Method and apparatus employing multi-functional controls and displays

• US 20080129707A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy R.
• Application Number:
  US11/980,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20080129707A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/175
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0312 for tracking the rotation of a spherical or circular member, e.g. optical rotary encoders used in mice or trackballs using a tracking ball or in mouse scroll wheels tracking relative movement in co-operation with a regularly or irregularly patterned surface, e.g. as in optical mice G06F3/0317; constructional details of scroll or thumb-wheels G06F3/0362; optical rotary encoders G01D5/3473
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0425 using a single imaging device like a video camera for tracking the absolute position of a single or a plurality of objects with respect to an imaged reference surface, e.g. video camera imaging a display or a projection screen, a table or a wall surface, on which a computer generated image is displayed or projected tracking a projected light spot to determine a position on a display surface G06F3/0386

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed video displays that can sense finger, object or other control information proximate the display face. Electro-optical sensing is general employed, though some embodiments illustrate conventional electronic means. Diverse applications to vehicles, homes and control systems and the like are discussed.

Claims

1. A method for displaying images and sensing the presence of finger touches or other object presence proximate the display face comprising the steps of:

providing a display capable of displaying both visible and near infrared pixels;

electro-optically detecting information reflected back toward the display face from said finger touches or objects; and

determining the presence and location of said fingers or objects using said information.