US5479528A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Intelligent work surfaces
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1994-07-22
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Granted: 1995-12-26
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Expires: 2014-07-22
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for implementing intelligent work surfaces are provided. Work surfaces, such as desktops and floors, are covered with a tactile sensing array to provide tactile data to a processor. Regions on the sensing arrays may be defined to include predetermined sensing elements of the sensing array and may be specified to function as input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. Once defined, regions may be redefined to reposition a specified input device. Regions also may be respecified to function as a different input device. The arrays also may collect data at predetermined intervals for analysis, such as for identifying an individual or an object. For example, the force-image of an individual's handprint or footprint could be taken, analyzed, and compared against data representing the force-images of known individuals.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas H. Speeter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:30
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/041; G06F3/033; G06V; G06V40/00; G06V40/10; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/30; G07C9/32; G07C9/37; G06F3/0414; G06F3/04144
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for identifying a person, comprising the steps of: sampling a tactile sensor array to record a force-image of a handprint that is characteristic of the person, tactile sensor array comprising a plurality of sensing elements; determining from the recorded force-image information characteristic of the person; comparing the information characteristic of the person with information characteristic of known individuals; and identifying the person as one of the known individuals on the basis of the comparing step, wherein the determining step comprises: defining an origin at a centroid of the force-image; determining a set of principle axes of the force-image; performing connected region analysis on the force-image to separate the force-image into a plurality of connected regions; identifying the connected regions corresponding to fingertips of the force-image; identifying a pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin; calculating the distances between a predetermined point on the force-image and the pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin; and calculating the width of the palm of the force-image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for identifying a person, comprising the steps of: sampling a tactile sensor array to record a force-image of a handprint that is characteristic of the person, tactile sensor array comprising a plurality of sensing elements; determining from the recorded force-image information characteristic of the person; comparing the information characteristic of the person with information characteristic of known individuals; and identifying the person as one of the known individuals on the basis of the comparing step, wherein the determining step comprises: defining an origin at a centroid of the force-image; determining a set of principle axes of the force-image; performing connected region analysis on the force-image to separate the force-image into a plurality of connected regions; identifying the connected regions corresponding to fingertips of the force-image; identifying a pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin; calculating the distances between a predetermined point on the force-image and the pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin; and calculating the width of the palm of the force-image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the sampling step comprises: summing pixels output from successive samples of the sensor array to produce the force-image; subtracting a predetermined value from each non-zero pixel; setting to zero all pixels having a value less than zero; and setting to one all non-zero pixels.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
140 words
A method for identifying a person, comprising the steps of: sampling a tactile sensor array to record a force-image that is characteristic of the person; determining from the recorded force-image information characteristic of the person; comparing the information characteristic of the person with information characteristic of known individuals; and identifying the person as one of the known individuals on the basis of the comparing step, wherein the determining step comprises: defining an origin at a centroid of the first force-image of the series of sequential force-images; calculating for each succeeding force-image: a centroid of the force-image, the distance between the centroid of the force-image and the origin, and a sum of all pixel values of the force-image; and correlating for each force-image the sum and the distance between the centroid of the force-image and the origin, to characterize the person.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
140 words
A method for identifying a person, comprising the steps of: sampling a tactile sensor array to record a force-image that is characteristic of the person; determining from the recorded force-image information characteristic of the person; comparing the information characteristic of the person with information characteristic of known individuals; and identifying the person as one of the known individuals on the basis of the comparing step, wherein the determining step comprises: defining an origin at a centroid of the first force-image of the series of sequential force-images; calculating for each succeeding force-image: a centroid of the force-image, the distance between the centroid of the force-image and the origin, and a sum of all pixel values of the force-image; and correlating for each force-image the sum and the distance between the centroid of the force-image and the origin, to characterize the person.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of reinterpolating the sum and the distance to obtain data values at predetermined intervals for characterizing the person.
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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) | 1998-12-25 | 1999-06-26 | 1999-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-25 | 2003-06-26 | 2003-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-25 | 2007-06-26 | 2007-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |