Abstract: Reflected laser light having a speckle pattern is received in a pixel array. Pixel outputs are combined into series representing pixel intensities along particular dimensions at times t and t+?t. Centroids for each series can be identified, and vectors determined for movement of centroids from time t to time t+?t. Crossing points may alternatively be identified for data within each series relative to a reference value for that series, and vectors determined for movement of crossing points from time t to time t+?t. A probability analysis may be used to extract a magnitude and direction of array displacement from a distribution of movement vectors. A series of data values corresponding to time t+?t may alternatively be correlated to advanced and delayed versions of a series of data values corresponding to time t. The highest correlation is then used to determine movement.

Abstract: A system and method for switching input modes is disclosed that includes receiving an input signal from an input device and determining whether the input signal is a data signal or a command signal. A present value of a counter is also determined if the input signal is a data signal. If the present value of the counter is not greater than zero, an output signal having a first value type is produced. If the present value of the counter is greater than zero, then the present value of the counter is decremented and an output signal having a second value type is produced. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to input devices utilized in switching between the input modes.

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: 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 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: 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 multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device that facilitates intelligently automating an action. The device can automatically synchronize a user schedule based upon a user state, intention, preference and/or limitation. The device can employ sensors to automatically detect criteria by which to automatically implement an action. Moreover, the system can interrogate a user thus converging upon a user intention and/or preference. An analyzer component can intelligently evaluate the compiled criterion in order to automatically perform an action. The multi-modal multi-lingual mobile device can automatically facilitate identification of an individual. Other actions that are automatically performed can include modifying personal information manager data, translating languages into a language comprehendible to a user, etc. Implementation of these actions can be based at least in part upon an environmental factor, a conversation, a location factor and a temporal factor.

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: 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: 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 multimodal system that employs a plurality of sensing modalities which can be processed concurrently to increase confidence in connection with authentication. The multimodal system and/or set of various devices can provide several points of information entry in connection with authentication. Authentication can be improved, for example, by combining face recognition, biometrics, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, gait recognition, retina scan, thumb/hand prints, or subsets thereof. Additionally, portable multimodal devices (e.g., a smartphone) can be used as credit cards, and authentication in connection with such use can mitigate unauthorized transactions.

Abstract: Location-based technologies (e.g., global position system (GPS)) can be employed to facilitate providing multi-modal, multi-lingual location-based services. Identification of location can provide significant context as to identifying user state and intentions. Thus, location identification can facilitate providing/augmenting data and services (e.g., location-aware based suggestions, truncating contact lists based upon location, location-based reminders as a user approaches a predetermined location, truncating pre-loaded tasks, suggesting routes to accomplish pre-loaded tasks in a PIM). Still other aspects can augment GPS location identification with a compass, accelerometer, azimuth control, cellular triangulation, SPOT services of telephone, etc. Effectively, these alternative aspects can facilitate determination of a target location by detecting movement and direction of a user and/or portable device.

Abstract: An input device encodes motion using a laser self-mixing velocimeter. The laser beam is directed at a disk or other moving member. As light from that beam is reflected back into the emitting cavity of the laser, the beam power output fluctuates because of the self-mixing effect and generates a beat signal. The beat signal frequency is used to determine the speed of the member's motion. The direction of motion is also determined based on the beat signal. A difference frequency analog phase locked loop filters the beat signal. A zero-point control disables motion detection when the average beat signal amplitude falls below a threshold. A triangle modulator generates a triangle wave for the laser bias current, with the triangle wave frequency being a submultiple of the beat signal frequency.

Abstract: A device and/or devices can be placed on an individual to continuously collect and/or transmit information regarding the health state of the individual. The monitor, for example, can transmit data to doctor(s), hospital(s), emergency personnel, as well as automatically initiate affirmative actions (e.g., call an ambulance). The invention can facilitate preventive medicine by monitoring the individual's day to day actions (e.g., eating habits, exercise, stress, sleep, allergy detection, heart rate, blood sugar). This monitored information can be employed to facilitate the individual in taking proactive steps to living a healthy life. The device can also be used to record a user reaction to an event and/or to broadcast information about oneself whether for health, business or social purposes. Additionally, the invention can be used as a driver monitor to facilitate safe handling of equipment (e.g., alcohol sensor).

Abstract: Portable computing devices automatically interface with other computing devices to interact in a collaborative effort toward providing a single, seamless computing experience for a user. As a user walks into a room with a cellular telephone certain functionality and data can be automatically unloaded to a desktop computer or other device based on a user or device identification or state. For example, a conversation on a cellular telephone can be automatically migrated to a desktop telephone as a user sits down. As a user is about to leave a room for a meeting, the desktop computer can update the telephone with latest versions of certain files. Thus, devices can automatically aggregate and/or decouple to provide a user with a single computing experience. These portable devices can broadcast an extensible set of services to other devices as well as to a host computer or server.

Abstract: Architecture that combines capture and translation of concepts, goals, needs, locations, objects, locations, and items (e.g., sign text) into complete conversational utterances that take a translation of the item, and morph it with fluidity into sets of sentences that can be echoed to a user, and that the user can select to communicate speech (or textual utterances). A plurality of modalities that process images, audio, video, searches and cultural context, for example, which are representative of at least context and/or content, and can be employed to glean additional information regarding a communications exchange to facilitate more accurate and efficient translation. Gesture recognition can be utilized to enhance input recognition, urgency, and/or emotional interaction, for example. Speech can be used for document annotation. Moreover, translation (e.g., speech to speech, text to speech, speech to text, handwriting to speech, text or audio, . . .

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 system and method for switching input modes is disclosed that includes receiving an input signal from an input device and determining whether the input signal is a data signal or a command signal. A present value of a counter is also determined if the input signal is a data signal. If the present value of the counter is not greater than zero, an output signal having a first value type is produced. If the present value of the counter is greater than zero, then the present value of the counter is decremented and an output signal having a second value type is produced. Additional aspects of the present invention relate to input devices utilized in switching between the input modes.

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 data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties with respect to the device. The device comprising a single laser having a modulated light beam. A beam splitter splits the modulated light beam into two light beams projected along separate paths toward the tracking surface. A portion of the light striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the single laser for self-mixing with the projected light, thereby altering first and second characteristics of the projected modulated light beam according to first and second directions associated with the tracking surface. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered first and second characteristics of the modulated light beam projected by the laser, and a controller responsive to the detector determines the relative movement of the tracking surface and data input device relative to one another as a function of the altered first and second characteristics detected by the detector.