Brightpen/pad graphic device for computer inputs and the like

• US 4,949,079 A
• Filed: 05/07/1987
• Issued: 08/14/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HUGH Loebner
• Original Assignee: HUGH Loebner
• Inventors: Loebner, Hugh
• Primary Examiner(s): Brier, Jeffery A.
• Application Number:
  US07/046,722
• Time in Patent Office: 1,195 Days
• Field of Search: 340/706, 340/707, 340/708, 340/709, 340/712, 178/18, 382/56, 382/68, 358/285, 358/488, 358/496
• US Class Current: 345/180
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0428 by sensing at the edges of the touch surface the interruption of optical paths, e.g. an illumination plane, parallel to the touch surface which may be virtual sensing beam interruptions in a planar beam grid of an optical touch-screen G06F3/0421

Abstract

Scanning devices are used to enter graphic information into computer systems. They typically use photo-optic detectors. Digitizing devices are used to enter coordinate positions into computer systems. One technique uses styluses, either fingers or light emitters. This invention shows how the same photo-optical systems can perform both functions.

Claims

1. An apparatus for digitizing graphic information on sheets of paper and the like comprising means of transporting said sheets of paper, photodetectors and collimators in the form of a detector array capable of imaging successive lines of graphic information on said sheet of paper and which photodetectors are also used to digitize the coordinate position of a light emitting stylus or light absorbing stylus by means for converting analog signals from said photodetectors to digital signals suitable for input into a computer or the like.

2. A graphic apparatus according to claim 1 in which the collimators are a plurality of next adjacent tubes and the detector array is a linear array of photodetectors aligned with, and behind the collimators.

3. A graphic apparatus according to claim 1 in which the detector array includes a lens.

4. A graphic apparatus according to claim 1 which uses a single detector array for imaging coordinate position of stylus comprising a plurality of mirrors.