Multipoint, virtual control, and force based touch screen applications

• US 20080129704A1
• Filed: 10/31/2007
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tactile Feedback Technology LLC
• Original Assignee: Timothy R. Pryor
• Inventors: Pryor, Timothy R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,973,773 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04109 FTIR in optical digitiser, i.e. touch detection by frustrating the total internal reflection within an optical waveguide due to changes of optical properties or deformation at the touch location
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/011 Arrangements for interaction with the human body, e.g. for user immersion in virtual reality blind teaching G09B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0304 Detection arrangements using opto-electronic means constructional details of pointing devices not related to the detection arrangement using opto-electronic means G06F3/033; optical digitisers G06F3/042
• 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

A method and apparatus are provided providing a touch screen having multipoint sensing and/or force based sensing and feedback capability useful in many applications which extend beyond traditional computer applications. The touch screen can be located in many non-traditional locations as well, such as desks, tables, walls, vehicles, and the like. The apparatus may be used by a single user, or multiple users, employing fingers, hands, feet and other body portions, if desired or practical. Related applications for virtual image or physical control applications are also disclosed

Claims

1. A method for controlling a function using a virtual control image on a touch screen comprising the steps of;

providing a display on said screen of a virtual control image;

touching said image in such as manner as to effect a change in a control state or position;

communicating said change to a computer controlling a function, and

changing said image to reflect the new state or position of said controlled function.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said control image is an actuator, such as a knob, slider, lever, switch, or throttle.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said control change is effected by sliding at least one finger on said touch screen.