Abstract: A bar code scanner includes a self-mixing laser sensor. A frequency of the signal output by that sensor is used to determine scanner velocity relative to the bar code, and an amplitude of that signal is used to determine color of bar code bands. Using velocity and amplitude data collected at multiple times during a scan of the bar code, the widths of the bands are calculated. An imaging scanner includes a laser velocimeter that generates velocity data. Using that velocity data, relative displacement between image frames is determined.

Abstract: A pointing device, and the use thereof, is described that allows a displayed cursor or other navigation control to be controlled in different modes, such as at different resolutions. The pointing device may include a first pointing element and a second pointing element. The first and second pointing elements may independently control the same navigation control using their own respective navigation modes. The pointing device may additionally or alternatively have switching capability to switch between navigation modes. In this way, a single pointing element may be used to control the navigation control in accordance with various navigation modes.

Abstract: An input device includes an optical waveguide, one or more light sources, one or more imaging sensors, and a translator. The optical waveguide has an input surface, a back surface substantially opposite the input surface, and a side surface therebetween. The input surface has a plurality of different input locations. The one or more light sources are positioned to introduce light into the optical waveguide. A distortion of each different input location of the input surface causes a portion of light within the optical waveguide to exit from the optical waveguide at a different escape location of the side surface. The one or more imaging sensors are positioned and aimed to detect an escape location of a portion of light exiting from the side surface. The translator determines an input location corresponding to the escape location for each detected escape location.

Abstract: Optical tracking systems, method, and devices are described in which optical components detect light within a substantially planar region adjacent to a user device. Tracking logic may receive signals output by the optical components and determine coordinates associated with a movement of a pointing object through the substantially planar region. The tracking logic may then provide for translation of the coordinates into an action on a display, such as, for example, a movement of a cursor or other icon on the display.

Abstract: A keyboard detects press or release of keys using one or more ranging techniques. Targets are attached to keys of the keyboard. As keys are pressed or released, attached targets move into paths of distance measuring sensors. A range finder determines sensor-target distances and reports those distances to a microprocessor. Based on that distance data, the microprocessor identifies the moved keys. The keys and microprocessor are configured to determine the direction of key motion and to detect simultaneous press or release of keys in a single row or column. A slider control, and/or an integral pointing device tracking motion of a user's finger or other object, may also be included.

Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.

Abstract: A relatively moving surface is illuminated with a laser. Light from the laser is reflected by the surface into an array of photosensitive elements; the reflected light includes a speckle pattern. Sums are calculated for outputs of pixels perpendicular to a first dimension along which motion is to be determined. Motion along the first dimension is then determined based on spatial and temporal gradients of the calculated sums. Sums are also calculated for outputs of pixels perpendicular to a second dimension along which motion is to be determined. Motion along the second dimension is then determined based on spatial and temporal gradients of those sums. The array may be rectangular, or may contain arms separated by a pixel-free region.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed that includes a sensor for editing characters and text units. The sensor has an elongate configuration and is laterally-oriented with respect to sides of the input device. The input device also includes a plurality of keys for entering individual characters or multiple characters that form the text units. By contacting the sensor, an incorrectly-entered text unit may be selected and replaced with an intended text unit. In order to select the incorrectly-entered text unit, the sensor may be contacted in a position that corresponds with a position of the text unit with respect to a display screen.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a light source assembly forming an incident light beam that strikes an area on a surface beneath the input device with large incident angle. A light sensing assembly in the input device is positioned to receive scattered light and includes a band-pass filter. A barrier is located directly above the area where the light beam is incident on the top surface to prevent light from traveling directly from the light source assembly to the light sensing assembly.

Abstract: New devices, systems and methods are hereby provided that enable a user to open a communication channel by selecting an image on a monitor. A device that includes a monitor and a graphical position user input mechanism is configured to display one or more images on the monitor, to receive a graphical position user input selecting one of the images, and to open a communication channel directed to a contact information element associated with the selected image. For example, this may include placing a phone call to a selected recipient, or opening an email, instant messaging, or text message composition panel addressed to a selected recipient, by touching, clicking on, or otherwise selecting an image of the recipient, or an image that is associated with the recipient.

Abstract: A system that facilitates consolidating resources (e.g., devices, services) based at least in part upon an established context. More particularly, a context determination component can be employed to establish a context by processing sensor inputs or learning/inferring a user action/preference. Once the context is established via a context determination component, a consolidation component can be employed to aggregate and/or disaggregate disparate resources (e.g., devices, services) in accordance with the established context. These resources can work autonomously and/or in conjunction with a subset of the other resources to provide for a highly rich multi-modal user experience.

Abstract: Multi-modal, multi-lingual devices can be employed to consolidate numerous items including, but not limited to, keys, remote controls, image capture devices, audio recorders, cellular telephone functionalities, location/direction detectors, health monitors, calendars, gaming devices, smart home inputs, pens, optical pointing devices or the like. For example, a corner of a cellular telephone can be used as an electronic pen. Moreover, the device can be used to snap multiple pictures stitching them together to create a panoramic image. A device can automate ignition of an automobile, initiate appliances, etc. based upon relative distance. The device can provide for near to eye capabilities for enhanced image viewing. Multiple cameras/sensors can be provided on a single device to provide for stereoscopic capabilities. The device can also provide assistance to blind, privacy, etc. by consolidating services.

Abstract: Recognition of events can be performed by accessing an audio signal having static and dynamic features. A value for the audio signal can be calculated by utilizing different weights for the static and dynamic features such that a frame of the audio signal can be associated with a particular event. A filter can also be used to aid in determining the event for the frame.

Abstract: A data input device comprising an impedance sensor arranged with respect to a tracking surface. The impedance sensor has a measurement zone within which the impedance sensor measures an electrical impedance. A controller of the device receives data from and is responsive to the impedance sensor for determining if the data input device is spatially separated from the tracking surface by at least a lift-off detection distance as a function of a measured impedance. The controller further initiates a non-tracking mode in which the controller suspends tracking of relative movement between the data input device and the tracking surface when the data input device is spatially separated from the tracking surface by at least the lift-off detection distance.

Abstract: A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties. The device comprises a single laser configured to project a light beam onto the tracking surface. A portion of the light beam striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the laser and thereby alters at least one characteristic of the projected light beam. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered characteristic of the light beam projected by the laser. A controller responsive to the detector determines the relative distance between the device and the tracking surface as a function of the altered characteristic of the projected light beam detected by the detector. Another device comprises a laser projecting a light beam oriented substantially perpendicular to the tracking surface when the device is operating in a tracking mode.

Abstract: A laser range finder includes a laser and a photosensitive element. The laser projects a beam onto a target surface. A backscattered portion of the laser beam returns to the laser from the target surface and enters the laser emitting cavity. Variations in laser output power are detected by the photosensitive element, which provides a “beat” signal to a frequency detection circuit. The frequency detection circuit includes a difference frequency analog phase locked loop (DFAPLL) providing a purified form of the beat signal. The frequency of the purified beat signal is determined and used to calculate distance to the target surface.

Abstract: A keyboard detects press or release of keys based on laser output which is changed by speckle-modulated self-mixing. Unique targets are attached to keys. As a target is moved into and/or out of the path of a laser, speckling causes light to shine back into the laser's emitting cavity. Variations in laser output are analyzed to identify the key moved and the direction of movement.

Abstract: A pointing system comprises an encoded surface and a pointing device for use with an encoded surface remote from the pointing device. The pointing device comprises a collimated light source for projecting a collimated light beam having a wavelength outside the visible light spectrum onto the encoded surface. The encoded surface scatters the collimated light beam striking the encoded surface. A detector associated with the collimated light source detects at least a portion of the scattered light. A controller is associated with the detector and configured to respond to the detected portion of the scattered light to determine a position where the collimated light beam strikes the encoded surface. The position corresponds to where the device is pointing.

Abstract: A data collaboration system that aggregates data from a number of multi-modal mobile devices in connection with collaborative note taking, presentation generation, memorializing a meeting, etc. The data collaboration system can automatically compile, index and/or memorialize data from numerous multi-modal multi-lingual mobile devices. More particularly, the system can filter and aggregate information from a plurality of disparate multi-modal devices. The system can facilitate indexing information gathered from a group of multi-modal mobile devices. The indexing can be based upon any desired criteria including but not limited to information type, importance, etc.

Abstract: A relatively moving surface is illuminated with a laser. Light from the laser is reflected by the surface into an array of photosensitive elements; the reflected light includes a speckle pattern. Sums are calculated for outputs of pixels perpendicular to a first dimension along which motion is to be determined. Motion along the first dimension is then determined based on spatial and temporal gradients of the calculated sums. Sums are also calculated for outputs of pixels perpendicular to a second dimension along which motion is to be determined. Motion along the second dimension is then determined based on spatial and temporal gradients of those sums. The array may be rectangular, or may contain arms separated by a pixel-free region.