Video camera based computer input system with interchangeable physical interface
First Claim
1. A computer input system comprising:
- a support frame configurable to engage with a plurality of spatial reference members, each spatial reference member being configurable to engage with the support frame such that the spatial reference members are interchangeable with each other, wherein a first one of the spatial reference members is associated with a different application than a second one of the spatial reference members;
a first physical object movable within a first spatial region associated with the first spatial reference member when it is engaged with the support frame;
indicia associated with a position of the first physical object; and
a detector arranged to detect the indicia associated with the position of the first physical object and to generate signals for inputting into an application of a computer, the application being related to which spatial reference member is engaged with the support frame.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer input system and method is described which includes a spatial reference member having a body with a first surface and an opposing second surface. The spatial reference member separates a first spatial region including the first surface from a second spatial region including the second surface. A physical object is movable within the first spatial region. Optical indicia tracks the physical object through the body. The optical indicia is observable from the second spatial region. An optical detector positioned in the second spatial region tracks the optical indicia and develops signals which may serve as inputs to a computer. The object may emit a signal which is tracked by the optical detector.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A computer input system comprising:
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a support frame configurable to engage with a plurality of spatial reference members, each spatial reference member being configurable to engage with the support frame such that the spatial reference members are interchangeable with each other, wherein a first one of the spatial reference members is associated with a different application than a second one of the spatial reference members; a first physical object movable within a first spatial region associated with the first spatial reference member when it is engaged with the support frame; indicia associated with a position of the first physical object; and a detector arranged to detect the indicia associated with the position of the first physical object and to generate signals for inputting into an application of a computer, the application being related to which spatial reference member is engaged with the support frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of providing input to a computer comprising:
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providing a support frame configurable to engage a plurality of spatial reference members, each spatial reference member being configurable to engage with the support frame such that the spatial reference members are interchangeable with each other, wherein a first one of the spatial reference members is associated with a different application than a second one of the spatial reference members; engaging the first spatial reference member with the support frame such that a first spatial region is defined by the engaged first spatial reference member; moving a physical object within the first spatial region; detecting an indicia associated with the physical object, the indicia being associated with at least a position of the physical object; and determining at least the position of the physical object based on the detected indicia. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A detection system for inputting into an application program of a computer, the detection system comprising:
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a frame arranged to engage a plurality of platforms, the platforms being interchangeable, each platform being associated with an application program, wherein a first one of the platforms is associated with a different application program than a second one of the platforms; a first physical object movable relative to the first platform, the first physical object having a marker; and a detector arranged to detect the marker of the first physical object thereby determining a position of the first physical object relative to the first platform and to generate signals for inputting into the application program associated with the first platform. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification