Abstract: A system and method for determining which key value in a set of key values is to be assigned as a current key value as a result an object intersecting a region where a virtual interface is provided. The virtual interface may enable selection of individual key values in the set. The position is determined using a depth sensor that determines a depth of the position in relation to the location of the depth sensor. A set of previous key values that are pertinent to the current key value may also be identified. In addition, at least one of either a displacement characteristic of the object, or a shape characteristic of the object is determined. A probability is determined that indicates the current key value is a particular one or more of the key values in the set.

Abstract: Occupancy detection and measurement, and obstacle detection using imaging technology. Embodiments include determining occupancy, or the presence of an object or person in a scene or space. If there is occupancy, the amount of occupancy is measured.

Abstract: A system used with a virtual device inputs or transfers information to a companion device, and includes two optical systems OS1, OS2. In a structured-light embodiment, OS1 emits a fan beam plane of optical energy parallel to and above the virtual device. When a user-object penetrates the beam plane of interest, OS2 registers the event. Triangulation methods can locate the virtual contact, and transfer user-intended information to the companion system. In a non-structured active light embodiment, OS1 is preferably a digital camera whose field of view defines the plane of interest, which is illuminated by an active source of optical energy. Preferably the active source, OS1, and OS2 operate synchronously to reduce effects of ambient light. A non-structured passive light embodiment is similar except the source of optical energy is ambient light. A subtraction technique preferably enhances the signal/noise ratio. The companion device may in fact house the present invention.

Abstract: A user with hand or stylus inputs information to a companion system such as a PDA, a cell telephone, an appliance, or other device using a virtual input device such as an image of a keyboard. A sensor captures data representing a single image at a given time, from which data three-dimensional positional information as to if, when in time, and where on the virtual input device user-interaction or contact occurred. The processed digital information is output to the companion system. In a virtual keyboard application, the companion system can display an image of a keyboard, including an image of a keyboard showing user fingers, and/or alphanumeric text as such data is input by the user on the virtual input device.

Abstract: A three-dimension distance time-of-flight system is disclosed in which distance values are acquired by a plurality of sensors independently from each other. For use with this and similar systems, Z-distance accuracy and resolution are enhanced using various techniques including over-sampling acquired sensor data and forming running averages, or forming moving averages. Acquired data may be rejected if it fails to meet criteria associated with distance, luminosity, velocity, or estimated shape information reported by neighboring sensors. A sub-target having at least one pre-calibrated reflectance zone is used to improve system measurement accuracy. Elliptical error is corrected for using a disclosed method, and reversible mapping of Z-values into RGB is provided.

Abstract: Three-dimensional position information is used to segment objects in a scene viewed by a three dimensional camera. At one or more instances of an interval, the head location of the user is determined. Object-based compression schemes are applied on the segmented objects and the detected head.

Abstract: In a sensory input system that detects movement of a user's fingers on an inert work surface, two or more input modes (for instance, keyboard and mouse) are provided within an overlapping or coextensive physical space. Depending on the currently active mode, the invention interprets the finger motions as input according to one of the input modes. Automated and/or manual mode-switching are provided.

Abstract: Objects may be recognized through various levels of recognition using a combination of senors and algorithms such as described herein. In order to perform recognition, a depth distance or range is obtained for each surface region in a plurality of surface regions that form a viewable surface of the object that is to be recognized. An identification for the plurality of surface regions.

Abstract: A light-generated input interface is provided using a combination of components that include a projector and a sensor. The projector displays an image corresponding to an input device. The sensor can be used to detect selection of input based on contact by a user-controlled object with displayed regions of the projected input device. An intersection of a projection area and an active sensor area on a surface where the input device is to be displayed is used to set a dimension of an image of the input device.

Abstract: A user inputs digital data to a companion system such as a PDA, a cell telephone, an applicance, device using a virtual input device such as an image of a keyboard. A sensor captures three-dimensional positional information as to location of the user's fingers in relation to where keys would be on an actual keyboard. This information is processed with respect to finger locations and velocities and shape to determine when virtual keys would have been struck. The processed digital information is output to the companion system. The companion system can display an image of a keyboard, including an image of a keyboard showing user fingers, and/or alphanumeric text as such data is input by the user on the virtual input device.

Abstract: Three-dimensional position information is used to identify the gesture created by a body part of interest. At one or more instances of an interval, the posture of a body part is recognized, based on the shape of the body part and its position and orientation. The posture of the body part over each of the one or more instances in the interval are recognized as a combined gesture. The gesture is classified for determining an input into a related electronic device.

Abstract: A three-dimension distance time-of-flight system is disclosed in which distance values are acquired by a plurality of sensors independently from each other. For use with this and similar systems, Z-distance accuracy and resolution are enhanced using various techniques including over-sampling acquired sensor data and forming running averages, or forming moving averages. Acquired data may be rejected if it fails to meet criteria associated with distance, luminosity, velocity, or estimated shape information reported by neighboring sensors. A sub-target having at least one pre-calibrated reflectance zone is used to improve system measurement accuracy. Elliptical error is corrected for using a disclosed method, and reversible mapping of Z-values into RGB is provided.

Abstract: A three-dimension distance time-of-flight system is disclosed in which distance values are acquired by a plurality of sensors independently from each other. For use with this and similar systems, Z-distance accuracy and resolution are enhanced using various techniques including over-sampling acquired sensor data and forming running averages, or forming moving averages. Acquired data may be rejected if it fails to meet criteria associated with distance, luminosity, velocity, or estimated shape information reported by neighboring sensors. A sub-target having at least one pre-calibrated reflectance zone is used to improve system measurement accuracy. Elliptical error is corrected for using a disclosed method, and reversible mapping of Z-values into RGB is provided.

Abstract: A virtual simulation system generates an image of a virtual control on a display that may be a heads-up-display in a vehicle. The system uses three-dimensional range finding data to determine when a user is sufficiently close to the virtual control to “manipulate” the virtual control. The user “manipulation” is sensed non-haptically by the system, which causes the displayed control image to move in response to user manipulation. System output is coupled, linearly or otherwise, to an actual device having a parameter that is adjusted substantially in real-time by user-manipulation of the virtual image. System generated displays can be dynamic and change appearance when a user's hand is in close proximity. displays can disappear until needed, or can include menus and icons to be selected by the user who points towards or touches the virtual images. System generate images can include representation of the user for use in a training or gaming system.

Abstract: A system used with a virtual device inputs or transfers information to a companion device, and includes two optical systems OS1, OS2. In a structured-light embodiment, OS1 emits a fan beam plane of optical energy parallel to and above the virtual device. When a user-object penetrates the beam plane of interest, OS2 registers the event. Triangulation methods can locate the virtual contact, and transfer user-intended information to the companion system. In a non-structured active light embodiment, OS1 is preferably a digital camera whose field of view defines the plane of interest, which is illuminated by an active source of optical energy. Preferably the active source, OS1, and OS2 operate synchronously to reduce effects of ambient light. A non-structured passive light embodiment is similar except the source of optical energy is ambient light. A subtraction technique preferably enhances the signal/noise ratio. The companion device may in fact house the present invention.

Abstract: A modular signature and data capture device employs a standardized ISA bus, standardized communication ports, and standardized x86 CPU architecture to promote flexibility in using past, present, and future software and accessories. A VGA-caliber backlit LCD is superimposingly combined with a pressure touch pad that is useable with a passive stylus. The LCD displays pen drawn signatures and graphics in real-time, and can display images and data stored in the device, or downloaded from a host system, including advertisements. The LCD can also display menus, device instructions, virtual pressure-sensitive data keys, and control keys. The device includes a built-in a three-stripe magnetic card reader unit. The device accepts PCMCIA-compatible accessories including solid state memory units and smartcards, and is compatible with plug-in accessories including an external PIN keypad entry unit, a fingerprint unit, an omnibus unit including a printer and check processor in addition to a fingerprint unit.

Abstract: A signature capture device includes a CPU that executes a routine to losslessly compress signature data in realtime such that decompression recovers a legally acceptable replica of the original signature. Digital data representing the pixel start point of a signature run is stored in preferably 10-bit or 9-bit format, and is then reduced to a common lower format of 9-bit or 8-bits. Subsequent data points within a run are reduced to the same common lower format and are compared to the common lower format version of the start point data. The differential between the start point and the adjacent second point is calculated and encoded with 4-bits if possible, or with 8-bits otherwise. The differential between the third point and second point is calculated and encoded with 4-bits or 8-bits, as required, and so on, within the run. A run is initiated by a pen-down status, or if a present run exceeds a predetermined length, or if a differential can no longer be encoded with 4-bits and requires 8-bit encoding.