Telegraphy – Systems – Position coordinate determination for writing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-28
2003-10-07
Shankar, Vijay (Department: 2673)
Telegraphy
Systems
Position coordinate determination for writing
C178S018030, C178S018110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06630634
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to digitizing systems. More particularly, it pertains to cursors for digitizing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Digitizing systems generally include a movable cursor which is used in conjunction with a tablet having a planar sensing surface. A sheet bearing a two-dimensional design, such as technical drawings, etc., is positioned on the sensing surface of the tablet and an operator manually moves the cursor on the surface of the sheet to trace selected features of the design. Cross-hairs in a position-sighting aperture of the cursor may be used to align the cursor with a desired feature of the design.
The operator directs a computer connected to the digitizer to perform a particular operation based on the coordinates relative to the tablet of a particular point on the sheet below the cross-hairs by pressing a selection button on the cursor. The coordinates of that particular point may then be used by the computer in accordance with a software program, e.g., a computer-aided design (CAD) program. The position coordinates of the desired feature are determined by an interaction between, for example, inductive or capacitive elements in the digitizing tablet and the cursor.
One drawback in using the cursor is operator error in determining the proper position for the cursor, which results in a significant limitation on digitizer accuracy. One approach to solving this drawback is to provide magnification of the details of the design which assist the operator in correctly positioning the cursor. One example of this approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,044, issued to Murray on May 7, 1991. The Murray reference relates to a magnifying lens and a connector for mounting the magnifying lens to the cursor in a region near the cross-hairs of the cursor. However, a magnifying lens carried by a cursor to provide such desired magnification may interfere with use of the cursor when such magnification is unnecessary, or can become misplaced when the magnifying lens is removed from the cursor. In addition, the magnifying lens can restrict the operator's field of view in the area of the position-sighting aperture, and may interfere with the operator's ability to quickly recognize and locate desired details. Thus, while it may be desirable to magnify a surface below the cross-hairs to precisely position the cursor, it may also be desirable at other times to provide a clear line of sight for the operator to the position-sensing aperture. Another approach to solving this problem is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,480 which relates to an accessory for improving the accuracy of digitizer cursors. However, accessories for digitizer cursors can become misplaced, and/or interfere with the lens portion of the digitizing cursor.
Another drawback of cursors is that an operator is typically limited to the cross-hairs associated with that particular hand-digitizer. However, different technical drawings or illustrations may require different cross-hairs for the lens portion. Different removable lenses can be coupled with the view portion of the digitizer which offer different cross-hairs arrangements. However, this requires an operator to change the lens for different applications requiring a different layout of cross hairs. In addition, the removable lens can also become misplaced from the digitizing cursor.
Another approach to hand-digitizers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,105 issued Feb. 15, 1994 to Schlotterbeck et al. Schlotterbeck relates to a cursor with a quasi-sight window having a charge coupled device (CCD) panel for viewing a 2-dimensional area and an LCD panel for displaying it to the user. The quasi-sight window is not transparent, and relies on the CCD to view and the LCD panel to display the view. However, a virtual display memory means is necessary for receiving and storing digital data from the CCD for outputting the digital data to drive the LCD panel, which requires additional circuitry for the digitizing cursor. The CCD camera also requires expensive components to be included with the digitizing cursor. In addition, the operator is prevented from directing viewing the illustration through the quasi-sight window.
Accordingly, what is needed is a cursor which can easily accommodate the different cross-hairs requirements. What is further needed is a digitizing cursor which does not interfere with the view ability of the lens portion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A digitizing cursor for use with digitizing applications is provided where the cursor has a cursor body coupled with a lens holding portion. The lens holding portion has an aperture, which has a lens portion disposed within the aperture. The lens portion comprises a liquid crystal display which is adapted for viewing and displaying information to assist in positioning the cursor body. Alternatively, the liquid crystal display also has a transparent display made for allowing an unobstructed view of an area beneath the lens. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuation buttons are associated with the cursor body.
The lens portion, in one embodiment, is adapted to provide a variety of information and/or gradients displayed thereon. For instance, in one embodiment, the liquid crystal display has cross hairs displayed thereon. In another configuration, the liquid crystal display has a plurality of annular rings displayed thereon. In addition, the liquid crystal display can also have at least one character displayed thereon.
The digitizing cursor, in one embodiment, includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first and second sensors are adapted for re-orienting the display of information on the lens portion.
A digitizing cursor system is also provided which is adapted for use with digitizing applications. In one configuration, the system includes a digitizing cursor as in the previously discussed embodiments, and also a digitizing tablet. In another configuration, the system also includes a computer operatively coupled therewith.
A method for digitizing information on a document is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of moving a digitizing cursor relative to a digitizing tablet, where the digitizing cursor includes a cursor body with a liquid crystal display lens portion, and a first and second sensor operatively coupled therewith. The orientation of the cursor is sensed with the first and second sensors, and then the display of information and/or gradient lines of the liquid crystal display are re-oriented based on the information from the first and second sensors.
The liquid crystal display beneficially allows an operator to directly view the image below the lens. The liquid crystal display provides an inexpensive alternative to other cursors requiring sophisticated electronic circuitry or other components, since expensive camera equipment is not required. Further, extensive circuitry is not required to display the image below the lens portion of the cursor since the operator can directly view it, and the liquid crystal display requires only a minimal supply of power. Supplemental information can be displayed on the liquid crystal display to aid the operator. A further benefit provided is that gradient lines can be modified on the liquid crystal display without having to change lenses or cursors. This feature allows for electronic selection of multiple gradients. In addition, the two sensors provided with the cursor allow for the display or the gradients to be reoriented to match the orientation of the digitizer pad.
These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
REFERENCES
Flannery Michael R.
Vossler Stephen P.
Anglin J. M.
Gateway Inc.
Richardson Scott Charles
Schwegman - Lundberg Woessner - Kluth
Shankar Vijay
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