Pointer Patents (Class 353/42)
  • Patent number: 7762672
    Abstract: A data presentation apparatus having a function to generate a pointer image pointing a position in a presentation image is provided and includes: an image transmission section that transmits an image data of the presentation image to a terminal; a receiver that receives a control signal to determine a display position of the pointer image in the presentation image, the control signal being transmitted from the terminal; and an image generation section that generates an image data of a composite image based on the control signal, the composite image including the presentation image and the pointer image displayed in the presentation image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Yokoyama, Naoki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100141897
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes an LD for emitting and modulating visible light, an optical scanning device for two-dimensionally scanning the light from the Ld on a screen in synchronism with the LD, an imaging device for picturizing an image of the image displayed on the screen, and an image processor for judging presence or absence of the pointing element such as a finger or fingers which is/are used to point out an optional position on the image based on temporal change of the image picturized by the imaging device. Even when the finger or fingers of a person is/are used as the pointing element, it is possible to judge the presence or absence of the pointing out of the image by the finger or fingers. Thereby, a number of components can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyohiko KAWANO, Hiroshi NOGE, Hideki UEDA
  • Patent number: 7703926
    Abstract: A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Everest Display Inc.
    Inventors: Hei-Tai Hong, Yueh-Hong Shih
  • Publication number: 20100067232
    Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing, a laser device, and an optical unit. The housing defines an opening. The laser device is positioned in the housing. The laser device comprises a light output area corresponds to the opening of the housing. The optical unit includes an optical plate and is movably movable into and out of the light path of the laser device to scatter or not scatter the emitted light, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: SHR-CHING LUO
  • Patent number: 7559656
    Abstract: A projector system includes a first projection section projecting inputted image information onto a projection target, a laser pointer pointing a predetermined part of an image projected onto a screen 1, an image pick-up section picking up the image in a state pointed by the laser pointer, and a pointed position detecting section detecting the position of the part pointed by the laser pointer on the basis of the image information picked up by the image pick-up section. And a projection lens projects an image on the basis of the position of the part pointed by the laser pointer and detected by the pointed position detecting section and/or in correspondence to the image of the pointed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Yumiki, Yoshimasa Fushimi, Syunsuke Kimura, Takayuki Hayashi, Seiichi Suzuki, Tomoya Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090115971
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jizhang SHAN, Jin Li
  • Patent number: 7524067
    Abstract: A projector device includes a region designating unit that designates a specific region with respect to an image projected, a determining unit that determines a length as a reference for enlargement of an image portion defined within the region designated by the region designating unit, an image enlarging unit that enlarges the image portion in the region based on the length as the reference determined by the determining unit and a size of an entire image, and an enlarged image projecting unit that projects the enlarged image enlarged by the image enlarging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7524069
    Abstract: A projector has a transmission time information reception unit for calculating the distances between a transmitter and first and second ultrasonic receivers based on reception times of ultrasonic and infrared pulses transmitted from a transmitter-equipped pointer rod for pointing to positions on a projection surface. The projector also has an image correcting information calculation unit, which, when a test pattern made up of a plurality of reference points including a plurality of points near the corners of the upper and lower edges of the projection surface is projected onto the projection surface, generates a coordinate transformation table to bring the coordinates of the reference points near the upper edge into conformity with the coordinates of corresponding desired corrective points, from the distance information acquired by the transmission time information reception unit through the transmitter-equipped pointer rod and positional information of the desired corrective points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Syuuji Murayama, Keiji Oura
  • Publication number: 20090079944
    Abstract: A contactless operating device for a digital equipment and method for the same are provided. The contactless operating device includes a computer, a projecting piece, a pointer, and an image-capturing piece. The computer provides a basic picture, and the projecting piece projects the basic picture onto an image zone. Further, the pointer forms a mark onto the image zone for providing a reference picture, and the image-capturing piece connected to the computer captures the reference picture from the image zone. The computer operates the digital device in accordance with a comparison between the basic picture and the reference picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: MUSTEK SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jim Chih
  • Patent number: 7475994
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are described in which a light point projected on a computer controlled displayed image is detected. A light point is projected at the displayed image at essentially the same time as a notification signal is transmitted indicating that the light point is being projected. At least one of image capture and image display parameters are adjusted to increase the detectability of the light point within a predetermined time interval after receipt of the notification signal. The image of the displayed image and the light point are captured within the predetermined time interval and the captured image data is analyzed to detect the light point dependent on the adjusted parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: I-Jong Lin
  • Patent number: 7465051
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating an image comprises a projection means, which is designed to generate an image on a projection area, a detection means, which is designed to generate a detection means signal in dependence on a position or change of position of the projection means, and a control means, which is designed to control the image generated by the projection means based on the detection means signal. A method for generating an image comprises detecting a position or change of position of a projection means via a detection means, generating a detection means signal by the detection means in dependence on the position or change of position and controlling the image generated by the projection means on a projection area based on the detection means signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Heinrich Grueger
  • Publication number: 20080279453
    Abstract: A method of processing image data consistent with certain embodiments involves defining a segment of a visual field using a laser pointer; capturing an image of the segment of the visual field; and processing the captured segment to produce associated text associated with the selected segment. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Brant L. Candelore
  • Publication number: 20080198335
    Abstract: A visible laser beam projector is arranged to provide information to passengers in a vehicle compartment by projecting a visible laser beam onto a portion in the compartment. The visible laser beam projector is arranged in front of an inner mirror of the compartment and projects the visible laser beam to only a front end portion on the upper surface of an instrument panel of the compartment. Thus, the visible laser beam is allowed to be projected in high intensity while suppressing the probability of its adverse effect on eyes of passengers in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Kawai, Yoshihisa Sato, Kenichi Mori, Hidehiko Kawakami, Tetsuya Enokizaka
  • Patent number: 7410260
    Abstract: An optical projection and capture system includes an image sensor integrated with an optical projection device. Additionally, the integrated device may be coupled with a laser pointer to deliver interactive presentations. The laser pointer may be pulsed to improve identifying and tracking a laser light spot on a projected image. These applications may be extended to rear projection systems for gaming and interactive graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: David J. Mehrl
  • Publication number: 20080143975
    Abstract: A system and method of interacting with a display. The method comprises recognizing a disturbance in a display zone of a projected image and displaying a selected state in response to the recognized disturbance. The method further includes recognizing a gesture which interrupts a light source and is associated with an action to be taken on or associated with the displayed selected state. An action is executed in response to the recognized gesture. The system includes a server having a database containing data associated with at least one or more predefined gestures, and at least one of a hardware and software component for executing an action based on the at least one or more predefined gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark D. DENNARD, Douglas J. McCULLOCH, Mark J. SCHUNZEL, Matthew B. TREVATHAN
  • Patent number: 7380722
    Abstract: A pointing device having a laser in a handheld housing is disclosed. The laser generates a light beam that exits the housing. A beam steering assembly causes the light beam to move relative to the housing. The pointer includes a housing orientation sensor that measures the orientation of the housing. A controller operates the beam steering assembly to compensate for changes in the housing orientation. Embodiments based on housing orientation sensors constructed from a gyroscope and a camera are described. In addition to stabilizing the light beam location, embodiments in which the beam steering assembly also causes the light beam to execute a fixed pattern can also be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Jonah Harley, John Stewart Wenstrand, Ken A. Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7352360
    Abstract: A multi-trail spot click-event detection method is disclosed, which uses a camera to capture a plurality of consecutive images from a display screen. The camera is connected to a host and sends the consecutive images to the host for determining if a click-event occurs. Firstly, pixels of each difference image with the brightness difference in a pre-determined range are selected to form blobs. Next, possible spots of the blobs in each difference image are found. Then, the possible spots found are assigned to a specific trail. Finally, when a spot of the specific trail is absent at a next time point immediately after the spot is presented, occurrence of a click-event is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Sheng-Wen Jeng
  • Patent number: 7341352
    Abstract: An image-associating apparatus comprising a pointer-region detecting section 114, an image-associating section 109, and a pointer-region associating section 115. The section 14 that detects an optical pointer region indicating a prescribed position in an OHP image photographed in a video-frame image. The section 109 associates the OHP image photographed in the video-frame image, with an OHP file that is the source document of the OHP image. The section 115 associates the optical pointer region detected by the pointer-region detecting section, with the region of the OHP file associated by the image-associating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Yutaka Katsuyama
  • Publication number: 20070273838
    Abstract: A briefing system is used to project images onto a projection screen to form a projection picture. The briefing system comprises a pointer, a projector and a computer electrically connected to the projector. The computer outputs an image signal to the projector. The projector projects an image corresponding to the image signal onto the projection screen to form the projection picture. The indicator is used to project an indication point. The projector also captures the image of the projection picture and the indication point and transfers the image to the computer. The computer then calculates a location where the cursor on the computer screen should reach according to the location of the indication point on the projection picture and moves the cursor on the screen to there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Hei-Tai Hong, Yueh-Hong Shih
  • Patent number: 7287862
    Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in monochrome, color or gray scale. Edge-emitting light emitting diodes are employed, together with mutually orthogonal cylindrical lenses, to render the module with a short, slim form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dmitriy Yavid
  • Patent number: 7284866
    Abstract: A handheld projecting device is adapted to project an image and a pointer pattern on an external surface. The projecting device comprises a sensor to detect the movements of the projecting device and means to dampen the movements of the projected image, based on the detected movements of the projecting device. When the handheld projecting device is turned, the position of the projected image is kept substantially stationary whereas the pointer pattern moves on the projected image to indicate a point of the projected image. In an embodiment, the pointer pattern may be used to make a selection between graphically displayed options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Buchmann
  • Patent number: 7188958
    Abstract: A projector arrangement (1) is proposed wherein a first, back or illumination part (10) and a second, front or image projection part (20) are detachably attachable with respect to each other so as to form a unit at least in an operation mode of said projection arrangement (1) and to be separable or separated from each other in a non-operation mode of said projection arrangement (1) and to thereby realize a modular arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Evangelos Zoidis, Frederic Ludley
  • Patent number: 7185987
    Abstract: A projector for enlarging and projecting the display image on a light valve onto a screen is provided with: an infrared photodetector for photodetecting infrared light that is emitted by an electronic pen that is manipulated on the screen and that is provided with an infrared light emission device and ultrasonic generator; at least two ultrasonic receivers for detecting ultrasonic waves that are emitted by the electronic pen; means for measuring the distance to a screen; and means for supplying coordinate data in which the position of the electronic pen on the screen, which has been calculated based on output of the infrared photodetector, output of the ultrasonic generator, and output of the means for measuring the distance to the screen, has been normalized by the length of a side of a projected rectangular image that has been enlarged and projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Youichi Tamura
  • Patent number: 7176881
    Abstract: A presentation system comprises a display for setting a virtual screen, a pointing mark for operating a point on the display, a photographing device for photographing the pointing mark and the display, a displaying device for displaying a predetermined image or the photographed image photographed by the photographing device, and a control device. The control device calculates coordinates of the pointing mark on coordinates of the virtual screen and has a pointing function for synthesizing a predetermined point image at coordinates of the image on the displaying device, which correspond to the coordinates of the pointing mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nishimura, Junichi Yokoyama, Takashi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 7170009
    Abstract: A method is provided for interfacing a remote wand to its electronics control chassis by means of a coiled cable. The wand may consist of a sensor such as a light-sensitive detector, and the control electronics provide amplification and processing of the received light signal. The interface cable connecting the wand to the receiver chassis consists of a coiled cable which is stored inside the wand itself. This method provides maximum protection, efficient utilization of space, and avoids the problems associated with exposed interface cables and moving parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Red Current Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Dieter Seiler
  • Patent number: 7159986
    Abstract: A collimator is compact and uses power efficient light emitting diodes as the illumination source to generate a test image in collimated space. The collimator provides a test image across a wide field of view, which is useful for calibration of optical devices that have a wide field of regard. An optical projection system in the collimator utilizes an array of light emitting diodes, whose light is converged by a Fresnel lens, through a holographic diffuser plate, onto a target plate bearing the test pattern to be projected out into collimated space through a converging lens. An alignment structure provides translation of the target plate along the main axis of the collimator and provides rotational freedom about two axes (vertical and horizontal) via a gimbal structure mounted on the translation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Swales & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Bremer, Bert A. Pasquale, Tmitri J. Zukowski, Barbara J. Zukowski, Shahriar Etemad, Robert E. Prince
  • Patent number: 7137707
    Abstract: A rigidly-coupled projector-camera system is augmented with laser pointers. The projector-camera system and lasers can be used to determine homography between the projector and a display surface, so that a projection of any desired geometry can be made on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc
    Inventors: Paul A. Beardsley, Jeroen van Baar, Ramesh Raskar
  • Patent number: 7059724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image projection system whereby a display 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 liquid crystal projector, a personal computer for controlling the liquid crystal projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from a main operating section and a predetermined program, and a remote controller for the liquid crystal projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a light emitting portion for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal. The liquid crystal projector comprises a light receiving portion for receiving tirelessly transmitted signals. The personal computer controls the liquid crystal projector to transfer the received signals to the personal computer and further controls the display position of the pointer according to the transferred pointing device operation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6979087
    Abstract: A method of controlling a display system includes projecting an image onto a surface, projecting a control beam onto the surface, tracing an interpretable pattern with the control beam, detecting the interpretable pattern, and correlating the interpretable pattern with a predefined command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Howard L Honig, Jian-gang Weng
  • Patent number: 6971753
    Abstract: A projecting system for projecting an image onto a screen includes a projector and an image-capturing device. The projector includes a light source, a beam splitter for splitting a beam generated by the light source into a visible beam and an invisible beam, a first image-forming device for modulating the invisible beam to form a first image, a second image-forming device for modulating the visible beam to form a second image, and a prism for projecting the first image and the second image onto the screen. The image-capturing device includes an output unit for outputting a first part of the first image at a first time and a second part of the first image at a second time, and a data processor for receiving data from the output unit and changing the position of the cursor according to the first and the second part of the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Ta-Lin Tseng
  • Patent number: 6964481
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying seats within a mobile platform such as an aircraft, bus, ship, train, etc. A sensor subsystem detects when a door of the mobile platform is opened and transmits a wireless signal to each one of a plurality of projector subsystems. Each of the projector subsystems are disposed adjacent an associated seat of the mobile platform. Each projector subsystem projects an enlarged, optical signal with seat identifying information onto the seatback of its associated seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hau T. Pho, Melanie L. Kimsey, Kevin Scott Callahan
  • Patent number: 6948820
    Abstract: A display system includes a waveguide optical panel having an inlet face and an opposite outlet face. A projector and imaging device cooperate with the panel for projecting an image thereon. An optical detector is located near the panel for detecting a location on the outlet face of an inbound light spot. The inbound light is channeled to the detector which may be of a reduced size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Scram Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Veligdan, Leonard DeSanto
  • Patent number: 6910778
    Abstract: A presentation system includes a screen device, a projecting device that projects a visible image onto the screen device, and a laser pointer operated by a user, that projects a laser beam onto the screen device. The laser pointer includes an infrared light emitting section and a laser beam emitting section. A projected image of the infrared light projected onto the screen is sensed by an infrared light sensing section. Movement direction and movement distance of the projected image and button click signal are converted into mouse data usable by computer. An image based on the mouse data from the computer is projected from a projector to the screen. A human body sensor which senses heat of human body existing in a projected direction of the laser beam is settled to supply a safe presentation system by controlling the projection of the laser beam in case this sensor is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Akinori Hamana, Junichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6877863
    Abstract: A projector assembly and method for automatically correcting keystone distortion includes an image correction engine, a light engine, a projection lens having a projection axis, a processor, a directional sensor and an inclination sensor. The sensors determine the absolute vertical and horizontal direction of the projection axis. The inclination sensor determines the vertical zero reference. The direction sensor is used to determine the horizontal zero reference. The processor calculates vertical and horizontal difference angles between the absolute directions and zero reference values in the vertical and horizontal directions. Using difference angles, the processor calculates the keystone distortion and instructs the image correction engine to apply geometric and brightness correction to the image data proportional and inverse to the keystone distortion and lens parameters (field of view, focal length, imperfections, etc) such that the image projected onto a viewing screen, is free from keystone distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Silicon Optix Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Wood, Robert L. Taber, Gopal Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 6840627
    Abstract: A display device including a light engine configured to project an image onto a display surface, an image sensor configured to capture a presentation image larger than the projected image, and a processor, coupled to the image sensor, that is configured to modify the projected image based on the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Craig A Olbrich
  • Patent number: 6814444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image projection system whereby a display 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 liquid crystal projector, a personal computer for controlling the liquid crystal projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from a main operating section and a predetermined program, and a remote controller for the liquid crystal projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a light emitting portion for wirelessly transmitting an operation signal. The liquid crystal projector comprises a light receiving portion for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals. The personal computer controls the liquid crystal projector to transfer the received signals to the personal computer and further controls the display position of the pointer according to the transferred pointing device operation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6802611
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting and capturing images on a presentation board are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a projector adapted to display one or more images onto a surface and a camera adapted to capture the one or more images from the surface. Also provided is an interface electronics coupled to the projector and to the camera. The interface electronics is adapted to feed the projector with the one or more images and adapted to process the one or more images from the camera. Also a user can control the presentation system by modifying the one or more images on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Simon C. Chu, William J. Piazza, David B. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 6793352
    Abstract: A projector and a mobile terminal are connected wirelessly in two-way communication, and thus the projector is controlled by the mobile terminal. Also, projection data is exchanged between the mobile terminal and the projector, or between a data server connected to a network and the projector using a command of the mobile terminal. Furthermore, when a plurality of mobile terminals send projection data simultaneously, a communication enabled state is established with only one mobile terminal by a predetermined procedure, or one projector's projection screen is divided in order to project a plurality of projection data simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Karasawa, Shoichi Akaiwa, Tomohiro Nomizo
  • Patent number: 6764185
    Abstract: An interactive display system includes a sensor for sensing a relationship between a mobile coordinate frame fixed to a moving projector, and a stable coordinate frame fixed to a stationary display surface in the real world. An output image to be projected on the display surface is partitioned into a black image portion having a fixed relationship to the mobile coordinate frame, a stable image portion within the block image portion having a fixed relationship to the stable coordinate frame, and a mobile image portion within the stable image portion having a fixed relationship to the mobile coordinate frame. The mobile portion can be used as a pointer within the stable portion in a mouse-cursor like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Beardsley, Ramesh Raskar, Clifton L. Forlines, Dirk Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6761456
    Abstract: A presentation system for a presenter to safely point out parts of an image projected from a projector onto a screen with laser light projected from a laser pointer held by the presenter is disclosed. The presentation system includes one or more infrared light receiving units on the laser pointer that selectively receive infrared signals from sending units that are mounted on the projector or on walls in order to control emission of laser light from the laser pointer. Arrangements of the sending and receiving units are designed to allow emission of the laser light from the pointer only when the laser pointer is pointed toward the projection screen. A control unit in the laser pointer may determine if the laser pointer is pointed correctly or a gravity operated shutter may further assist in preventing unsafe projection of laser light from the laser pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Hamana, Mitsuyoshi Nishimura, Takashi Nagashima, Junichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6729731
    Abstract: Interaction with a display occurs. A light point is transmitted towards the display. A mode of operation of the light point is established based on timing associated with illumination of the light point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Info Valley Corporation
    Inventors: Sakunthala Gnanamgari, Arthur Lico
  • Publication number: 20040058729
    Abstract: A projection device with wireless devices is provided. The projection device with wireless devices includes a video camera for providing a camera signal a wireless transmitter electrically connected to the video camera for receiving the camera signal and transmitting the camera signal by means of a wireless transmission technology; a wireless receiver for receiving the camera signal and transforming the camera signal into a projection signal; and a projector electrically connected to the receiver for receiving the projection signal and projecting an image in response to the projection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Huang Shin-Pin
  • Patent number: 6698897
    Abstract: A presentation system comprises a screen, a laser pointer operated by a user to project laser beam on the screen, and an infrared light projector for emitting infrared light on the entire surface of the screen. The laser pointer comprises an infrared light receiving section directed in the same direction as a projection direction of laser beam for receiving infrared light projected from the infrared light projector and reflected from the screen, and a control section for causing the laser pointer to project laser beam only while the infrared light receiving section is receiving infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Hamana, Mitsuyoshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 6664954
    Abstract: A cap covering a light-emitting element attached to the distal end of an indicator is held by a sliding member, and is slidably attached axially along the indicator. By pressing/separating the cap against/from a coordinate input surface, a tact switch operates interlockingly with the cap to switch driving control of the light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element is driven by pressing the cap, and driving of the light-emitting element is stopped by separating the cap. Since the cap covers the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element can be prevented from being worn and scratched. Driving control of the light-emitting element need not be additionally switched, resulting in high operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichiro Yoshimura, Masahide Hasegawa, Kiwamu Kobayashi, Masaaki Kanashiki, Atsushi Tanaka, Katsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030179348
    Abstract: A presentation system for a presenter to safely point out parts of an image projected from a projector onto a screen with laser light projected from a laser pointer held by the presenter is disclosed. The presentation system includes one or more infrared light receiving units on the laser pointer that selectively receive infrared signals from sending units that are mounted on the projector or on walls in order to control emission of laser light from the laser pointer. Arrangements of the sending and receiving units are designed to allow emission of the laser light from the pointer only when the laser pointer is pointed toward the projection screen. A control unit in the laser pointer may determine if the laser pointer is pointed correctly or a gravity operated shutter may further assist in preventing unsafe projection of laser light from the laser pointer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Akinori Hamana, Mitsutoshi Nishimura, Takashi Nagashima, Junichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6598978
    Abstract: An image display system, for displaying an image on a screen in response to a position of a pointer, includes an image display unit for displaying the image on the screen, a detector for detecting coordinates responsive to the position of the pointer, and a display controller. The display controller controls the display to display an image indicating the position pointed by the pointer at position coordinates spaced by a predetermined distance from the position coordinates detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahide Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20030133081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image projection system whereby a display 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 liquid crystal projector, a personal computer for controlling the liquid crystal projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operation signal from a main operating section and a predetermined program, and a remote controller for the liquid crystal projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6587092
    Abstract: The invention prevents an audience from being distracted by movements of a demonstrator that are not related to movements of a pointer on a screen, and by the demonstrator moving away from the screen, during a presentation which is performed by enlarging and projecting the display of a personal computer onto the screen by a projector. A designating tool, which is held by the hand of the demonstrator, is imaged by an imaging part which is disposed at the top of the screen. On the front of the designating tool, infrared LEDs are disposed at each vertex of an isosceles triangle, and recessed at the center, and the orientation of the designating tool is obtained from the positional relationship of the infrared LEDs of an image which has been imaged by the imaging part. This orientation is converted to planar coordinates and is sent to a computer, a marker is displayed on a screen, and the software is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Yoneno
  • Publication number: 20030112415
    Abstract: Apparatus for projecting a display interface on a remote screen comprises a means such as scanning device for capturing the display interface comprising a visual pointer appearing on the remote screen. The visual pointer is positioned to reference a subject portion of the display interface and produced by a pointer device. The apparatus comprises another a means such as a projector for projecting display content on the remote screen according to the capturing means. The display content is corresponding to the subject portion of the display interface and directly displayed after the scanning of capturing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: UMAX DATA SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Hsiu-O Hsu, Jen-Shou Tseng
  • Patent number: 6568812
    Abstract: A system for mounting an infrared (IR) remote control receiver in a rear projection television apparatus features a mirror having a coating wherein visible light is reflected to a viewing device, and light in the infrared regions is passed through the mirror and detected by an IR receiver mounted behind the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Stephen Magocs