Camera-based multi-touch mouse
US8446367B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04104
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Technologies for a camera-based multi-touch input device operable to provide conventional mouse movement data as well as three-dimensional multi-touch data. Such a device is based on an internal camera focused on a mirror or set of mirrors enabling the camera to image the inside of a working surface of the device. The working surface allows light to pass through. An internal light source illuminates the inside of the working surface and reflects off of any objects proximate to the outside of the device. This reflected light is received by the mirror and then directed to the camera. Imaging from the camera can be processed to extract touch points corresponding to the position of one or more objects outside the working surface as well as to detect gestures performed by the objects. Thus the device can provide conventional mouse functionality as well as three-dimensional multi-touch functionality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.