Optical system for inputting pointer and character data into electronic equipment
First Claim
1. A virtual data input device optically interfacing with an operator to detect the position of one or more objects within an input zone to allow the operator to enter data into associated electronic equipment, wherein each position of the objects within the input zone corresponds to a unique selection of data to be entered into the electronic equipment, the input device comprising:
- a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone with sensor light, the sensor light reflecting off the objects in a direction generally toward the input device;
an optical detector arranged to receive the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the objects within the input zone, the optical detector converting the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal; and
a microprocessor that receives the electrical signal from the optical detector and correlates the electrical signal to the unique selection of data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A virtual data input device to optically interface with an operator to detect the position of objects within a particular input zone, i.e., an area defined as a “virtual keyboard” in which the operator may interact to enter character or other data into associated computing equipment. Each character data corresponds to a unique arrangement and position of the objects within the input zone, e.g., operator'"'"'s fingers on the virtual keyboard. The input device includes a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone with sensor light. The source of optical sensor light may be ambient light surrounding the operator or a light emitting device adapted to emit light in a direction toward the operator'"'"'s fingers. The sensor light reflects off the objects in a direction generally toward the input device. The data input device also includes an optical detector arranged to receive the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the operator'"'"'s fingers within the input zone. The optical detector converts the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal representing the particular character data desired to be entered by the operator. A microprocessor then receives the electrical signal and correlates the electrical signal to character data. An image generator may be used to project an optical image that represents character data, e.g., an image of a real keyboard. The image generator may be formed using a deflective optical element such as a stencil designed to allow light to pass through portions of the stencil and a light generator positioned to emit visible light through the portions of the stencil, whereby the light passed through the stencil forms the optical image.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. A virtual data input device optically interfacing with an operator to detect the position of one or more objects within an input zone to allow the operator to enter data into associated electronic equipment, wherein each position of the objects within the input zone corresponds to a unique selection of data to be entered into the electronic equipment, the input device comprising:
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a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone with sensor light, the sensor light reflecting off the objects in a direction generally toward the input device;
an optical detector arranged to receive the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the objects within the input zone, the optical detector converting the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal; and
a microprocessor that receives the electrical signal from the optical detector and correlates the electrical signal to the unique selection of data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of detecting the position of objects within an input zone to allow an operator to enter data into electronic equipment, the data corresponding to a unique position of the objects within the input zone, the method comprising the steps of:
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establishing a reference position to associate an initial position of the objects within the input zone;
associating a plurality of positions of the objects within the input zone to unique data;
providing a source of optical sensor light;
illuminating the input zone with the source of optical sensor light such that the sensor light reflects off the objects;
receiving the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the objects within the input zone;
converting the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal;
correlating the electrical signal to the unique selection of data and inputting the selected data into the electronic equipment. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification