Abstract: A method and system of inputting data, including language and other forms of communication, into an electronic device is disclosed. The method and system are directed to reducing the number of keystrokes that a disabled person would need to make to use a computer or alternative communication device. The method and system according to the invention utilizes a virtual keyboard upon which a user makes an input pattern or “gesture”. The gesture is then transformed into a ranked list of language unit prefixes. Word prediction analysis then analyzes the list of language unit prefixes and develops a list of potential word or phrases that the user may select from.

Abstract: An eye tracking system and method is provided giving persons with severe disabilities the ability to access a computer through eye movement. A system comprising a head tracking system, an eye tracking system, a display device, and a processor which calculates the gaze point of the user is provided. The eye tracking method comprises determining the location and orientation of the head, determining the location and orientation of the eye, calculating the location of the center of rotation of the eye, and calculating the gaze point of the eye.

Abstract: An improved high resolution method and apparatus are described for sensing and determining the spatial coordinates of a movable object with respect to a energized conductive surface. The coordinates of the object are precisely measured with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system independent of the third orthogonal dimension, thereby avoiding significant measurement errors due to variations of the object position in the third orthogonal dimension. The system also ascertains the coordinate position of the object in this third dimension, which can then be utilized as an independent control variable in the system. Further, the system can accommodate a number of energized conductive surfaces over which the object may be positioned and can determine the spatial coordinates of the object with respect to any such surface.

Abstract: A laser actuated keyboard system (10) includes a laser pointer (12) mounted on an adjustable headband (14) for directing a collimated beam (16) onto a laser keyboard (18) defined by an array of photosensors (58) that are intended to be illuminated by the user-targeted beam (16). During a laser acquisition mode, the laser pointer (12) output is controlled to provide a relatively retina-safe output and during the captured signal mode, the laser pointer (12) output is controlled to provide a higher-power mode sufficient to be easily seen. During the higher-power mode, the laser pointer (12) is modulated at a selected frequency to assist the laser keyboard (18) in discriminating against common background light. A successful keypress is declared when the beam (16) illuminates a targeted area for a selected percentage of a pre-determined dwell period.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus coupling at least two image processing systems connected to a network. The network couples image information to each system, and each system displays at least one image. Each system includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit couples information to and receives information from the network. The control unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a partitioned memory space, including, both common and personal memory. The personal memory of each system contains one or more personal images that can be viewed only by the respective system, wherein each system is controlled to access only its respective personal memory. Under control of the CPUs in the respective systems, a common image is coupled to each system over the network and commonly displayed on each system. While the common image is commonly displayed on each system, it is edited by the first image processing system.

Abstract: An improved high resolution method and apparatus are described for sensing and determining the spatial coordinates of a movable object with respect to a energized conductive surface. The coordinates of the object are precisely measured with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system independent of the third orthogonal dimension, thereby avoiding significant measurement errors due to variations of the object position in the third orthogonal dimension. The system also ascertains the coordinate position of the object in this third dimension, which can then be utilized as an independent control variable in the system. Further, the system can accommodate a number of energized conductive surfaces over which the object may be positioned and can determine the spatial coordinates of the object with respect to any such surface.

Abstract: An improved high resolution method and apparatus are described for sensing and determining the spatial coordinates of a movable object with respect to a energized conductive surface. The coordinates of the object are precisely measured with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system independent of the third orthogonal dimension, thereby avoiding significant measurement errors due to variations of the object position in the third orthogonal dimension. The system also ascertains the coordinate position of the object in this third dimension, which can then be utilized as an independent control variable in the system. Further, the system can accommodate a number of energized conductive surfaces over which the object may be positioned and can determine the spatial coordinates of the object with respect to any such surface.

Abstract: A workstation with multiple, functionally related displays clustered under and controlled by a common transparent overlay control device. The position of a hand-held stylus is sensed by the overlay control device and is used as a system input to control system operations, system communications and input, manipulation and editing of images displayed on the displays. Control of certain workstation operations is achieved by directing the stylus towards function symbols which are affixed to the overlay surface. Actuators or other adjustment mechanisms are provided for adjustment of the height and pitch of the workstation for the comfort of the operator. Further, the workstation provides integrated data audio communication over ordinary narrow-band telephone lines or high speed data lines with other linked workstations.

Abstract: An improved high resolution method and apparatus are described for sensing and determining the spatial coordinates of a movable object with respect to a energized conductive surface. The coordinates of the object are precisely measured with respect to a two-dimensional coordinate system independent of the third orthogonal dimension, thereby avoiding significant measurement errors due to variations of the object position in the third orthogonal dimension. The system also ascertains the coordinate position of the object in this third dimension, which can then be utilized as an independent control variable in the system. Further, the system can accommodate a number of energized conductive surfaces over which the object may be positioned and can determine the spatial coordinates of the object with respect to any such surface.

Abstract: Programmable apparatus for digital processing of video signals from multiple sources converted to digital format to provide real-time multiple simultaneous special video effects and suitable for direct interface to a conventional microcomputer bus such as an Apple Macintosh II NuBus. The apparatus includes a matrix of multipliers to do real-time video processing permitting special effects such as fading between at least two video image sources, as well as a priority resolver to control display on a pixel by pixel basis of more than ten sources based upon dynamically programmable priority. In addition, a programmable multiple range thresholder, a hardware window generator capable of generating multiple simultaneous windows, a color look up table and optional image capture capabilities are provided. The apparatus also provides for a light pen input, genlocking and a range of special video effects including zooming, mosaicing, panning and blending.