US4968877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
VideoHarp
Assignee: SENSOR FRAME Corp 4516 HENRY ST STE 505 PITTSBURGH PA 15213
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Filing: 1988-09-14
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Granted: 1990-11-06
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Expires: 2008-09-14
Abstract
Abstract The VideoHarp is an optical-scanning device for sensing and tracking the movement of multiple fingers which is then used to control the generation of light or sound or to control the motion of other physical objects. Preferably, the VideoHarp detects the images of a performer's fingertips using a single sensor. From these images, the movement of each fingertip is tracked and this information is translated into a standard output, which is preferably used to control a device which generates sound or light. The translation of the finger motion into control signals is programmable, enabling the VideoHarp to be played using a variety of different types of motions and gestures. For example, the VideoHarp may be played with harp-like or keyboard like gestures, by bowing or drumming motions, or even by gestures and motions with no analogue in existing instrument techniques.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul McAvinney
- 👤 Dean H. Rubine
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:14
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/32; G10H1/02; G10H1/04; G10H1/053; G10H1/055; G10H1/0553; G10H2220/00; G10H2220/155; G10H2220/405; G10H2220/411; G10H2230/00; G10H2230/045; G10H2230/075; G10H2230/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A gesture sensing device for controlling the motion of mechanical objects or the generation of music or light comprising: a physical instrument and a gesture mapping means, the physical instrument comprising: a plurality of gesture sensing surfaces joined along an edge; a light source located along the joined edge which illuminates an area above each gesture sensing surface; a reflective means for each gesture sensing surface located at an edge opposite the light source; and a sensor aligned with the light source via the reflective means such that the sensor detects a pattern of light and shadow falling on it as a result of a plurality of light occluding objects being placed in a gesture sensing plane in close proximity to the gesture sensing surfaces and wherein the pattern of light is used by the gesture mapping means to generate a plurality of output signals for controlling the motion of mechanical objects or the generation of music or light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A gesture sensing device for controlling the motion of mechanical objects or the generation of music or light comprising: a physical instrument and a gesture mapping means, the physical instrument comprising: a plurality of gesture sensing surfaces joined along an edge; a light source located along the joined edge which illuminates an area above each gesture sensing surface; a reflective means for each gesture sensing surface located at an edge opposite the light source; and a sensor aligned with the light source via the reflective means such that the sensor detects a pattern of light and shadow falling on it as a result of a plurality of light occluding objects being placed in a gesture sensing plane in close proximity to the gesture sensing surfaces and wherein the pattern of light is used by the gesture mapping means to generate a plurality of output signals for controlling the motion of mechanical objects or the generation of music or light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein there are two gesture sensing surfaces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device as described in claim 2 wherein the two gesture sensing surfaces are joined at an acute angle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as described in claim 2 wherein the sensor is located between the two gesture sensing surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as described in claim 2 wherein the reflective means comprises a mirror assembly with a plurality of mirrors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein the gesture sensing surface has a plurality of regions which are mapped into different output signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device as described in claim 6 wherein the output signals for a first region are determined by inputs from another region and by gestures in the first region.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as described in claim 4 wherein the gesture mapping means is located between the two gesture sensing surfaces.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device as described in claim 8 wherein the gesture mapping means comprises a control means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein there are two areas above each gesture sensing surface which are illuminated by the light source and wherein a pattern of light and shadow is detected for each area by the sensor to assist in determining the output signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein a microphone is located near the gesture sensing surface and is electrically connected to the gesture mapping means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein the output signals are MIDI signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device as described in claim 1 wherein the gesture mapping means uses the following steps to generate the output signals: (a) getting a ray list from the sensor; (b) creating an object list for the ray list; (c) assigning each object from the object list to a region; and (d) evaluating each region to generate output signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-11-05 | 1994-05-07 | 1994-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-11-05 | 1998-05-07 | 1998-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-11-05 | 2002-05-07 | 2002-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |