Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-06
2001-08-14
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S156000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275214
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a system and method for remotely controlling a computer by optically tracking and synchronizing a wireless optical pointer with a projected image of the computer screen.
BACKGROUND ART
A number of systems and methods for remotely controlling a computer have been developed to adapt the conventional keyboard/mouse interface to a wide variety of user applications and preferences. A variety of technologies including ultrasonic, infrared, and radio frequency (RF) have been used to afford users increased mobility relative to the computer processor and/or display screen. These technologies typically employ custom transmitters/receivers to communicate control and status information between the user and the computer which may be used to control the computer. A number of systems use sensors positioned on the user, on the computer, and/or on a display screen to detect movement of the user and/or a wireless pointing device relative to the sensors. While acceptable for certain applications, these techniques may be limited by line-of-sight requirements or distance, for example. Likewise, these systems require complex and often expensive equipment which may not be readily adaptable to different forums having audiences ranging from a few individuals to a filled auditorium.
As computers are increasingly being used for graphical presentations and/or demonstrations, larger display devices are used to provide viewing by audiences of varying size. Many presentations, such as slide shows and the like, require relatively simple control of the computer during the actual presentation. Commands which advance or reverse slides or initiate a display sequence require only a basic user interface or remote control to communicate with the computer. However, more sophisticated presentations or demonstrations, such as used for software user training or promotion, require a more sophisticated interface or remote control to effectively operate the computer. Conventional strategies require the presenter to either remain within close proximity of the computer to operate the keyboard and/or pointing device (mouse, touchpad, track ball, etc.) or have an assistant perform the required operations.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for remotely controlling a computer in a similar manner as performed by a conventional pointing device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for remotely controlling a computer based on characteristics of an optical pointer used to superimpose a cursor or visual cue onto a projected image of a computer screen.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for synchronizing position and/or movement of a cursor on a computer screen with position and/or movement of an optical pointer.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for detecting characteristics of an optical pointer, such as shape, color, intensity, motion, or similar characteristics relative to a computer display to provide commands to a computer.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for remotely controlling a computer using position-related commands corresponding to characteristics of an optical cursor superimposed on a computer display.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for connectionless optical tracking of light in conjunction with a computer to emulate a conventional computer pointing device.
In carrying out the above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, a system and method for remotely controlling a computer having an associated screen for displaying output from the computer and having an internal cursor generated by the computer include detecting at least one property of an external cursor relative to the screen and generating a command for the computer based on the at least one detected property of the external cursor. In one embodiment, the invention includes a computer connected to a projector which projects an image of the computer output onto an external screen. A camera is used to capture an image of the projected computer output. An optical pointer, such as a laser pointer, is used to generate and transmit an external cursor having various properties, such as color, shape, or intensity. The image captured by the camera is used to detect and process at least one property of the external cursor to generate a corresponding command or commands to control the computer. Commands may be used to emulate control of the computer typically provided by a pointing device such as a mouse, track ball, or the like.
The present invention provides a number of advantages relative to prior art strategies. For example, the present invention allows the user to utilize a conventional optical pointing device, such as a laser pointer, to provide position dependent commands to a remotely located computer. As such, the present invention provides a relatively simple remote user interface capable of more sophisticated control of the computer, similar to a conventional computer pointing device, such as a mouse or track ball. The present invention permits a user to control a computer for a software demonstration from any location where the computer screen or a projected image of the computer screen is accessible via an optical pointer. In one embodiment, the present invention integrates a projector and video camera and/or frame capture device within a single unit.
The above advantages and other advantages, objects, and features of the present invention, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Brooks & Kushman P
Eisen Alexander
Hjerpe Richard
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