Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-25
2001-07-17
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S870030
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262662
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention is related to detecting a page identification. In particular, this invention is directed towards systems and methods for controlling dynamic content based on a page identification and proximity data.
2. Description of Related Art
A plethora of systems are available that detect or identify a particular page of a document. In particular, the systems generally involve mechanical switch-based techniques that are prone to false readings, or optical systems that have particular lighting or visual requirements. Alternatively, there are systems that require the reader to perform a specific function, for example, pressing a button, scanning, for example with a pen, a bar code, or passing a page through a reader to identify a page in, for example, a book.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Current page identification techniques require a user to perform an action that is not typical during interaction with a document. Furthermore, current systems are prone to false readings and can be easily affected by environmental conditions.
Accordingly, the systems and methods of this invention embed or otherwise associate identification tags to the paper of a page. A dedicated tag identification reader is affixed, for example, to the binding of, for example, a book. As a page is turned, the tag identification reader detects which pages are within sensible range. Knowing what pages, i.e., identification tags, are in the sensible range of the tag identification reader, the viewed page can be determined. Therefore, the user is able to interact with the document naturally, and is not required to perform any actions that are not typical when interacting with a document, such as a book.
Additionally, the systems and methods of this invention use sensor electrodes embedded in the document that sense electrostatic fields corresponding to the proximity of a user. Each sensor electrode measures conductivity. Placing, for example, a hand or a finger in the sensible area of the electrode generates a magnetic field that will short some current to ground. The sensor detects this current drop and can track the position of the hand or finger relative to the document. For example, the QProX™ QTM1001A Charge Transfer (‘QT’) Sensor Module by Quantum, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is a proximity sensor that could be used in conjunction with the methods and systems of this invention. Alternatively, electronic field sensors such as those discussed in “Electronic Field Sensing for Graphical Interfaces” by J. Smith et al, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 1998, and “Applying Electric Field Sensing to Human-Computer Interfaces” by Zimmerman et al, CHI 1995, both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, could be used equally well with the systems and methods of this invention.
Furthermore, the systems and methods of this invention, since they are capable of accurately detecting a page identification and proximity to one or more locations within a page of a document, can further control dynamic content based on the detected page identification and proximity data. For example, upon detecting one or more of the page identification and proximity data, dynamic content such as music, sound effects, voice recordings, spot lighting, ambient room lighting, effects on a computer, such as dynamic text, colors, patterns, graphics, or the like, temperature, chair motion control, volume control, pan, fade, web page access, or the like, can be activated to enhance the reading experience.
This invention provides systems and methods that detect a page identification.
This invention separately provides systems and methods that control dynamic content based on a detected page identification.
This invention provides systems and methods that detect a proximity of a portion of a user relative to a page.
This invention separately provides systems and methods that control dynamic content based on detected proximity information.
This invention additionally provides systems and methods that allow for page identification and proximity sensing without requiring actions from a user beyond that which is required for normal interaction with a document.
Specifically, the systems and methods of this invention are capable of using continuous control mechanisms. For example, it is possible to map dynamic content, for example, a sound, to the proximity of a hand to an identification tag. As a reader's hand approaches a certain area of the page, the sound, for example, gets louder. The volume can also be reduced as the reader's hand is removed from the sensible area of the proximity sensor. Since the dynamic content controller can be tuned to react at the same apparent rate of speed as the hand's motion, continuous interaction is less likely to induct the twitchy behaviors in computer games and binary button type embodiments.
Furthermore, the systems and methods of this invention can be used as an aid for the handicapped. For example, people can use one of the “dynamically enhanced” documents in accordance with this invention by moving their hands above the pages, no actual physical contact is necessary. Since the proximity sensors allow continuous control of a signal, rather than a button that can be found in the audio books for children that are out on the market today, these proximity sensors allow ranges of control.
Additionally, vocal soundtracks can be associated with a document so that the text is read along with, for example, sound and music for each page. In this exemplary embodiment, a book could be read aloud to a user, which could be of aid to the visually impaired.
However, it is to be appreciated that the proximity sensors can control any number of dynamic processes. For example, a handicapped individual may adapt the systems and methods of this invention to control, for example, lighting or sound processes in their home. In particular, a book could be adapted to home use. One page might be dedicated to living room processes to adjust the reading lights, the thermostat or the stereo content and volume. Another page may control kitchen appliances such as oven temperature, time settings on microwaves, or the like. Since all of these processes are better controlled using a range of controls, rather than simple on/off switches, the methods and systems of this invention are well adapted to this type of use.
These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
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Back Maribeth J.
Cohen Jonathan R.
Goldstein Richard J.
Harrison Steven R.
Minneman Scott L.
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
Tweel , Jr. John
Wu Daniel J.
Xerox Corporation
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