Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-26
2001-08-28
Luu, Matthew (Department: 2672)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
C345S158000, C345S168000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06281878
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus and method for inputting data. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method that may be embodied in a relatively small package and still provide a full sized, or larger, input device.
2. Description of the Background
Input devices are used in almost every aspect of everyday life, including computer keyboards and mice, automatic teller machines, vehicle controls, and countless other applications. Input devices, like most things, typically have a number of moving parts. A conventional keyboard, for example, has moveable keys that open and close electrical contacts. Moving parts, unfortunately, are likely to break or malfunction before other components, particularly solid state devices. Such malfunction or breakage is even more likely to occur in conditions that are dirty or dusty. Furthermore, input devices have become a limiting factor in the size of small electronic devices, such as laptop computers and personal organizers. For example, to be efficient a keyboard input device must have keys that are spaced at least as far apart as the size of the user's finger tips. Such a large keyboard has become a limiting factor as electronic devices become smaller.
Some prior art devices have attempted to solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems. For example, touch screens can sense a user touching an image on the monitor. Such devices, however, typically require sensors and other devices in, on, or around the monitor. Furthermore, reducing the size of such an input device is limited to the size of the monitor.
Other prior art devices sense the position of a user's finger using light sensors. Those devices, however, often require light sensors to be located above and perpendicular to the keyboard, or other input device. As a result, they tend to be bulky and are not suited for use in small, hand-held devices.
Other prior art devices sense position of a user's finger with light sensors located on the surface to be monitored. In the case of a keyboard, for example, such devices typically require that sensors be located at the corners or other boundaries of the keyboard. As a result, they are bulky because the sensors must be spread out to be at least the same size as the keyboard. Such a device does not lend itself to use in a small, hand held device or in providing a full sized keyboard, or other input device.
As a result, the need exists for an input device that is large enough to be used efficiently, and which can be contained within a small package, such as an electronic device, like as a laptop computer or a personal organizer. The need also exists for an input device that is not susceptible to failure caused by particulate matter, such as dirt and dust.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes an input device for detecting input with respect to a reference plane. The input device includes a light sensor positioned to sense light at an acute angle with respect to the reference plane and for generating a signal indicative of sensed light, and a circuit responsive to said light sensor for determining a position of an object with respect to the reference plane. The portion of the object with respect to the reference plane can then be used to produce an input signal of the type that is now produced by a mechanical device. That input signal is input to an electronic device, such as a portable computer or a personal organizer.
The present invention also includes a method of determining an input. The method includes providing a source of light, sensing light at an acute angle with respect to a reference plane, generating at least one signal indicative of sensed light, determining a position of an object with respect to the reference plane from the at least one signal indicative of the sensed light, and determining an input from the position of the object with respect to the reference plane.
The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by providing for an input device that is compact and that allows for a full sized keyboard or other input means to be provided. Unlike prior art devices that require sensors to be located directly above the area to be sensed or at the boundaries of the area to be sensed, the present invention allows the input device to be self contained and remote from the area to be sensed.
Those and other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments hereinbelow.
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Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP
Luu Matthew
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