US5990865A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer interface device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-01-06
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Granted: 1999-11-23
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Expires: 2017-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A user's movements are detected by a capacitive system having one or more conductors. The output from the conductors is amplified and compared to a table of stored output. Thus, the device can eliminate the need to touch a control surface. The control surface such as a computer mouse could be eliminated in favor of merely sensing a user's hand movement. Likewise, the array of conductors could be placed in a panel that could be mounted on a wall. Such panels could be used in a factory to sense the movement of workers or a machinery. Indeed, the movements could be analyzed and warnings sounded if a collision is predicted.
Inventors
- 👤 Matthew Davis Gard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:08
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/011; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0346; G06F3/041; G06F3/044; G06V; G06V40/00; G06V40/20; G06F2203/00; G06F2203/041; G06F2203/04101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A control device for translating a user's non-tactile movement into a control action comprising: (a) a surface connected to a first conductor for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a first plane along a first axis of the surface; (b) a second conductor connected to said surface, said second conductor being used for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a second plane along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis of the surface; (c) a third conductor connected to said surface, said third conductor being used for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a third plane along a third axis, perpendicular to the first and second axis of the surface; (d) means for translating the sensed movement into three-dimensional vector data; and (e) means for correlating said three-dimensional vector data into control movement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A control device for translating a user's non-tactile movement into a control action comprising: (a) a surface connected to a first conductor for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a first plane along a first axis of the surface; (b) a second conductor connected to said surface, said second conductor being used for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a second plane along a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis of the surface; (c) a third conductor connected to said surface, said third conductor being used for sensing the user's non-tactile movement within a third plane along a third axis, perpendicular to the first and second axis of the surface; (d) means for translating the sensed movement into three-dimensional vector data; and (e) means for correlating said three-dimensional vector data into control movement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The control device of claim 1 wherein said translating means comprises circuitry to determine the change in voltage in the dielectric area of said first, second, and third conductors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The control device of claim 1 wherein said translating means comprises circuitry to measure the change in the frequency of said first, second, and third conductors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The control device of claim 3 wherein said translating means further comprises heterdoyning said frequency with a fixed oscillator.
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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) | 2002-11-22 | 2003-05-24 | 2003-11-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-22 | 2007-05-24 | 2007-11-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-22 | 2011-05-24 | 2011-11-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |