Method, apparatus, and memory for creating at least two virtual pointing devices

• US 5,812,118 A
• Filed: 06/25/1996
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lenovo Singapore Pte Limited (Lenovo Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Shieh, Johnny Meng-Han
• Primary Examiner(s): Saras, Steven J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vail, Seth D.
• Application Number:
  US08/672,519
• Time in Patent Office: 819 Days
• Field of Search: 345/156, 345/173, 345/174, 345/175, 345/177, 364/927.64, 364/961.2, 364/978, 323/904, 463/37
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture directing a computer system, having at least a processor, memory, and touchscreen, to create at least two virtual pointing devices. The method includes the steps of detecting at least two hands placed on the touchscreen, determining if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand based on the shape of each hand, if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand, creating a virtual pointing device under at least a portion of each hand in accordance with the pre-defined characteristics, and if pre-defined characteristics do not exist for at least one of the hands, creating a generic virtual pointing device under at least a portion of the hand or a unique pointing device.

Claims

1. A method for directing a computer system, having at least a processor, memory, and touchscreen, to create at least two virtual pointing devices, comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting at least two hands placed on the touchscreen;

(b) determining if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand based on the shape of each hand;

(c) if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand, creating a virtual pointing device under at least a portion of each hand in accordance with the pre-defined characteristics; and

(d) if pre-defined characteristics do not exist for at least one of the hands, creating a generic virtual pointing device under at least a portion of the hand.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises the step of:

detecting heat, pressure, or sound from the hand to determine the shape of the finger.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein step (b) comprises the steps of:

measuring a distance between the palm of the hand and at least one finger of the hand;

searching a database containing pre-defined characteristics for a substantial match of the distance; and

if a substantial match is found, reading the pre-defined characteristic associated with the match.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the pre-defined characteristics associate a finger behavior with invoking a command.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises the steps of:

reading memory for generic characteristics; and

creating a generic virtual pointing device under the hand in accordance with the generic characteristics.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises the steps of:

displaying a menu on the touchscreen for creating a unique pointing device;

in response to detecting at least one entry from the menu, creating a unique virtual pointing device under at least a portion of the hand in accordance with the entry.

7. A method for directing a computer system, having at least a processor, memory, and touchscreen, to create at least two virtual pointing devices, comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting at least two hands placed on the touchscreen;

(b) determining if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand based on the shape of each hand;

(c) if pre-defined characteristics exist for each one of the hands, creating a virtual pointing device under at least a portion of each hand in accordance with the pre-defined characteristics; and

(d) if pre-defined characteristics do not exist for at least one of the hands, creating a customized pointing device under at least a portion of the hand.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein step (a) comprises the step of:

detecting heat, pressure, or sound from the hand to determine the shape of the finger.

9. The method according to claim 7 wherein step (b) comprises the steps of:

measuring a distance between the palm of the hand and at least one finger of the hand;

searching a database containing pre-defined characteristics for a substantial match of the distance; and

if a substantial match is found, reading the pre-defined characteristic associated with the match.

10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the pre-defined characteristics associate a finger behavior with invoking a command.

11. A computer system, having at least a processor, memory, and touchscreen, for creating at least two virtual pointing devices, comprising:

(a) means for detecting at least two hands placed on the touchscreen;

(b) means for determining if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand based on the shape of each hand;

(c) if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand, means for creating a virtual pointing device under at least a portion of each hand in accordance with the pre-defined characteristics; and

(d) if pre-defined characteristics do not exist for at least one of the hands, means for creating a generic virtual pointing device under at least a portion of the hand.

12. A computer system, having at least a processor, memory, and touchscreen, for creating at least two virtual pointing devices, comprising:

(a) means for detecting at least two hands placed on the touchscreen;

(b) means for determining if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand based on the shape of each hand;

(c) if pre-defined characteristics exist for each hand, means for creating a virtual pointing device under at least a portion of each hand in accordance with the pre-defined characteristics; and

(d) if pre-defined characteristics do not exist for at least one of the hands, means for creating a unique virtual pointing device under the hand.