Quasi-three-dimensional method and apparatus to detect and localize interaction of user-object and virtual transfer device
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system used with a virtual device inputs or transfers information to a companion device, and includes two optical systems OS1, OS2. In a structured-light embodiment, OS1 emits a fan beam plane of optical energy parallel to and above the virtual device. When a user-object penetrates the beam plane of interest, OS2 registers the event. Triangulation methods can locate the virtual contact, and transfer user-intended information to the companion system. In a non-structured active light embodiment, OS1 is preferably a digital camera whose field of view defines the plane of interest, which is illuminated by an active source of optical energy. Preferably the active source, OS1, and OS2 operate synchronously to reduce effects of ambient light. A non-structured passive light embodiment is similar except the source of optical energy is ambient light. A subtraction technique preferably enhances the signal/noise ratio. The companion device may in fact house the present invention.
134 Citations
27 Claims
-
1-13. -13. (Cancelled)
-
14. A system enabling a user-manipulated user-object used with a virtual transfer device to transfer information to a companion device, the system comprising:
-
a central processor unit including memory storing at least one software routine;
a first optical system defining a plane substantially parallel-to and spaced-above a presumed location of said virtual transfer device;
a second optical system having a relevant field of view encompassing at least portions of said plane and responsive to user-object penetration of said plane to interact with said virtual transfer device;
means for determining relative position of a portion of said user-object on said plane;
wherein said system transfers information to said companion device enabling user-object with said virtual transfer device to affect operation of said companion device - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
-
Specification