US6750848B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
More useful man machine interfaces and applications
Assignee: GESTURE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLC
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Filing: 1999-11-03
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Granted: 2004-06-15
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Expires: 2019-11-03
Abstract
Abstract The invention is a continuation of earlier applications aimed at providing affordable methods and apparatus for inputting position, attitude(orientation) or other object characteristic data to computers for the purpose of controlling the display thereof. Preferred embodiments utilize electro-optical sensors such as TV cameras, to input data from objects and fingers, and/or other body parts of the user, to laptop, hand held and other computers used for Computer Aided learning, Gaming, 3D graphics, internet commerce and other applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy R. Pryor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:11
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/0304; G06F3/017; G06F3/0325; G06F3/033; G06F3/038; G06F3/0386
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for entering data into a computer, comprising the steps of: providing a generally planar member containing a keyboard associated with the computer, the member having a TV camera incorporated therein for viewing above the keyboard but precluded from viewing the keyboard, providing a display to display data generated or controlled by the computer, utilizing the TV camera to acquire an image of a portion of a user or an object associated with the user located above the keyboard, determining from the image, the position of the portion of the user and/or the object, and from the position, determining data to be entered into the computer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for entering data into a computer, comprising the steps of: providing a generally planar member containing a keyboard associated with the computer, the member having a TV camera incorporated therein for viewing above the keyboard but precluded from viewing the keyboard, providing a display to display data generated or controlled by the computer, utilizing the TV camera to acquire an image of a portion of a user or an object associated with the user located above the keyboard, determining from the image, the position of the portion of the user and/or the object, and from the position, determining data to be entered into the computer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 1 , further including the step of determining orientation from the position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 2 , further including the step of determining a point on the display which is being pointed at by the user.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a second TV camera is used in conjunction with the first-mentioned TV camera.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the first-mentioned and second TV cameras form a stereo pair.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 5 : wherein the first-mentioned and second TV cameras forming the stereo pair are both incorporated in the member on left and right sides thereof; and further including the step of viewing a space above the keyboard with the stereo pair of TV cameras.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the second TV camera is located in a housing of the display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the second camera is also incorporated in the member and is spaced from the first TV camera.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the determining step includes analyzing colors or shapes in the image.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a datum on the user portion is used to aid in the determining step.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the computer is a laptop computer with an integrated display.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for entering data into a computer, comprising the steps of: providing a generally planar member containing a keyboard associated with the computer, the member having a TV camera incorporated therein for viewing above the keyboard but precluded from viewing the keyboard, providing a display to display data generated or controlled by the computer, utilizing the TV camera to acquire an image of a portion of a user or an object associated with the user located above the keyboard, determining from the image, the orientation of the user portion and/or the object, and from the orientation, determining data to be entered into the computer.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for entering data into a computer, comprising the steps of: providing a generally planar member containing a keyboard associated with the computer, the member having a TV camera incorporated therein for viewing above the keyboard but precluded from viewing the keyboard, providing a display to display data generated or controlled by the computer, utilizing the TV camera to acquire an image of a portion of a user or an object associated with the user located above the keyboard, determining from the image, the orientation of the user portion and/or the object, and from the orientation, determining data to be entered into the computer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , further including the step of determining position of at least one point on the user or object.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , further including the step of determining a point on the display which is being pointed at by the user.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , wherein a second TV camera is are used in conjunction with the first-mentioned TV camera.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the first-mentioned aid second TV cameras form a stereo pair.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 16 : wherein the first-mentioned and second TV cameras forming the stereo pair are both incorporated in the member on left and right sides thereof; and further including the step of viewing a space above the keyboard with the stereo pair of TV cameras.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the second TV camera is located in a housing of the display.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the determining step includes analyzing colors or shapes in the image.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , wherein a datum on the user portion is used to aid in the determining step.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the computer is a laptop computer with an integrated display.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for entering data into a computer as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the second camera is also incorporated in the member and is spaced from the first TV camera.
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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) | 2007-06-15 | 2007-12-15 | 2008-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-06-15 | 2011-12-15 | 2012-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-06-15 | 2015-12-15 | 2016-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |