Processing signals to determine spatial positions
US8436808B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/054
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for supplying input signals to a computer. A sensor having the form of a sphere has a touch sensitive surface for generating position data for touch events. The sensor includes orientation sensors that determine rotation with respect to the earth's magnetic and gravitational fields. Orientation data may be combined with position data to interpret the orientation of touch events on the surface with respect to the computer's display. Cursor movement or text may be generated from touch events. Preferably the sphere has a roughened surface that generates sound when touched. Position data is generated by processing signals from microphones under the sphere's surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.