CONTACT TRACKING AND IDENTIFICATION MODULE FOR TOUCH SENSING
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of interpreting the output of a touch sensor comprising the steps of:
- a. receiving a set of contact data from a touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising a touch surface and a plurality of sensors distributed beneath the touch surface, each sensor represented by a sensor identification;
b. associating each sensor with one or more datum regarding the state of the sensor at a particular time;
c. creating groups of sensor identifications, each group representing sensors that correspond to a single hand part;
d. evaluating both sensor data associated with each group and stored data, to estimate path and contact information for each group;
e. associating each group with either a right hand or left hand;
f. associating each group with a specific hand part; and
g. storing a data structure comprising at least a portion of the information about each group.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
263 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of interpreting the output of a touch sensor comprising the steps of:
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a. receiving a set of contact data from a touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising a touch surface and a plurality of sensors distributed beneath the touch surface, each sensor represented by a sensor identification;
b. associating each sensor with one or more datum regarding the state of the sensor at a particular time;
c. creating groups of sensor identifications, each group representing sensors that correspond to a single hand part;
d. evaluating both sensor data associated with each group and stored data, to estimate path and contact information for each group;
e. associating each group with either a right hand or left hand;
f. associating each group with a specific hand part; and
g. storing a data structure comprising at least a portion of the information about each group. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 20)
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12. A method of interpreting the output of a touch sensor comprising the steps of:
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h. receiving a first set of contact data from a touch sensor at time t1, the touch sensor comprising a touch surface and a plurality of sensors distributed beneath the touch surface, each sensor represented by a sensor identification;
i. receiving a second set of contact data from the touch sensor at time t2;
j. receiving a third set of contact data from the touch sensor at time t3;
k. for each set of contact data, associating each sensor with one or more datum regarding the state of the sensor;
l. for each set of contact data, creating groups of sensor identifications, each group representing sensors that correspond to a single hand part;
m. for each set of contact data, evaluating both sensor data associated with each group and stored data, to estimate path and contact information for each group, wherein stored data from the third set of contact data, comprises information associated with the first set of contact data and the second set of contact data;
n. for each set of contact data, associating each group with either a right hand or left hand;
o. for each set of contact data, associating each group with a specific hand part; and
p. for each set of contact data, storing a information comprising at least a portion of the information about each group. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A system for interpreting the output of a touch sensor comprising:
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q. a touch sensor comprising a touch surface and a plurality of sensors distributed beneath the touch surface, each sensor represented by a sensor identification;
r. one or more datum associated with the state of the sensor at a particular time;
s. a data structure identifying groups of sensor identifications, each group representing sensors that correspond to a single hand part;
t. program instructions for interpreting the data structure and other information regarding the sensors to estimate path and contact information for each group;
u. program instructions for associating each group with either a right hand or left hand;
v. program instructions for associating each group with a specific hand part. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification