Method and apparatus for entering data using a virtual input device
First Claim
1. A system to enable a user to interact with a virtual input device using a user-controlled object, the system comprising:
- a single sensor system that acquires data representing a single image at a given time, from which data three-dimensional coordinate information of a relevant position of at least a portion of said user-controlled object may be determined such that a location defined on said virtual input device contacted by said user-controlled object is identifiable; and
a processor system to determine whether a portion of said user-controlled object contacted a location defined on said virtual input device, and if contacted to determine what function of said virtual input device is associated with said location;
wherein said system determines if, when in time, and where interaction between said user-controlled object and said virtual input device occurs.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A user with hand or stylus inputs information to a companion system such as a PDA, a cell telephone, an appliance, or other device using a virtual input device such as an image of a keyboard. A sensor captures data representing a single image at a given time, from which data three-dimensional positional information as to if, when in time, and where on the virtual input device user-interaction or contact occurred. The processed digital information is output to the companion system. In a virtual keyboard application, the companion system can display an image of a keyboard, including an image of a keyboard showing user fingers, and/or alphanumeric text as such data is input by the user on the virtual input device.
391 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A system to enable a user to interact with a virtual input device using a user-controlled object, the system comprising:
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a single sensor system that acquires data representing a single image at a given time, from which data three-dimensional coordinate information of a relevant position of at least a portion of said user-controlled object may be determined such that a location defined on said virtual input device contacted by said user-controlled object is identifiable; and
a processor system to determine whether a portion of said user-controlled object contacted a location defined on said virtual input device, and if contacted to determine what function of said virtual input device is associated with said location;
wherein said system determines if, when in time, and where interaction between said user-controlled object and said virtual input device occurs. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for a user to interact with a virtual input device using a user-controlled object, the method comprising the following steps:
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(a) acquiring data representing a single image at a given time from a single sensor system, from which data three-dimensional coordinate information of a relevant position of at least a portion of said user-controlled object may be determined such that a location defined on said virtual input device contacted by said user-controlled object is identifiable; and
(b) processing data acquired at step (a) to determine whether a portion of said user-controlled object contacted a location defined on said virtual input device, and if contacted to determine what function of said virtual input device is associated with said location;
wherein said method determines if, when in time, and where interaction between said user-controlled object and said virtual input device occurs. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification