Kinetic input/output
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- (a) an articulated arm with actuators for moving an I/O device that is attached to the articulated arm;
(b) the I/O device, which I/O device comprises (1) a plurality of cameras for capturing visual data, and (2) a projector for projecting a projected multi-pixel image; and
(c) at least one processor for(i) analyzing the visual data to recognize an object or event, which object or event is neither the projected multi-pixel image nor distortion of the projected multi-pixel image,(ii) selecting a movement of the articulated arm in response to the object or event that is recognized,(iii) outputting movement control signals to cause the actuators to effect the movement, and(iv) also analyzing the visual data to detect distortion of the projected multi-pixel image and outputting-image control signals to correct the distortion;
wherein the plurality of cameras comprises a first camera and a second camera, the first camera is aligned with the projector, and the second camera is configured to swivel to image objects that are not in a line of sight of the first camera.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In exemplary implementations of this invention, an input/output device (“Bulb”) is attached to on an articulated, actuated robotic arm. The robotic arm can move the Bulb by translating it along three axes and by rotating it about the arm'"'"'s base. In addition, the I/O can rotate about its own vertical axis. The Bulb comprises at least a pico-projector, two cameras, a depth sensor and an onboard computer. The onboard computer controls actuators in the robotic arm and Bulb that move the Bulb. It also processes visual data captured by the cameras in order to recognize objects or events, and to respond to them. This response may include changing the position of the Bulb or changing the parameters of an image projected by the pico-projector.
20 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An apparatus comprising:
-
(a) an articulated arm with actuators for moving an I/O device that is attached to the articulated arm; (b) the I/O device, which I/O device comprises (1) a plurality of cameras for capturing visual data, and (2) a projector for projecting a projected multi-pixel image; and (c) at least one processor for (i) analyzing the visual data to recognize an object or event, which object or event is neither the projected multi-pixel image nor distortion of the projected multi-pixel image, (ii) selecting a movement of the articulated arm in response to the object or event that is recognized, (iii) outputting movement control signals to cause the actuators to effect the movement, and (iv) also analyzing the visual data to detect distortion of the projected multi-pixel image and outputting-image control signals to correct the distortion; wherein the plurality of cameras comprises a first camera and a second camera, the first camera is aligned with the projector, and the second camera is configured to swivel to image objects that are not in a line of sight of the first camera. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. An apparatus comprising:
-
(a) an articulated arm with actuators for moving an I/O device that is attached to the articulated arm; (b) the I/O device, which I/0 device comprises at least one sensor for capturing visual data and a projector for projecting a multi-pixel image; and (c) at least one processor for (i) analyzing the visual data to recognize a gesture, (ii) selecting a movement of the articulated arm in response to the gesture, (iii) outputting movement control signals to cause the actuators to effect the movement for a distance, in a direction or with a stopping point indicated by the gesture, the movement being to a new position, and (iv) outputting image control signals to cause the projector to project, from the new position, the multi-pixel image.
-
-
18. A process comprising:
-
(a) using actuators to move an articulated arm and thus an I/O device that is attached to the articulated arm, which I/O device comprises a plurality of cameras and a projector; (b) using the plurality of cameras to capture visual data (c) using the projector to project a projected multi-pixel image; and (c) using at least one processor (i) to analyze the visual data to recognize an object or event, which object or event is neither the projected multi-pixel image nor distortion of the projected multi-pixel image, (ii) to select a movement of the articulated arm in response to the object or event that is recognized, (iii) to output movement control signals to cause the actuators to effect the movement, (iv) to also analyze the visual data to detect distortion of the projected multi-pixel image, and (v) to output image control signals to correct the distortion; wherein (A) the plurality of cameras comprises a first camera and a second camera, (B) the first camera is aligned with the projector, and (C) the process further comprises using servo motors to swivel the second camera to image objects that are not in a line of sight of the first camera. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification