Light beam operated personal interfaces to computers
US6770864B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0386
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical input apparatus includes a light source of a directional light beam and a receiving module. The receiving module contains a collection of photodetectors through which information can be input into a system by pointing the light beam at various photodetectors. The photodetectors can be so arranged that all the functionalities of the standard computer keyboard and mouse can be performed by this apparatus. Such an input interface reduces greatly the factors that may cause repetitive strain injuries and can be used by people having difficulties operating a keyboard and mouse. The most preferred embodiments are for computer mouse and keyboard. Other hand operating devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants and remote controls can all make use of the advantages offered by this apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.