System and Method for Projecting Control Graphics
First Claim
1. A system for projecting graphics onto a surface, comprising:
- a. a projection unit;
b. a surface positioned to receive a projected image from said projection unit; and
c. a sensing mechanism for sensing a predetermined stimulus, the sensing mechanism being adapted to cause a control signal to be transmitted to the projection unit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for projecting graphics onto a surface are provided. According to exemplary embodiments, systems and methods for projecting control graphics onto a surface that includes control functionality are provided. The surface may take the form of a control panel, touch panel or the like. The control panel is typically operatively connected to various components and/or systems, and is typically adapted to control various operations and/or functionalities. The control graphics are generally projected onto the surface, e.g., the control panel or touch panel, in response to a stimulus, e.g., user interaction. In exemplary embodiments, the stimulus/user interaction may take the form of voice command, user proximity (e.g., to a sensor), or the like. Graphic projection onto the surface may vary in intensity (e.g., over a range of dim to bright), and may be undetectable (e.g., non-existent) in the absence of the requisite stimulus. In further exemplary embodiments, information (e.g., programming reminders) or images (e.g., decorative images) may be projected onto the surface in place of control graphics, e.g., in the absence of the requisite stimulus.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A system for projecting graphics onto a surface, comprising:
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a. a projection unit; b. a surface positioned to receive a projected image from said projection unit; and c. a sensing mechanism for sensing a predetermined stimulus, the sensing mechanism being adapted to cause a control signal to be transmitted to the projection unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling projected images, comprising:
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a. providing a unit that includes a projection unit, a surface for receiving a projected image, and a sensing mechanism that communicates (directly or indirectly) with the projection unit; b. supplying a stimulus to said sensing mechanism; and c. permitting said sensing mechanism to cause a control signal to be generates for transmission to the projection unit. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the projection unit is adapted to generate images that are selected from verbiage, icons, symbols and combinations thereof.
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16. A method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the stimulus is in response to proximity of a system user.
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17. A method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the stimulus is a voice command.
Specification