Low cost interactive program control system and method
US6831664B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0346
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interactive control system and related apparatus uses disposable, low-cost control objects, such as cards or leaflets or three-dimensional visual shapes, for controlling and navigating through electronic “menu” programs of electronic equipment. The system incorporates visual detection equipment, of known type and function, that is capable of recognizing the color and locating the spatial orientation of a particularly shaped and colored control object. When the control object is displayed to a visual sensor of the visual detection equipment, an associated microprocessor converts the shape, color and spatial orientation of the control object into electronic signals for directing and controlling an external electronic program in a known manner. Because the control objects are passive and non-electronic, they can be made at very low cost and can be treated as disposable. In addition, printed matter can be included on their exposed surfaces to provide advertising and instructional material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.