Pointer Patents (Class 353/42)
  • Patent number: 11755127
    Abstract: A method for controlling movement of a computer display cursor based on a point-of-aim of a pointing device within an interaction region includes projecting an image of a computer display to create the interaction region. At least one calibration point having a predetermined relation to the interaction region is established. A pointing line is directed to substantially pass through the calibration point while measuring a position of and an orientation of the pointing device. The pointing line has a predetermined relationship to the pointing device. Movement of the cursor is controlled within the interaction region using measurements of the position of and the orientation of the pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: UltimatePointer, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Erik Jan Banning
  • Patent number: 11536881
    Abstract: A conical mirror concentrator is disclosed which is configured for use as a laser-cooled cooled atom source. According to embodiments, the conical mirror concentrator may comprise a body; a reflective inner conical surface formed on the body tapering from a large diameter at a first side of body inward to a smaller dimeter in an interior space of the body, wherein the inner conical surface focuses light to an axis within the interior space of the body; a hole extending from the interior space of the body near a pinnacle of the inner conical surface to a second, opposite side of body; and a structure configured to mount the concentrator to an ultra-high vacuum chamber, such as a CF (or Conflat) flange or an anodicly bonded glass plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Unuted States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Paul Kunz, Fredrik Fatemi, Kevin Cox, David Meyer
  • Patent number: 11535395
    Abstract: An aeronautical light aid for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flying object is provided. The aeronautical light aid includes a plurality of first lighting portions buried in a takeoff and landing port and configured to radiate light in a vertically upward direction, a plurality of second lighting portions provided on an outer side of the takeoff and lighting port and configured to radiate light in an externally upward direction, and a landing guide provided at the center of the takeoff and landing port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA AIRPORTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Hee Koh, Min Chul Jung, Keum Sik Yu, Hyung Kyu Woo
  • Patent number: 11492121
    Abstract: An aircraft projection device includes a projector that displays an image by projecting the image onto a floor surface of a passage in an interior of an aircraft; and a controller that controls the projector to display the image onto the floor surface of the passage in the interior of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeo Sawada, Akio Shoji
  • Patent number: 10719000
    Abstract: A projector includes: a projection unit; a detection light irradiation unit which radiates detection light onto a detection area which is set corresponding to a display area of the projection unit; an image pickup unit which receives reflected light of irradiation detection light reflected in the detection area; and a control unit which carries out detection of an operation of a non-light-emitting pointing element and detection of an obstacle blocking the detection light, and causes the projection unit to display information about the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke Higashi
  • Patent number: 10714891
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projector including a substrate, a laser module and a lens module. The laser module is positioned on the substrate, and a laser diode of the laser module is not packaged within a can. The lens module is arranged for receiving a laser beam from the laser diode of the laser module to generate a projected image of the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Han-Yi Kuo, Yun-Lien Hsiao, Shi-Jen Wu, Yin-Dong Lu
  • Patent number: 10657722
    Abstract: A transmissive display device includes a display section having a light transmissive property, and adapted to display a target image as a display target and a pointer image so as to be superimposed on an external world visually recognized through the display section, a display control section adapted to control a display configuration of the pointer image, and an imaging section adapted to take an image of the external world, and the display control section sets either one of an external world image obtained by the imaging, the target image, and a composite image of the external world image and the target image as a reference image, and displays the pointer image with the display configuration changed in accordance with a feature quantity of an area including a display position of the pointer image in the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 10065558
    Abstract: An illumination device projects light in a predetermined illumination pattern on a surface. The illumination device includes a housing having a cavity and an aperture. The illumination device includes a light module for selectively emitting the light and a screen at least partially disposed in the cavity between the light module and the aperture. The screen has at least one opening defining a base pattern configuration corresponding to the predetermined illumination pattern for aligning the light through the opening into the base pattern configuration and subsequently projecting the light through the aperture onto the surface in the predetermined illumination pattern. The illumination device includes a condensing lens disposed between the light module and the screen for collimating the light toward the screen and an objective lens arrangement disposed between the screen and the aperture for transforming the light from the base pattern configuration into the predetermined illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: AGM Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: William Henry McClelland, Steven Scott Fileccia
  • Patent number: 9891440
    Abstract: Provided are infrared interactive remote control devices and projection systems using same, which can distinguish an indication state and an interactive control state. A pattern disc rotatable around a rotating shaft is provided in the infrared interactive remote control device. In a normal state, a visible light source works independently, and indication pattern holes in the pattern disc are positioned on an optical path to allow visible light to pass through, so that indication light spots corresponding to the indication pattern holes are formed. When a control button is pressed down, the visible light source and an infrared light source work together, and the pattern disc is driven to rotate, so that the control pattern holes are positioned on the optical path to allow the visible light to pass through, and control light spots corresponding to the control pattern holes are formed to indicate an interactive control state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PIQS TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) LIMITED
    Inventors: Qinglin Na, Yan Huang, Haohuang Mai, Haixiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9810404
    Abstract: A laser lighting device configured to provide two levels of image adjustment. An end piece provides first range of motion along the longitudinal axis of the laser, and controls image size projected from the laser. The end piece also allows for a number of masks to be utilized with the laser so that the projected light may be projected in various images shapes. A cap piece is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the laser and may create various patterns in the light being projected, such as spots sparkles, and other patterns, or fill textures to the projected image of variable size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jim Breen
  • Patent number: 9664376
    Abstract: A projection-type image display apparatus includes a light source unit, an image generating unit that generates image light according to an input video signal, a light-guide optical system that guides the light from the light source unit to the image generating unit, a projection optical system that projects the image light generated by the image generating unit, and a controller. The controller has a display mode in which the image light is projected and an illumination mode in which the light from the light source unit is emitted as illumination light. The controller controls the optical system to focus illumination light from the projection optical system on a projection surface, in the display mode, and to focus illumination light from the projection optical system at a position different from the projection screen, in the illumination mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Abe, Masutaka Inoue
  • Patent number: 9483125
    Abstract: A position information obtaining device and a position information obtaining method are provided. Each of the position information obtaining device and the position information obtaining method captures images to which a light pointer is directed and on which a light spot is formed, in chronological order, and estimates position information of a specified position on the images specified by the light pointer using a plurality of pieces of image information obtained from the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9335158
    Abstract: A projector includes a projection portion including a laser beam generation portion and a scanning portion scanning a laser beam, projecting an image, a light detection sensor provided separately from the projection portion, including a light receiving portion receiving the laser beam reflected by a detection object, and a control portion acquiring the position of the detection object on the image on the basis of a detection result of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 9294188
    Abstract: An information communication method includes: determining whether conflict over use of a light receiving unit will occur between a first program for performing visible light communication and a second program for performing processing different from the visible light communication; notifying a user that the conflict will occur if it is determined that the conflict will occur; permitting one of the first program and the second program to use the light receiving unit in response to an operation by the user; and causing, by the first program, a computer to execute visible light communication according to light detected by the light receiving unit if the first program is permitted to use the light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Chikara Yoshida, Shigehiro Iida, Shinsuke Ogata, Kengo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9140970
    Abstract: A projector includes a measurement unit having a function of measuring at least two of a period during which the projector remains powered on, a period of an in-use state in which a user is using the projector, and a period of a non-use state in which the user is not using the projector; and a control unit having a function, of determining an in-use state ratio or a non-use state ratio associated with the projector based on the periods measured by the measurement unit and a function of executing an energy saving setting based on the in-use state ratio or the non-use state ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Kumamoto
  • Patent number: 9013535
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus may include a detecting unit to detect a pointing object in a captured image, and a generation unit to generate pointing information based on detection of the pointing object by the detecting unit. The pointing information may indicate a position of the pointing object determined using a pointable range set based on a user in the captured image. The apparatus may further include a communication unit to transmit the pointing information to an external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Sakai, Masao Kondo
  • Patent number: 8985778
    Abstract: An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8955982
    Abstract: Regions are defined in projected content to create a virtually segmented display. When reflections are received from objects within a defined region, the reflections are recognized and passed to a user interface circuit. When reflections are received from objects outside a defined region, the reflections are gated and not recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: P. Selvan Viswanathan, Jari Honkanen
  • Patent number: 8896899
    Abstract: A laser marker/pointer for projecting circular or elliptical laser beam patterns onto a target surface such as a portion of a presentation screen or to assist in the aiming of a firearm, comprises a handheld shell body in which is mounted a laser light source, a rotating optical mirror driven by a motor, and an electronic drive circuit, whereby the aspect ratio of the marking pattern is determined by the geometric relationship of the motor shaft axis, the laser beam, and the mirror surface. The motor drive circuit when initially powered (along with the laser diode), applies full power (a continuous DC voltage to the motor to overcome inertia), followed by a pulsed voltage to lower the duty cycle of the motor, increase battery life, and reduce rotational noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Zhen Tang
  • Patent number: 8840250
    Abstract: An augmented reality environment allows interaction between virtual and real objects. Various surfaces within the environment such as walls, tables, countertop, chairs, floor, ceiling, and so forth may be used as projection surfaces. Qualified projection surfaces are determined, and an initial projection surface is selected for use from these. This selection may take into account user preferences, user orientation, types of image to be projected, and so forth. Other qualified projection surfaces may have visual indicators projected thereon, indicating relative suitability for use as a projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Rawles LLC
    Inventors: Ning Yao, William Spencer Worley, III, Edward Dietz Crump
  • Patent number: 8827461
    Abstract: An image generation device includes a storage unit that stores input object data indicating content information of an input object which is input on a presentation screen, a determination unit that determines a display position located further on an upper side than an input position of the input object on the presentation screen, and an image generation unit that generates a presentation image which is an image displayed on the presentation screen and where the input object is displayed according to the display position determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Iimura
  • Patent number: 8827460
    Abstract: A projector device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire an image from an image pickup unit that picks up the image on a projection side of a transmissive type screen to which a display image is projected by a projector; a detection unit configured to detect a position where a luminance is changed on the acquired image; and an output unit configured to output the position on the acquired image where the change in luminance is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Mineo Moribe, Shinichiro Mori, Yuichi Hanada, Takahiro Umada
  • Patent number: 8777419
    Abstract: A projection apparatus and a location method for determining a position of a light point on a projection image of the projection apparatus are provided. The projection apparatus comprises a lens, a light detector, a light guide module and a processing circuit. The light guide module is configured to receive the light point via the lens, and to guide the light point into the light detector. The light detector outputs a detection signal to the processing circuit according to the light point within a detection period. The processing circuit determines the position of the light point on the projection image according to the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: June-jei Huang
  • Patent number: 8752967
    Abstract: A projection system and an image processing method thereof are provided. The system includes a projector module, a photography module and a processing module. The projector module projects a first image frame to an object surface. The photography module photographs the object surface to derive a second image frame including the first image frame and an indication point, wherein the indication point is formed by light projected on the object surface by an external device. The processing module analyzes the second image frame to derive coordinate of the indication point in the second image frame, derives coordinate of at least a feature point of the first image frame in the second image frame according to a linear-approximation method, and transforms the coordinates of the indication point in the second image frame to the coordinates in the first image frame by using two-dimensional coordinate transformation equations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Aptos Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Ching Hung, Meng-Chiou Liao
  • Patent number: 8746893
    Abstract: An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8740395
    Abstract: A projection unit comprises a first light source outputting light that is used to project an image during normal projection unit use, and a second light source outputting light of a different intensity that is used to project an image outside of normal projection unit use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SMART Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Douglas Blair Hill, Jackson Chan
  • Patent number: 8690348
    Abstract: Provided is a system for adjusting an image of a beam projector using a camera attached remote controller and a method thereof. The system for adjusting images of a beam projector according to the present invention includes: a remote controller photographing test images projected on a screen and detecting pattern images from the photographed test images and generating control information including at least one parameter necessary to adjust the images through the detected pattern images; and a beam projector receiving the control information for adjusting images from the remote controller and adjusting the input image by using parameters included in the received control information and outputting them to the screen. Therefore, the present invention adjusts colors and geometrical shapes of images at a user's viewpoint, thereby making it possible to improve the satisfaction of user and implement the system in various forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jeong Nam Yeom, Sung Hoon Kim, Joon Myun Cho, Joo Chan Sohn
  • Patent number: 8641197
    Abstract: An acoustical receiver for detecting an acoustical signal characterized by a wavelength and a pen transcription system utilizing the same are disclosed. The receiver includes a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to acoustical signals in a predetermined frequency range including that wavelength, a housing surrounding the detector, and a receiving horn. The housing has a housing aperture having a maximum dimension less than the acoustical signal wavelength. The receiving horn has a first opening that is adjacent to the housing aperture and a second aperture having a dimension that is greater than the acoustical signal wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Luidia Inc.
    Inventor: Yao Ding
  • Patent number: 8567959
    Abstract: An optical device is capable of controlling a projector, wherein the projector is capable of wirelessly receiving an image signal from a data source, combining an identification signal into the image signal to generate a projection signal, and projecting a projection image according to the projection signal. The optical device includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the identification signal of the projection image, outputting a detection signal corresponding to the identification signal and wirelessly transmitting the detection signal to the projector. A projection system including a projector and an optical sensor is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-Tsun Lien, Wei-Ting Yen, Chien-Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 8529068
    Abstract: A beam light source of an image display device which displays an image on a screen by scanning an optical beam in a two-dimensional direction in which the beam light source includes a light source that emits a diffuse light modulated according to an image signal, and an optical element that shapes the light emitted from the light source to the optical beam. The optical beam has an elliptically shaped beam spot on the screen in which a major axis of the beam spot is substantially perpendicular to a scanning direction. A horizontal spot size of the optical beam on an exit surface of the optical element is at least or equal to a horizontal spot size of the optical beam on the screen, and the horizontal spot size of the optical beam on the screen is no greater than a horizontal pixel pitch displayed on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Kobori, Yoshiho Seo, Tadayoshi Kosaka, Mayumi Nagayoshi, Satoshi Ouchi
  • Patent number: 8525890
    Abstract: Provided is a photographing apparatus that includes a photographing section that photographs a subject, and a controller that controls a photographing range of the photographing section based on a range specification image that is projected onto the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8525784
    Abstract: A methods and systems for use of an input device with a display system are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a projection device configured to project a displayed image is provided where the displayed image includes one or more selectable items. The projection system further includes an input device which may be movable in free space and may be configured to point to the selectable items. The input device may be enabled to provide a double-click input to effect one or more changes in a graphical user interface that corresponds with a selection of a particular one of the selectable items at which the input device is pointed. The double click input may be identified such that movement of the input device after initiation of the double-click input may be ignored by the graphical user interface until completion of the double click input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Benenson
  • Patent number: 8449121
    Abstract: An image processing system includes a determination unit that determines a distortion state of a projected image, and a correction unit. The correction unit determines a shape of the image after distortion correction according to the distortion state, moves the determined shape in a display area of an optical modulator in a first direction, performs distortion correction of the image, and moves the image after distortion correction in the display area of the optical modulator in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Aso
  • Patent number: 8449122
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for marking an image projected onto a surface includes capturing a second image from the surface, detecting the existence of a marking point in the second image, and modifying the first image by placing a graphic element at a location corresponding to a location of the marking point in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: IGRS Engineering Lab Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Luo
  • Patent number: 8434873
    Abstract: An interactive projection device includes a light source configured to emit an input light beam, wherein the light source comprises a visible light emitting device; a first beam splitter configured to split the input light beam into first and second split light beams; a second beam splitter configured to split a scattered light beam received from a surface into third and fourth split light beams; an image forming device configured to produce an image light beam based on the first split light beam and emit the image light beam onto the surface through the first and second splitters, thereby generating a projection image on the surface; and a detector configured to detect the invisible light of the third split light beam, thereby acquiring a scattering image from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited
    Inventors: Yaojun Feng, Weiping Tang, Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 8408710
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method thereof for recording a presentation. The presentation recording apparatus includes: a projector operable to project an original image of a presentation onto a screen; a camera operable to capture the image of the presentation projected onto the screen and a light of a pointing device which is irradiated onto the screen; a memory; and a controller, wherein if the projector projects the image of the presentation onto the screen, the controller controls the camera to capture the image of the presentation projected onto the screen, determines coordinate information corresponding to a position of the light of the pointing device irradiated onto the screen, and controls the memory to store the original image of the presentation together with the determined coordinate information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-hyuk Jang, Seung-kwon Park, Hee-seob Ryu
  • Patent number: 8303119
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for marking an image projected onto a surface includes capturing a second image from the surface, detecting the existence of a marking point in the second image, and modifying the first image by placing a graphic element at a location corresponding to a location of the marking point in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: IGRS Engineering Lab Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Luo
  • Patent number: 8292439
    Abstract: An image projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a projector, a user input device and a computing device. The micro-mirror based projector projects an image including a cursor on a display plane. The present invention discloses various embodiments for the system and method of adjusting the brightness of the cursor to improve effects of a presentation. According to one embodiment, the brightness of the cursor is adjusted by modifying the on/off time ratio of the mirrors by which the cursor is formed. According to another embodiment, the projector comprises a first and a second micro-mirror array. The second array is dedicated for projecting the cursor image. The brightness of the cursor may be adjusted by changing the number of micro-mirrors by which the cursor is formed from the second array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Pan
  • Patent number: 8292485
    Abstract: A light pen includes a case, a light source, a pen-nib structure, a first lens device, an elastic piece, a hollow knob, and a linkage pipe. The pen-nib structure is disposed through the case. The first lens device is disposed between the light source and the pen-nib structure. The elastic piece is connected to the first lens device. The hollow knob rotatably sheathes the first lens device. The linkage pipe sheathes the first lens device and is connected to the hollow knob for driving the elastic piece to move away from the pen-nib structure when the hollow knob rotates to a first position, so that the pen-nib structure can move relative to the case. The linkage pipe is further used for being separate from the elastic piece when the hollow knob rotates to a second position, so that the elastic piece can be engaged with the pen-nib structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yin Wang
  • Patent number: 8220936
    Abstract: An image projection apparatus in which a measuring unit measures a distance from the image projection apparatus to a projection surface. A generating unit generates a first operation image if the measured distance is less than a threshold value and generates a second operation image if the measured distance is not less than the threshold value. The first operation image is an image by which an operation can be input by pointing on the first operation image that is being projected with a body part of a user. The second operation image is an image by which an operation can be input by operating a cursor displayed in the second operation image that is being projected using a predetermined operating unit. A projecting unit projects an operation image generated by the generating unit onto the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Yonishi
  • Patent number: 8155768
    Abstract: A projector that projects images includes a projection display module by which the projector projects the images, a network interface by which the projector can communicate with a network, and a web server module coupled to the network interface and to the projection display module. The web server module, in response to a request to provide a working status of the projection display module received through the network interface from a client over the network, sends working status information representing the working status through the network interface to the client over the network. The web server module also, in response to control information received through the network interface from the client over the network in response to the sent working status information, controls the working status by sending a control signal to the projection display module based on the control information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Akaiwa, Tomohiro Nomizo, Miki Nagano, Masaru Kono
  • Patent number: 8118433
    Abstract: In an image projection apparatus, a sensed image obtained by sensing a projection surface, which contains a projected image, is obtained. Then, a difference image obtained by removing the projected image from the sensed image is used to detect a region corresponding to a predetermined object such as a user's hand or a pointer. Then, a user operation is determined based on the position and temporal variations of a particular portion of the region corresponding to the predetermined object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20120033186
    Abstract: An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8079714
    Abstract: A projector for acquiring a coordinate of a bright spot includes a half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22), an imaging device (24), and a processing system (25). The half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22) is provided on a light path between the light source (21) and the zooming system (23). The imaging device (24) captures an external light ray reflected by the half transparent and half reflecting mirror (22). The processing system (25) acquires the coordinate of the bright spot according to the image of the image of the bright spot captured by the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Beijing Lenovo Software Ltd., Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventors: Shaoping Peng, Yiqiang Yan, Zifeng Hou, Bo Liu
  • Patent number: 8020997
    Abstract: A system for defining a bounding box include one or more image projectors; one or more optical beam generators; a display surface; a computing element; and a digital image sensor. The digital image sensor is configured to sense a location of image orientation indicators generated by the optical beam generators. The computing element is configured to communicate with the digital image sensor to determine a bounding box defined by the locations of the image orientation indicators and to control the one or more image projectors to project an image in, and corresponding to, the bounding box on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard Aufranc, Bruce A. Stephens, Olan Way
  • Patent number: 7988299
    Abstract: A handy image projection apparatus includes a main body containing a projection optical unit configured to project an image from its front part, with the main body having a gravity center, and an operation member provided on an outer face of the main body. The operation member is operated by a user's hand holding the main body when the image is being projected. When the apparatus is viewed from a first direction facing the outer face, at least part of the operation member is disposed in a front-rear direction of the apparatus, at one of a first position corresponding to the gravity center of the main body and a second position located at a distance within ? of a length from the gravity center to the front part of the main body in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Urakawa
  • Patent number: 7972010
    Abstract: A projector that includes: a projector body including an image optical system for image creation and projection, and an image circuit that operates the image optical system; an auxiliary input unit that forms an auxiliary signal for exercising control over an operating state of the projector body; and a distribution unit that transfers the auxiliary signal formed by the auxiliary input unit to the image circuit and an external display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 7971790
    Abstract: A laser pointer includes a human-machine interface disposed above the housing for users to control components inside the housing to decide patterns and size of the projecting image. The components consist of a frequency/phase control module, a driving energy control module, a laser beam generating module and a light scanning device. The frequency/phase control module controls the driving energy control module while the driving energy control module controls driving energy of the light scanning device. The size of the image is controlled by change of the amplitude of the light scanning device while the amplitude is changed along with the driving energy. The amplitude may also change along with the driving frequency. When the driving energy is fixed and the driving frequency is close to the resonant frequency, the amplitude increases. On the contrary, the amplitude decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Opus Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Chang-Li Hung, Feng-Chun Yeh, Tsun-Hsiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 7862179
    Abstract: A dual-mode projection apparatus has a projection module for projecting an image onto a projection surface. An image sensor module captures images of the projection surface and determines spatial and temporal characteristics of a visible light spot superimposed on the projection surface. A communications module transmits the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot to a remote device for remote control of the device based on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jizhang Shan, Jin Li
  • Patent number: 7762671
    Abstract: To provide a projector apparatus capable of giving attention stably and clearly to a specific area within an image projected and displayed on a screen, and to provide a display output method and display output program of the apparatus. For that purpose, the projector apparatus for projecting and displaying an image on a screen comprises an input section which accepts an indication of a specific area within the projected and displayed image; and an image processor that subjects a specific area and/or an other area within the image to image processing for emphasizing the specific area, the other area being an area other than the specific area in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Saito