its axial reference line, generating a variable output vector voltage from the film scanner having an instantaneous value proportional to the density of the film area instantaneously scanned, continuously adding the vector voltage to the reference line voltages as they are drawn on the display tube, differentiating the variable vector voltage from the film scanner, and applying the differentiated voltage to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display tube.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
196 words
A method for generating and displaying an animated figure and for applying shading to the figure comprising the steps of generating a series of reference voltages, each voltage having a characteristic representing lines on a display scope, each of predetermined length according to lengths of parts of the image to be displayed, for each reference line voltage applying selected voltages to the deflection plates of the display scope corresponding to the positions of the reference line, scanning a film in synchronization with the generation of the parts of the figure, the film having areas assigned to different parts of the image to be displayed, each area having variations in density proportional to distances of points on the surface of a part of the image from its axial reference line, generating a variable output vector voltage from the film scanner having an instantaneous value proportional to the density of the film area instantaneously scanned, continuously adding the vector voltage to the reference line voltages as they are drawn on the display tube, differentiating the variable vector voltage from the film scanner, and applying the differentiated voltage to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display tube.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising means for generating an alternating signal for use as a time base for the generation of each part of the displayed image, a variable phase shifter, means for applying the alternating signal to the input of the variable phase shifter, and means for applying the output signal of the variable phase shifter to modulate the intensity of the display tube beam.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for modulating the intensity of the beam of a display tube in the generation of animated images to provide shading of these images comprising means for generating an alternating signal for use as a time base for the generation of each part of the displayed image, a variable phase shifter, means for applying the alternating signal to the input of the variable phase shifter, and means for applying the output signal of the variable phase shifter to modulate the intensity of the display tube beam.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
261 words
A method for generating and displaying an animated figure and for applying shading to the figure comprising the steps of generating an alternating signal for use as a time base for the generation of each part of the displayed image, generating a series of reference voltages in synchronization with the generation of the alternating signal, each reference voltage having a characteristic representing lines on a display scope, each of a predetermined length according to length of parts of the image to be displayed, for each reference line voltage applying selected voltages to the deflection plates of the display scope corresponding to the positions of The reference lines, scanning a film in synchronization with the generating of the parts of the figure, the film having areas assigned to different parts of the image to be displayed, each area having variations in density proportional to distances of points on the surface of the part of the image from its axial reference line, generating a variable output vector voltage from the film scanner having an instantaneous value proportional to the density of the film area instantaneously scanned, continuously adding the vector voltage to the reference line voltages as they are drawn on the display tube, differentiating the variable vector voltage from the film scanner, applying the alternating signal to the input of a variable phase shifter, summing the output from the variable phase shifter and the differentiated variable vector voltage together to produce an intensity modulation signal, and applying the intensity modulation signal to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display tube.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
261 words
A method for generating and displaying an animated figure and for applying shading to the figure comprising the steps of generating an alternating signal for use as a time base for the generation of each part of the displayed image, generating a series of reference voltages in synchronization with the generation of the alternating signal, each reference voltage having a characteristic representing lines on a display scope, each of a predetermined length according to length of parts of the image to be displayed, for each reference line voltage applying selected voltages to the deflection plates of the display scope corresponding to the positions of The reference lines, scanning a film in synchronization with the generating of the parts of the figure, the film having areas assigned to different parts of the image to be displayed, each area having variations in density proportional to distances of points on the surface of the part of the image from its axial reference line, generating a variable output vector voltage from the film scanner having an instantaneous value proportional to the density of the film area instantaneously scanned, continuously adding the vector voltage to the reference line voltages as they are drawn on the display tube, differentiating the variable vector voltage from the film scanner, applying the alternating signal to the input of a variable phase shifter, summing the output from the variable phase shifter and the differentiated variable vector voltage together to produce an intensity modulation signal, and applying the intensity modulation signal to modulate the intensity of the beam of the display tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-14 | 1974-12-14 | 1975-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-14 | 1978-12-14 | 1979-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-14 | 1982-12-14 | 1983-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |