US4550250A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cordless digital graphics input device
Assignee: HEI Inc
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Filing: 1983-11-14
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Granted: 1985-10-29
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Expires: 2003-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A cordless graphics input device system for use with a computer. The device comprises an infrared emitting module useable on any surface adjacent a detector having a pair of patterned concave sensors. Coordinate information is determined via a detector contained microprocessor relative to the sensed analog position data.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne A. Mueller
- 👤 Scott D. Schuette
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:13
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/041; G06F3/042; G06F3/0304
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A photo-optic sensor system for producing positional data relative to the location of a point light source comprising: a hand positionable omnidirectional point light source; an opaque screen having first and second optically transparent slits formed therethrough at spaced-apart location which first and second planes of light may pass; first and second light guides mounted in the respective paths of said first and second light planes, each having an opaque mask thereon defining a plurality of patterned openings upon which said planes of light impinge; first and second sensor means coupled to said respective first and second light guides for producing at least a reference output and a positionally proportional output relative to said point light source; and processing means responsive to said reference and positionally proportional outputs for producing the Cartesian coordinates of said point light source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A photo-optic sensor system for producing positional data relative to the location of a point light source comprising: a hand positionable omnidirectional point light source; an opaque screen having first and second optically transparent slits formed therethrough at spaced-apart location which first and second planes of light may pass; first and second light guides mounted in the respective paths of said first and second light planes, each having an opaque mask thereon defining a plurality of patterned openings upon which said planes of light impinge; first and second sensor means coupled to said respective first and second light guides for producing at least a reference output and a positionally proportional output relative to said point light source; and processing means responsive to said reference and positionally proportional outputs for producing the Cartesian coordinates of said point light source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said point light source includes means for selectively controlling the duty cycle of said point light source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said processing means include means for decoding the duty cycle of said point light source and producing an output indicative thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of said plurality of openings of said first and second light guides is of a shape complimentary to another of said plurality of openings of said first and second light guides.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of the openings of said first and second light guides is a window of continuously changing height along a length dimension thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein one of the openings of said first and second light guides is a window of generally constant height.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light guides include an opaque divider between each of said patterned openings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said processing means includes means for determining the positional coordinates of said point light source relative to one another and the respective angles A and B formed therewith as said respective first and second light planes impinge upon said first and second light guides.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said processing means includes means for determining X, where ##EQU1## and where D is the distance between said first and second slits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 including means for determining Y, where Y=X TAN A or Y=TAN B (D-X).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for ensuring that said point light source is in range, before said processing means determines the coordinate position of said point light source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said point light source is manipulatable upon any surface relative to said detector so long as said light impinges upon said patterned openings on said first and second light guides and sensors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sensor system for producing positional coordinate data comprising: a cordless hand movable light source; a detector module having an opaque screen and at least two parallel and spaced-apart transparent slits formed therein and through which planes of light from said source may pass, sensor means disposed behind said slits for detecting the intensities of the respective light planes relative to a reference and means responsive to each of said detected intensities for determining the angle of incidence of said light planes, whereby the positional coordinates of said light source relative to said detector module are determined.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
97 words
A sensor system for producing positional coordinate data comprising: a cordless hand movable light source; a detector module having an opaque screen and at least two parallel and spaced-apart transparent slits formed therein and through which planes of light from said source may pass, sensor means disposed behind said slits for detecting the intensities of the respective light planes relative to a reference and means responsive to each of said detected intensities for determining the angle of incidence of said light planes, whereby the positional coordinates of said light source relative to said detector module are determined.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-10-28 | 1989-04-29 | 1989-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-10-28 | 1993-04-29 | 1993-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-10-28 | 1997-04-29 | 1997-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |