Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!caen!dali.cs.montana.edu!milton!hlab
From: galt@es.com (Greg Alt - Perp)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: power glove/ eyephones
Message-ID: <1991May7.010552.24752@milton.u.washington.edu>
Date: 6 May 91 22:33:10 GMT
Sender: hlab@milton.u.washington.edu (Human Int. Technology Lab)
Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., Salt Lake City, UT
Lines: 31
Approved: cyberoid@milton.u.washington.edu



First, I called the BYTE bbs, and they don't have any files before 
January 1991. So does anyone have any other ideas on code to convert 
PG movements to cursor movements?

Second, does anyone have any ideas about a cheap version of eyephones?  
It seems to me that a powerglove could be used for the position sensor 
(just aim it backwards, and put the receivers behind you) and still 
let you use a power glove for a glove.  Then, 2 EGA/VGA cards (is this 
possible in a PC?) and 2 lcd displays of some sort.  The LCD displays 
would be about $150 each, with the graphics cards costing about $100 
each.  That would be $550 total which seems a little on the expensive side.

To save money, you could have only one display and use a lens to 
magnify it (they sell something like that for GameBoy) for about $20.  
While it would not have impressive 3D, you could still have the view 
change as the position changes. This would cost around $200-$300.  
Any ideas on how interesting this would be?

One advantage to this is that if it turns out to be a stupid idea, you 
are only out a few bucks. (you could also use the gloves for your 
Nintendo, and you have a functional portable TV).  Also, there is still 
the problem of the Power Glove/PC interface.  And what are the problems 
involved in displaying graphics on an LCD tv?  Is it even possible?

I'm hoping for a (relatively) complete VR setup that is less than 
$500 and can be used with a 386 (I guess a 387 would probably be 
necessary for the graphics, also).

     -Greg