Powerless signal generator for use in conjunction with a powerless position determination device
First Claim
1. A pointing device comprising:
- a reflector; and
a powerless signal generator mechanism configured to generate a signal in response to a user action, wherein the signal is generated to trigger a function in a computing system.
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Abstract
A reflector and a powerless signal generator mechanism are incorporated into a single powerless pointing device. A light source generates a light signal, and the reflector incorporated within the powerless pointing device reflects the light signal back to a image collection system of a computer. Image data is generated, and is used to generate position data relating to the position of the reflector. The position is correlated to a position on a graphical user interface. A user action activates the powerless signal generator mechanism, generating a signal. The signal can be, for example, in the form of a sound pulse having one or more predetermined frequencies or an RF signal generated by a piezo-electric transducer.
60 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A pointing device comprising:
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a reflector; and
a powerless signal generator mechanism configured to generate a signal in response to a user action, wherein the signal is generated to trigger a function in a computing system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for generating position information related to a pointing device, the system comprising:
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a pointing device comprising;
a reflector; and
a powerless signal generator mechanism configured to generate a signal in response to a user action, wherein the signal triggers a function in a computing system;
an image collection system configured to generate image data that includes an indication of the reflector;
a processor configured to use the image data to generate position information related to the reflector; and
a receiver configured to detect the signal from the powerless signal generator mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for generating position information related to a pointing device, the system comprising:
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a computing system that utilizes a graphical user interface (GUI);
a pointing device for use with the GUI, the pointing device comprising;
a reflector; and
a powerless signal generator mechanism configured to mechanically generate a signal in response to a user action, wherein the signal is generated to trigger a first function of the GUI;
an image collection system configured to generate image data that includes an indication of the reflector;
a processor configured to use the image data to generate position information related to the reflector for use in navigating within the GUI; and
a receiver configured to detect the signal from the powerless signal generator mechanism and to provide the detected signal to the computing system to trigger the first function of the GUI. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for generating position information related to a pointing device, the method comprising:
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illuminating a reflector that is incorporated into a pointing device;
generating image data that includes an indication of the reflector;
generating position information related to the reflector using the image data;
generating a signal from the pointing device using energy provided from a user action;
detecting the signal; and
initiating a function in response to detection of the signal. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification