Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Stylus
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-22
2001-04-03
Lao, Lun-Yi (Department: 2778)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Stylus
C345S173000, C345S178000, C178S018040, C178S019020
Reexamination Certificate
active
06211863
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a system for recording writing performed on a surface and its components and related methods where the position of a stylus used in the system to write on the surface is tracked using signals.
2. Description of Related Art
Existing technologies for capturing and storing handwritten notes include digitized writing surfaces such as electronic whiteboards or SMARTBOARDS™. These electronic whiteboards typically either photocopy an entire writing surface or serve as the actual input device (e.g. an electronic template) for capturing the handwritten data. The whiteboards may be active or passive electronic devices where the user writes on the surface with a special stylus. The active devices may be touch sensitive, or responsive to a light or laser pen wherein the whiteboard is the detector that detects the active signal. The passive electronic boards tend to use large, expensive, board-sized photocopying mechanisms.
As described above, whiteboard systems of the related art are large, cumbersome, expensive and immobile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Various detectors for use in transcription systems according to the present invention are provided. In one embodiment, the detector comprises a signal receiver for positioning adjacent a writing surface and for receiving a position signal transmitted from a stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, the signal receiver producing a timing signal in response to receiving the position signal; and a signal focussing element having a reflecting surface which is shaped and oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect the position signal transmitted from the stylus onto the signal receiver.
In another embodiment, the detector comprises a signal receiver for positioning adjacent a writing surface and for receiving a position signal transmitted from a stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, the signal receiver producing a timing signal in response to receiving the position signal; and a signal shielding element shaped and oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect position signals transmitted by the stylus away from the signal receiver when the stylus is positioned outside a predetermined region of the writing surface.
In yet another embodiment, the detector comprises a signal receiver for positioning adjacent a writing surface and for receiving a position signal transmitted from a stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, the signal receiver producing a timing signal in response to receiving the position signal; a signal focussing element having a reflecting surface which is oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect the position signal transmitted from the stylus onto the signal receiver; and a signal shielding element shaped and oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect position signals transmitted by the stylus away from the signal receiver when the stylus is positioned outside a predetermined region of the writing surface.
In regard to any of the detector embodiments, the signal shielding element is optionally shaped and oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect position signals transmitted by the stylus away from the signal receiver when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface outside of an angular range of about 70 to 110 degrees extending outward from the detector parallel to the writing surface, preferably about 90 degrees. The signal shielding element may also be optionally shaped and oriented relative to the signal receiver to reflect position signals transmitted by the stylus away from the signal receiver when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface outside of an angular range of about 160 to 200 degrees extending outward from the detector parallel to the writing surface, preferably about 180 degrees.
In regard to any of the detector embodiments, at least a portion of the reflecting surface may have a curved shape such as a parabolic shape. The signal receiver may be positioned adjacent a focus of the parabolic shaped portion of the reflecting surface.
In regard to any of the detector embodiments, the detector may further comprise a mechanism for removably attaching the detector to the writing surface.
Other embodiments of detectors which may be used in the transcription system of the present invention, and variations thereof, are described herein and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.
Various detector assemblies for use in transcription systems according to the present invention are also provided. In one embodiment, the detector assembly comprises first and second signal receivers for positioning adjacent a writing surface and for receiving a position signal transmitted from a stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, the first and signal receivers each producing timing signals in response to receiving the position signal.
In another embodiment, the detector assembly comprises first and second signal receivers for positioning adjacent a writing surface and for receiving a position signal transmitted from a stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, the first and signal receivers each producing timing signals in response to receiving the position signal; and a member coupling the first and second signal receivers, the coupling member being capable of adopting two or more configurations where a distance between the first and second signal receivers changes in at least two of the configurations.
According to this embodiment, the coupling member may be capable of telescopic expansion and contraction. The coupling member may also include a hinge by which the signal receivers can be angularly moved relative to each other. The coupling member may include at least two hinges. The coupling member may also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the detector assembly to a writing surface. The coupling member may optionally hold the first and second signal receivers a predetermined distance apart from each other when the detector assembly adopts at least one of the configurations. The coupling member may also include a locking mechanism for releasibly locking the detector assembly in at least one of the configurations. The locking assembly preferably holds the first and second signal receivers a predetermined distance apart from each other. The first and second signal receivers may be removably attachable to the coupling member.
Also according to this embodiment, the detector assembly may adopt a first configuration where the first and second signal receivers are separated from each other and a second configuration where the first and second signal receivers are positioned adjacent each other. The detector assembly may also adopt a first configuration where the first and second signal receivers are a first distance apart and a second configuration where the first and second signal receivers are a second distance apart that is less than 75% of the first distance, preferably less than about 50% of the first distance. The detector assembly may also be capable of adopting a first configuration having a first lateral footprint and second configuration having a second lateral footprint that is less than 75% of the first lateral footprint, preferably a second lateral footprint that is less than about 50% of the first lateral footprint. In one variation, the second lateral footprint that is between about 5% and 75% of the first lateral footprint.
In another embodiment, a detector assembly is provided which comprises a housing for mounting to the writing surface; a plurality of signal receivers; and at least one user activated control switch whose activation by a user when the detector assembly is mounted to the writing surface produces a control signal which causes the transcription system to perform a function in response.
According to this embodiment, activation of one of the control switches can cause an image displayed on a mo
Chery Yonald
Kelley, III Andrew
Moyne William P.
Verminski Matthew D.
Lao Lun-Yi
Virtual Ink. Corp.
Weitz David J.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
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