Method and system for computer access and cursor control using a relief object image generator
US6501846B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04109
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for using a relief object image generator for cursor control, computer access control, and operational parameter control is disclosed. The system includes a relief object image generator, a sensor array, an image processor, and a memory. The relief object image generator generates images of relief objects, such as fingerprints, brought in proximity of the exposed surface of the image generator. The image processor receives the image from the sensor array, processes the image, and compares the resulting descriptive information to stored information corresponding to authorized users. If a match is found, the user is granted access to the computer. The image processor may also process the image to determine image movement or the image's presence or absence. Detected movement is used to generate directional signals while the presence and abserice of the image is used to generate highlight and select signals. These signals conform to those generated by known mouse devices so the system of the present invention can replace a position variable device in the keyboard of a laptop or other portable computer without sacrificing functionality for the system. Other uses of t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.