Abstract: A projection system includes a light emitting apparatus that emits detection light to a detection area for detecting indication positions of indicators, and a projector that detects the indication positions of the indicators in the detection area. The projector includes an imaging portion that captures an image of the detection area, and a position detection portion that detects at least one of an image of light generated by the indicator and an image of the detection light reflected on the indicator from data of a captured image of the imaging portion, and discriminates and detects the indication positions of the indicator and the indicator based on light emission timings of the indicator and the light emitting apparatus.

Abstract: A visual system includes one or more units, where each unit is a displaying unit or a video camera, or a combination of both, and each unit has a receiver. The unit has a transmitter which starts transmitting infrequent, short repetitive bursts if no bursts are received by the receiver; and otherwise transmits a delayed short burst synchronized to the infrequent, short repetitive bursts by the transmitter, in order to synchronize all units in the visual system to each other, while the infrequent, short repetitive bursts will not interfere nor will be interfered by the general use of remote controllers for other purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method controls and interacts within an interaction volume within a height over the coordinate plane of a computer such as a computer screen, interactive whiteboard, horizontal interaction surface, video/web-conference system, document camera, rear-projection screen, digital signage surface, television screen or gaming device, to provide pointing, hovering, selecting, tapping, gesturing, scaling, drawing, writing and erasing, using one or more interacting objects, for example, fingers, hands, feet, and other objects, for example, pens, brushes, wipers and even more specialized tools. The apparatus and method be used together with, or even be integrated into, data projectors of all types and its fixtures/stands, and used together with flat screens to render display systems interactive.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is provided for controlling and interacting within an interaction volume and/or surface of a computer. The method, apparatus and system is optionally employed together with, or even be integrated into, data projectors of all types and its fixtures/stands, and used together with flat screens (LCD, plasma, OLED, rear-projection screen and so forth) to render such display systems interactive. The apparatus incorporates a camera covering the interaction area from either a very short distance or from a larger distance to determine the lateral positions (X, Y) and even capturing the pose of the finger(s), hand(s) or other interacting object(s), which optionally include the determination of “touch” and “hovering”.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (16) for projecting infrared or near infrared or low intensity visible light from a pen, pointer or other guiding object in the form of a coded pattern image, detectable by a camera and recognition system but invisible, or hardly visible to the user and audience, thus controlling and interacting with a computer (19) during a presentation, computer supported work and/or other interactive use of a computer, including pointing, selecting, drawing and writing, both distantly (11) and closely (10) to the front or rear projection screen or possible other type of display screen, without any distracting visual patterns or spots, while the possible visual feedback to the user and audience can be generated by the computer and display system onto the display screen in a controlled and context-sensitive way.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (16) for projecting infrared or near infrared or low intensity visible light from a pen, pointer or other guiding object in the form of a coded pattern image, detectable by a camera and recognition system but invisible, or hardly visible to the user and audience, thus controlling and interacting with a computer (19) during a presentation, computer supported work and/or other interactive use of a computer, including pointing, selecting, drawing and writing, both distantly (11) and closely (10) to the front or rear projection screen or possible other type of display screen, without any distracting visual patterns or spots, while the possible visual feedback to the user and audience can be generated by the computer and display system onto the display screen in a controlled and context-sensitive way.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting proximity between a first object (target object) and a second object (reference object), comprising a light source and a light detector adapted to receive resulting back-scattered light from the reference object when illuminated from the light source, whereby the intensity of back-scattered light to the light detector is utilized as a measure of said proximity. The target object comprises an optical device having a focal plane and being adapted to be illuminated by the light source. The axes of the light rays from the light source and the back-scattering to the light detector have mutually closely adjacent and substantially parallel or coincident portions. Said proximity corresponds to a distance (relative position) between the target object and the reference object wherein the reference object is located substantially at the focal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting proximity between a first object (target object) and a second object (reference object), comprising a light source and a light detector adapted to receive resulting back-scattered light from the reference object when illuminated from the light source, whereby the intensity of back-scattered light to the light detector is utilized as a measure of said proximity. The target object comprises an optical device having a focal plane and being adapted to be illuminated by the light source. The axes of the light rays from the light source and the back-scattering to the light detector have mutually closely adjacent and substantially parallel or coincident portions. Said proximity corresponds to a distance (relative position) between the target object and the reference object wherein the reference object is located substantially at the focal plane.

Abstract: Drawing, writing or pointing device (1) for use with data presentations, computer supported work or other interactive use of a computer. The device (1) comprises one or more code patterns (3). Each code pattern (3) is adapted to be detected by a camera and recognition system (13). A camera and recognition system (13) adapted to cooperate with the device (1) records one or more images (31). At least one image contains one or more code patterns (3) from the device(s). Drawing, writing and pointing devices (1) are used in a system (40) and in a method for drawing, writing and pointing at data presentations, computer supported work and other interactive use of a computer where the position and orientation of the device (1) is determined and transferred to a computer. The drawing, writing and pointing device (1) is also used in a method for continuously recording the position and orientation of one or more marked objects, where the marking comprises one or more code patterns (3).

Abstract: Drawing, writing or pointing device (1) for use with data presentations, computer supported work or other interactive use of a computer. The device (1) comprises one or more code patterns (3). Each code pattern (3) is adapted to be detected by a camera and recognition system (13). A camera and recognition system (13) adapted to cooperate with the device (1) records one or more images (31). At least one image contains one or more code patterns (3) from the device(s). Drawing, writing and pointing devices (1) are used in a system (40) and in a method for drawing, writing and pointing at data presentations, computer supported work and other interactive use of a computer where the position and orientation of the device (1) is determined and transferred to a computer. The drawing, writing and pointing device (1) is also used in a method for continuously recording the position and orientation of one or more marked objects, where the marking comprises one or more code patterns (3).