Abstract: Various system and methods for estimating the position of one or more radiation blocking objects on a surface are disclosed. A plurality of radiation sources and radiation sensors are positioned about the surface. A plurality of sectors corresponding to the position of at least some of the radiation blocking objects relative to each of the radiation sensors is determined based on a radiation intensity signal for each radiation sensor. The position of the radiation blocking objects is estimated by analyzing various combinations of the sectors. In some embodiments, the size of a radiation blocking object may be estimated based on characteristics of a polygon corresponding to a combination of sectors.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular position sensing system and method for using the system are described. The system may be used to detect the position of one or more radiation blocking objects in a sensing region. The sensing region may overlie a surface such as a wall, whiteboard, display screen or a modular display screen. When used with a modular display screen, the system may include system modules dimensions to correspond to display modules used to form the modular display screen.

Abstract: Several systems for tracking one or more radiation blocking objects on a surface are disclosed. A pair of radiation sensors are provided adjacent the surface and a plurality of radiation sources are provided adjacent the surface. Radiation from at least some of the radiation sources travels across the surface to reach each of the radiation sensors. One or more radiation blocking objects on the surface attenuate radiation from one or more radiation sources from reaching each of the sensors. The position of the one or more radiation blocking objects is estimates and may be tracked based on the position of the one or more attenuated radiation sources relative to each radiation sensor.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for estimating the position of a radiation source in three-dimensional space, together with sensors for use in such systems are described. In some embodiments, the systems include a plurality of radiation sensors. The three-dimensional position of the radiation source is estimated relative to each sensor using an aperture that casts shadows on a radiation detector as a function of the incident angle of the incoming radiation. In some embodiments, the ratio of a reference radiation intensity to a measured radiation intensity is used to estimate direction of the radiation source relative to the sensor. When the angular position of the radiation source is estimated relative to two sensors, the position of the radiation source in three dimensions can be triangulated based on the known relative positions of the two sensors.

Abstract: Two and three dimensional position sensing systems and sensors for use in such systems are disclosed. The sensors incorporate linear array sensors and an aperture plate to block light or other radiation from reaching most elements of the sensors. A direction of a radiation source relative is determined based on illuminated sensor elements in each sensor. The sensors are combined in systems to allow the position of a radiation source to be estimated.

Abstract: Two dimensional position sensing system and sensors for use in such systems are disclosed. The sensors incorporate linear array sensors having sensor elements and an aperture plate. Some embodiments include a radiation source that directs radiation onto some of the sensor elements. Other embodiments including radiation blocking objects that block radiation from reaching some of sensor elements. The direction or position of the radiation source or radiation blocking object may be estimated from the radiation incident on the sensor elements.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for estimating the position of a radiation source in three-dimensional space, together with sensors for use in such systems are described. In some embodiments, the systems include a plurality of radiation sensors. The three-dimensional position of the radiation source is estimated relative to each sensor using an aperture that casts shadows on a radiation detector as a function of the incident angle of the incoming radiation. In some embodiments, the ratio of a reference radiation intensity to a measured radiation intensity is used to estimate direction of the radiation source relative to the sensor. When the angular position of the radiation source is estimated relative to two sensors, the position of the radiation source in three dimensions can be triangulated based on the known relative positions of the two sensors.

Abstract: Described is a manner of determining the three-dimensional direction of a radiating source. The system uses two pairs of coplanar solid-state radiation detectors perpendicularly arranged. The three-dimensional direction of the radiating source is found through the use of suitably positioned walls or absorbers of the radiation. The lengths of the shadows cast by the walls leads to a change in incident radiation detected by the various detectors. A ratio of the detected incident radiation is uniquely and simply related to the angle of the source in three dimensions. When the three-dimensional direction of the object is determined from two points, the distance to the object from each of the points is calculated using triangulation. A glove having one or more LEDs, uses the system to detect the three-dimensional position of each LED, and the three-dimensional positions of the LEDs are used to determine yaw, pitch and roll.