×

Method and apparatus for approximating depth of an object's placement onto a monitored region with applications to virtual interface devices

  • US 20030218761A1
  • Filed: 09/17/2002
  • Published: 11/27/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/22/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An electronic device for detecting a depth of an object'"'"'s placement on a monitored region, the electronic device comprising:

  • one or more light sources configured to direct structured light across the monitored region;

    a light detecting device configured to capture an image of a light pattern that forms on the object as a result of the object intersecting the structured light when being placed at a first position in the monitored region; and

    a processor configured to;

    identify a geometric characteristic of the image of the light pattern, wherein the geometric characteristic of the image is variable with a depth of the first position relative to where the light detecting device captures the image; and

    approximate the depth of the first position based on the identified geometric characteristic.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×