RANGE DETECTION AND MOTION CAPTURE

Number: 20170265160
Published: 2017-09-14
Filed: 2016-03-14
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: BARTON; Mark Robert, GOSLIN; Michael Paul, HASELTINE; Eric C.
CPC: H04W64/006; H04W4/80
Verdict: High Notable software
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

A line-of-sight range detection system using a light or infrared emitter and photodiode receiver to sense distance and motion for interactive experiences.

Abstract

Embodiments herein disclose a range detection system that includes a line-of-sight (LOS) emitter that outputsa LOS signal (e.g., visible light, infrared, etc.) which is detected at a receiver (e.g.,a photodiode). The receiver outputs a signal representing the intensity of the LOS signalat the receiver. The output signal is converted into a digital signal which is then used to identify a distance value corresponding to the intensity of the LOS signal. For example, the range detection system may include a data structure that maps a plurality of digitalsignals to respective distance values. In this manner, the intensity of the LOS signal measured at the receiver can be correlated to a distance between the emitter and the receiver.

Background

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited aspects are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments ofthis invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram ofa line-of-sight communication system, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of performing infrared range detection, according to one embodimentdescribed herein.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an infrared communication system, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of a pre-amplifier and rectifier of an infrared communication system, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of performing motion capture using line-of-sight signals, according to one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a motion capture system, according to one embodiment described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficial

Claims

1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a line-of-sight (LOS) receiver, a LOSsignal outputted by a separate LOS emitter; generating a value representing an intensity of the received LOS signal; and processing the value using a predefined relationship to determine a separation distance between the LOS receiver and the LOS emitter, wherein the predefined relationship is derived using a known output intensity of the LOS emitter when generating the LOS signal. 9. A system, comprising: a line-of-sight (LOS) receiver configured to receive a LOS signal outputted by a LOS emitter external to the system; logic configured to: generate a value representing an intensity of the received LOS signal; and processthe value using a predefined relationship to determine a separation distance between the LOS receiver and the LOS emitter, wherein the predefined relationship is derived using a known output intensity of the LOS emitter when generating the LOS signal. 16. A system, comprising: an emitter light emitting diode (LED) configured to output a line-of-sight (LOS) signal; a receiver LED configured to receive the LOS signal; logic configured to: generatea value representing an intensity of the received LOS signal; and process the value usinga predefined relationship to determine a separation distance between the receiver LED andthe emitter LED, wherein the predefined relationship is derived using a known output intensity of the emitter LED when generating the LOS signal.