Abstract: A device for entering information into a data processing system having a position-sensitive optical sensor surface which is connected to the data processing system runs around a data processing system display surface, the optical sensor surface being suitable for detecting the position of the intersections between the sensor surface and a cross-sectional surface of a light beam emitted from a luminous indicator. A light curtain which is parallel to the display surface extends on the user side of the display surface, wherein the sensor surface is the optical detector of the light curtain.

Abstract: A combined display surface and a control device for a data processing system, wherein the position of a light beam hitting the display surface is measured and the measured result is used by the data processing system as a basis for determining a cursor position on the display surface. Several strip-shaped optical position detectors are arranged along the edge of the display surface, the measured signals of which are fed into the data processing system. The cross-sectional shape of the indicator beam is formed by several lines which protrude both the display surface and the position detectors arranged thereon. The optical position detectors are formed by a layered structure made of organic material.

Abstract: A planar detector for use in light curtains, which generates electric signals as a function of absorbed light and is provided with a plurality of tapping points for the generated signals. The magnitude of the signals at the respective tapping points is dependent on their distance to the partial surfaces where the light is absorbed. As a function of the magnitude ratios between the signals at several tapping points, the distance ratios of the respective tapping points to those partial surfaces, where the light is absorbed, can be calculated. The detector is configured as a flexible layered structure made of organic material. The tapping points are disposed at a distance from the edges of the layered structure. Electric connection lines to the tapping points are connected along their longitudinal extension to the layered structure of the detector.

Abstract: A detector surface which is based on optical signals and arranged as a flexible enveloping surface around the body in order to detect whether and where the illuminated indicator strikes the body. The detector surface composed of one or more planar optical fibers, wherein at least one layer of a planar optical fiber has photoluminescent properties, and wherein photodetectors are arranged on the planar optical fiber such that they can decouple light from the optical fiber and detect it. The planar optical fiber is designed as a film made of a transparent polymer having a thickness of 30 to 500 ?m and the photodetector is arranged at a distance from all edges of the optical fiber on the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical-signal based control surface for a data processing system, the surface being designed as a planar optical fiber, on which photoelectric sensors are provided, the measured signals of which are used to deduce the position of a light signal striking the control surface and the position being associated with a processing mark in the data processing system. A layer having photoluminescent properties is in contact with at least one layer of the planar optical fiber. The light of the light beam shining on the control surface is converted into longer-wave light by way of photoluminescence, the light being coupled into the waveguide, diffusing therein, and being measured by the photoelectric sensors.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a data processing system is provided. A light beam is emitted from a pointing device to a control surface which is equipped with one or more optical position detectors connected to the data processing system. The data processing system is influenced in accordance with the impact point of the light beam on the control surface. In order to be able to input different characters using the pointing device independently from where the light beam emitted by the pointing device is currently pointing, the light intensity emitted by the pointing device to the control surface oscillates in a pulse sequence characteristic for individual characters. The optical position detector is a flat luminescence optical wave guide with local photoelectric sensors enabling it to achieve the required high resolution. In a further embodiment, the identity of a pointing device is coded in the pulse sequence, enabling a clear distinction of several input devices.

Abstract: A combined display surface and a control device for a data processing system, wherein the position of a light beam hitting the display surface is measured and the measured result is used by the data processing system as a basis for determining a cursor position on the display surface. Several strip-shaped optical position detectors are arranged along the edge of the display surface, the measured signals of which are fed into the data processing system. The cross-sectional shape of the indicator beam is formed by several lines which protrude both the display surface and the position detectors arranged thereon. The optical position detectors are formed by a layered structure made of organic material.

Abstract: A planar detector for use in light curtains, which generates electric signals as a function of absorbed light and is provided with a plurality of tapping points for the generated signals. The magnitude of the signals at the respective tapping points is dependent on their distance to the partial surfaces where the light is absorbed. As a function of the magnitude ratios between the signals at several tapping points, the distance ratios of the respective tapping points to those partial surfaces, where the light is absorbed, can be calculated. The detector is configured as a flexible layered structure made of organic material. The tapping points are disposed at a distance from the edges of the layered structure. Electric connection lines to the tapping points are connected along their longitudinal extension to the layered structure of the detector.

Abstract: A detector surface which is based on optical signals and arranged as a flexible enveloping surface around the body in order to detect whether and where the illuminated indicator strikes the body. The detector surface composed of one or more planar optical fibers, wherein at least one layer of a planar optical fiber has photoluminescent properties, and wherein photodetectors are arranged on the planar optical fiber such that they can decouple light from the optical fiber and detect it. The planar optical fiber is designed as a film made of a transparent polymer having a thickness of 30 to 500 ?m and the photodetector is arranged at a distance from all edges of the optical fiber on the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical-signal based control surface for a data processing system, said surface being designed as a planar optical fiber, on which photoelectric sensors are provided, the measured signals of which are used to deduce the position of a light signal striking the control surface and said position being associated with a processing mark in the data processing system. A layer having photoluminescent properties is in contact with at least one layer of the planar optical fiber. The light of the light beam shining on the control surface is converted into longer-wave light by way of photoluminescence, said light being coupled into the waveguide, diffusing therein, and being measured by the photoelectric sensors.

Abstract: A device for personal use includes a heating means that uses liquified petroleum gas, a gas container for liquified petroelum gas that has a longitudinal axis, and a vaporization element for supplying vaporized liquified petroelum gas from the gas container to the heating means. Non-porous structure in the gas container defines at least one capillary extending essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the gas container conveys liquified petroleum gas to the vaporization element.