Virtual holographic input method and device

• US 20040095315A1
• Filed: 11/12/2003
• Published: 05/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Virdex, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Virdex, Inc.
• Inventors: Montellese, Steve
• Granted Patent: US 7,671,843 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 1/0005 Adaptation of holography to specific applications holographic optical element G02B5/32; holographic scanner G02B26/106; recognition using holographic mask G06V10/88; holographic memories G11B7/0065, G11C13/042
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 1/0443 Digital holography, i.e. recording holograms with digital recording means holobject computation G03H1/0866
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 1/2294 Addressing the hologram to an active spatial light modulator
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 2001/0061 in haptic applications when the observer interacts with the holobject
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 2001/0088 for video-holography, i.e. integrating hologram acquisition, transmission and display
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 2001/0445 Off-axis recording arrangement G03H2001/0456 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G03H 2210/30 3D object
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0425 using a single imaging device like a video camera for tracking the absolute position of a single or a plurality of objects with respect to an imaged reference surface, e.g. video camera imaging a display or a projection screen, a table or a wall surface, on which a computer generated image is displayed or projected tracking a projected light spot to determine a position on a display surface G06F3/0386

Abstract

An input device for detecting input with respect to a three dimensional area in space. The input device includes an electromagnetic wave interference projector and receiver. The analysis of the difference between the projected interference pattern and the received interference pattern will determine the type and location of the user input. In addition, this holographic type of wave interference will display the image to be “manipulated” or “touched”.

Claims

1. A system for detection of an object in an area in space comprised of an image generated by waves in one of a visible and an invisible spectral range, the system comprising:

an imager configured such that a holographic image is projected onto the area;

a reception device configured such that the reception device registers the imaged area, wherein the reception device is specifically balanced for a spectral range corresponding to the waves; and

a computer configured with a recognition algorithm, wherein the image area is recreated on the reception device and a difference between an image generation pattern and an image received is compared using the recognition algorithm.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the imager is one of a reflective solid state imaging device and a transmissive solid state imaging device.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the reception device is a solid state sensing device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image represents one of an input terminal, a keyboard, a pointing device, a game, and a musical instrument.

5. A method for detecting an object in an area, the method comprising the steps of:

generating a holographic image as a reference for user interaction with a function available thereto in the area by a computer, the image appearing in a predetermined area and being seen by the user and sensing device;

moving an object into the predetermined area;

using a reception device specifically balanced for the spectral range corresponding to the waves to detect the object;

matching the interference pattern imaged on the sensor with the original pattern subtracted from the current image pattern, mathematically, globally or otherwise; and

triggering a function by the object in that the object dwells or moves in the field for a predetermined time.

6. A method for modifying an original template image to acknowledge or represent in some manner the interface with a user, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) detecting the movement and location of an interaction by the user;

(b) determining an appropriate response for the action [what action];

(c) regenerating the image of the template to accommodate the functionality; and

(d) repeating steps a-c.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of moving a mouse pointer associated with the object across the projected area by moving a finger of a user.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of implementing the control characteristic as one of a finger of a user, a hand of a user or a pointer.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of implementing the control characteristic as one of a finger of a user, a hand of a user or a pointer wherein the image of the device will change in response to the user'"'"'s interaction, thereby giving the user feedback of successful (or unsuccessful) interaction.

10. A circuit and/or software program, or other computing engine for calculating the relative position of said object with respect to one or more reference points, based on said processing of movement and position.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said circuit includes a processor for applying an algorithm for calculating said movement and position of said object.

the device of claim 10 wherein said algorithm utilizes fuzzy logic.

the device of claim 10 wherein said algorithm utilizes global pattern comparison.

the device of claim 10 wherein said algorithm utilizes pattern analysis to compare features of a transformation or image.

12. The device of claim 10 further comprising an interface for connecting said device to a computer, such that said data representing the movement and position of said object can be transferred from said device to said computer via said interface.

The device of claim 13 wherein said interface is hard wired.

The device of claim 13 wherein said interface is wireless.

The device of claim 13 wherein said wireless interface is selected from a group comprising infrared, RF and microwave.