Sensor-based distributed tangible user interface
First Claim
1. A tangible user interface, comprising:
- a plurality of tangible user interface manipulative devices, each tangible user interface manipulative device being independently manipulable relative to the other tangible user interface manipulative devices, each tangible user interface manipulative device comprising;
at least one wireless communications device;
a visual display for digital content;
a power source;
at least one movement sensor; and
at least one controller adapted for;
receiving data from the movement sensor;
processing the received data to derive movement parameters; and
at least one of forwarding the derived movement parameters or initiating tangible user interface behaviour in response to the derived movement parameters; and
at least one management application, the management application being adapted for;
sending digital content or behavior instructions to individual tangible user interface manipulative devices;
receiving derived movement parameters from at least one of the tangible user interface manipulative devices;
processing derived movement parameters to derive instructions about management of the digital content or program behavior; and
changing program behavior or managing the digital content according to the derived instructions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A distributed tangible user interface comprises compact, self-powered, tangible user interface manipulative devices having sensing, display, and wireless communication capabilities, along with one or more associated digital content or other interactive software management applications. The manipulative devices display visual representations of digital content or program controls and can be physically manipulated as a group by a user for interaction with the digital information or software application. A controller on each manipulative device receives and processes data from a movement sensor, initiating behavior on the manipulative and/or forwarding the results to a management application that uses the information to manage the digital content, software application, and/or the manipulative devices. The manipulative devices may also detect the proximity and identity of other manipulative devices, responding to and/or forwarding that information to the management application, and may have feedback devices for presenting responsive information to the user.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A tangible user interface, comprising:
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a plurality of tangible user interface manipulative devices, each tangible user interface manipulative device being independently manipulable relative to the other tangible user interface manipulative devices, each tangible user interface manipulative device comprising; at least one wireless communications device; a visual display for digital content; a power source; at least one movement sensor; and at least one controller adapted for; receiving data from the movement sensor; processing the received data to derive movement parameters; and at least one of forwarding the derived movement parameters or initiating tangible user interface behaviour in response to the derived movement parameters; and at least one management application, the management application being adapted for; sending digital content or behavior instructions to individual tangible user interface manipulative devices; receiving derived movement parameters from at least one of the tangible user interface manipulative devices; processing derived movement parameters to derive instructions about management of the digital content or program behavior; and changing program behavior or managing the digital content according to the derived instructions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A tangible user interface manipulative device, comprising
a visual display; -
at least one wireless communications device, the wireless communications device being adapted for receiving behaviour commands or digital content for display on the visual display; a power source; at least one movement sensor; and at least one controller adapted for; receiving data from the movement sensor; and at least one of; processing the received data to derive movement parameters; initiating behaviour as a result of the data or movement parameters; and forwarding the derived movement parameters or the received data using the wireless communications device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for facilitating user interaction with digital content or application programs, comprising the steps of:
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displaying a visual representation of at least one of digital content or program control elements on a plurality of tangible user interface manipulative devices, such that a subset of the digital content or program control elements is displayed on any individual device; detecting at least one of a manipulation of at least one of the tangible user interface manipulative devices or a location-based relationship between at least two of the tangible user interface manipulative devices; and deriving digital content relationship information or instructions from the detected manipulation or relationship. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification