Abstract: A computer input device includes a housing in the shape of a magnifying glass having a lens portion and a handle portion extending from the lens portion. The device also includes a detector mounted in the housing and operable to detect an element displayed on a computer display and to generate a corresponding detection signal and an actuator mounted on the housing. Circuitry mounted in the housing is operable to receive the detection signal, generate an actuation signal in response to actuation of the actuator, and transmit the detection signal and the actuation signal to a computer. The housing may include a partially reflective, angularly disposed beam splitter such that a user can observe an image on a computer screen through the beam splitter, and the image can be reflected to the detector. The computer may have software operable to control an image displayed on the computer monitor in response to the detection signal.

Abstract: Vibration is sensed as a signal by a vibration sensor and the signal level of the sensed signal is measured by an A/D converter. The distance between a position entered by a vibrating input pen and the vibration sensor is calculated and, on the basis of the calculated distance, input level information is obtained from the measured signal level by an arithmetic and control unit.

Abstract: A video coloring book includes a processor, a display device and a selecting device. The processor displays a coloring picture on the display device. The coloring picture has a plurality of selectable coloring regions. The processor further displays a plurality of selectable colors on the display device. The processor receives a first selection of one of the colors and a second selection of one of the coloring regions from the selecting device. The processor then fills the selected region with the selected color. Additional colors and/or regions can be selected. When a predetermined time expires, the processor animates the coloring picture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring a computing device to support a plurality of pointing devices or a singular pointing device that can provide a plurality of functions. The computing device may be a desktop or portable unit. Several graphics menus for assigning functions to a pointing device are disclosed as well as logic for executing the assignment/configuration.

Abstract: The direct pointing apparatus and method therefor has a light sensing arrangement including a plurality of light receivers positioned around the outer periphery of a computer display and A/D interface circuitry coupling the light receivers to a host computer (laptop CPU) for processing converted digital values which are based on the IR intensities received by the light receivers from the directed light emitter. In accordance with this scheme, the location on the display to where the light emitter is pointing is computed from the intensities of light being sensed by the light receivers, the computing of the location being substantially independent of the distance of the light emitter from the light sensing arrangement. In one example, the incoming signals to the A/D interface circuitry from the light receivers are continuous and in parallel while the output of the A/D converter is an asynchronous serial signal.

Abstract: A light pen for a computer having an elongated body member which contains a photoluminescent material (PLM). The PLM absorbs ambient light of one wavelength, and radiates light of another wavelength in response. The radiated light is directed so as to be projected from a tip of the light pen as required.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides visual color feedback when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. The color display is implemented utilizing multiple light-emitting diodes or an active matrix liquid crystal display mounted within an optically transparent portion of the conical tip.

Abstract: A pen like computer pointing device images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the tip of the pen. The photo detector responses are digitized and stored as a frame into memory. Motion produces successive frames of translated patterns of pixel information, which are compared by autocorrelation to ascertain the direction and amount of movement. A contact sensor senses when the tip of the pointing device is in contact with the work surface. Buttons are included on the body of the pointing device that allow it to function in place of a computer mouse device.

Abstract: A shooting video game machine includes a monitor screen, a light source near the monitor screen, and a mock gun having an image sensor with a pixel array for capturing an image including the monitor screen and the light source. A light source position detection unit detects as image position of an image of the light source in the pixel array. A hit position detection unit for determines a position aimed at on the monitor screen based on the image position. The light source position detection unit includes a detector for detecting pixels having data of the image of the light source and stores only address of the detect pixels to a memory. A light source position calculator calculate the image position of the light source according to the address data stored in the memory in a certain time period.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a casing having a lens received in the first end thereof and a battery received in the second end thereof. A motor is received in the casing and has a shaft to which a transparent disk is co-rotatably mounted, a plurality of pictures imprinted on the transparent disk. A control device for actuating the motor is received in the casing and connected to a button on the casing. A laser beam generating device is located between the control device and the transparent disk, and aligns with the pictures when the transparent disk is co-rotated with the shaft so as to project a motion picture on a remote wall.

Abstract: A light pen system for use with a CRT scanning display pen system comprising:a hand-held light receiving assembly which is adapted to be pointed at a desired location on a CRT scanning display and to provide a light detection output indication indicating precisely an instant when light detection occurs and a horizontal line position signal synthesizer receiving at least one scan line address from the computer and being operative to generate horizontal line position information, based on the at least one scan line address, corresponding to the instant when light detection occurs. A light pen method is also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a display pointing device inclduing a housing, an optical sensor mounted in the housing, and processing circuitry receiving an output from the optical sensor for identifying a location on a display pointed to by the pointing device based on the optically sensible characteristics of at least one pattern at the location which is sensed by the optical sensor. A method for operating the display pointing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mouse for positioning the cursor on a computer display is equipped with a removable or retractable pen-like input device for inputting and digitizing analog tracings. When removed from the mouse, the pen-like input device can be used to enter figures, letters, numerals or the like into a computer to which the mouse is connected, in the exact pattern followed by the pen-like device. The pen-like device may be integral with the mouse such that the entire mouse body becomes a pen-like body with a retractable pen-like body having sensors for tracing and entering figures, letters, numerals, and the like into a computer. The mouse and the pen-like device are equipped with X and Y motion sensors for sensing a change in location of the sensors and thereby a change in location of either the mouse or the pen-like input device.

Abstract: A low profile eject stylus (104) has an outer shell (402) and outer shell (404). The main shell is smaller than the outer shell whereby the main shell can slide within the outer shell. The outer shell has a cross sectional configuration such that it is larger in one direction (A) than it is in another direction (B) orthogonal to the one direction, such that the eject stylus has a low profile. A tip (406) fits within the main shell at an end opposite to the outer shell. The outer shell as assembled over at least a portion of a plunger (408). A spring (412) is coupled to the plunger to bias the stylus into a fully extended position. The stylus can be advantageously employed in a portable device (100) having a housing section (102) including an opening (103) for receipt of the stylus. Guide rails (302, 306) guide the stylus in the housing.

Abstract: A method and system of detecting objects displayed on a display screen is described. Each object displayed on the screen visually emits a unique identification signal. The identification signal or lack of an identification signal is detected by a detector such as a light pen or video gun and the detector transmits the identification signal on a serial bus to the display screen graphics controller thereby indicating to the controller the position on the screen at which the detector is pointed.

Abstract: A handwriting type input display device is provided with a display device for performing a two-dimensional display, an input device which constitutes a handwriting device in combination with the display device, and is adapted to detect a handwriting input operation by a user at a coordinate position corresponding to a position on a screen of the display device, a passing point predicting device for receiving the coordinate point sequence from the input device to insert a new coordinate point sequence between neighboring coordinate points of the coordinate point sequence, and outputting a coordinate point sequence for forming a smooth handwritten curved line, and a processing device for instructing an insertion method of coordinate points to the passing point predicting device, and performing processing of displaying on the display device a curved line based on the coordinate point sequence which is obtained by the passing point predicting device.

Abstract: A pen based workslate computer having a detachable, rechargeable stylus is disclosed. The workslate computer includes a housing supporting computer electronics and a stylus charging station defining an opening adapted to receive the detachable stylus. The housing also supports a visible interactive display screen assembly including a sensing assembly. Depending on the position of actuators of the stylus, signal generation circuitry of the stylus generates one of a plurality of signals having different frequencies. The generated signal is received by the sensing assembly and correlated with a position of the stylus with respect to the display screen assembly by the sensing assembly thereby allowing data and/or commands to be input by an operator manipulating a signal generation end of the stylus to "pick" icons or other representations displayed on a LCD screen.

Abstract: To realize a coordinate reading apparatus which is capable of easily setting a particular function to a switch provided on a coordinate indicator, and an interface unit and a coordinate reading system for the coordinate reading apparatus. A coordinate detecting section 21 detects a coordinate value for a position indicated by a coordinate indicator 3 and a switch status. A function selecting means 22 determines that a menu provided on a tablet 2 is read from the coordinate value and the status, to store functional data assigned to the menu in a memory means 23. A conversion status determining means 24 determines that the inputted status coincide with the status to be converted stored in the memory means 23, to notify coincidence to a conversion status output means 25. Receiving the notification, the conversion status output means 25 outputs data to be outputted stored in the memory means 23 instead of inputted switch status.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides color control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Color selection is accomplished utilizing a color selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The color selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to drive a pointer around within a color palette, such as the so-called RGB color triangle.

Abstract: A computer-input stylus which provides texture control when utilized in conjunction with a computer-implemented software-based drawing application. The input stylus includes a cylindrical body in a conical tip. A color display within the stylus is utilized to illuminate the conical tip with a color indicative of a currently selected color within the software-based drawing application, providing visual color feedback. Texture selection is accomplished utilizing a texture selection input actuator mounted to the cylindrical body of the input stylus. The texture selection input actuator, such as a trackpoint device, is utilized to vary the texture of a selected color or pattern.

Abstract: The wireless computer input system uses a pen-type input device and a receiver. The pen-type input device includes an LED, at least one switch, a rechargeable battery, and a control circuit. The control circuit provides signals to the LED upon activation of the switch, and provides for power management functions allowing the pen to conserve power during idle periods. The receiver includes one or more light-detecting elements connected to position computation circuitry. The light-detecting element or elements are either a two-dimensional PSD, two one-dimensional PSDs or a four division photodiode. Optional lenses, optical filters, and apertured plates are positioned before the light-detecting element(s), improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the system. The computation circuitry receives the signals from the light-detecting element(s), digitizes them, and computes the coordinates of the pen which are output to a host computer.

Abstract: A pen input system and method is disclosed for identifying a cursor location on a high resolution display. A pen includes a pointer for pointing to a desired point on a display screen for positioning of the cursor. A low resolution locator generally localizes the point to which the pen is pointing at a first location in a host processor, through a cursor control, and positions the cursor at the first location. The pen includes an imager for viewing an image of a portion of the screen including the cursor and the desired point to which the pen is pointing. The host processor can determine a variance between the desired point, which is the center point of the image viewed by the imager in the pen and the actual cursor location. This variance is determined by the processor which then repositions the cursor at the desired point.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a display area of comparatively small surface area and is provided with a function selecting key unit for instructing execution of a plural number of data file preparing functions available on the electronic apparatus. A tablet is disposed on the display panel and the preset areas for display panel and tablet are provided as the display area. The tablet is provided with an input surface on which orthogonal coordinates are set in advance and outputs signals indicating the coordinate position instructed by a preset input pen. Image data including a group of coordinate points set on the input surface is prepared. When the input pen indicates pasting instruction, the data file specified by the pasting instruction is read out and displayed.

Abstract: A light pen computer interface system utilizes a coil located externally of the computer's CRT display monitor to sense the magnetic field which provides the raster for the CRT. Vertical and horizontal sync detection circuits receive the sensor coil output and supply vertical and horizontal sync signals to a timing circuit. The timing circuit in response to an output signal from the light pen and the vertical and horizontal sync signals supplies a pen position signal to the computer which is either representative of the x,y coordinates position of the light pen on the CRT screen or representative of the change of x,y coordinates between successive positions of the light pen.

Abstract: In-place line width selection for use in a computer based graphics application employing a drawing tool includes the steps of (i) activating a line width selection mode upon an occurrence of a first event designating an initial point of contact in a drawing area by the drawing tool; (ii) growing an "ink-spill" to a desired line width dimension at the initial point of contact in the drawing area; and (iii) entering a graphic line drawing mode with the drawing tool for drawing a graphic line having the desired line width dimension selected according to the "ink-spill" grown in the previous step.

Abstract: An unconstrained pointing interface for natural human interaction with a display-based computer system includes a hand-manipulated pointer configured to permit it to be (1) aimed by line of sight to point at any arbitrary position within the user's field of view, including positions beyond the user's natural reach, and (2) swept along any arbitrary path and at any arbitrary speed within the user's natural capability, A detector detects emanations from at least some positions at which the pointer may be aimed; and circuitry identifies the locations of positions at which the user is aiming the pointer. The interface enables the user to point to a position within his field of view and beyond his reach, move his hand along any arbitrary path and at any arbitrary speed within the user's natural capability to point to another position, and so on, and to have the circuitry automatically identify the locations of the series of positions to which he has pointed.

Abstract: In a data processing system including a graphic tablet and a wireless stylus cooperating with the tablet, the stylus transmits an electromagnetic field to be received by the tablet. The stylus has a detector whereby a disturbance of the field, caused by a means external of the stylus, can be detected. The stylus also includes a switch whereby the stylus can be switched to a power-saying standby mode in response to the disturbance. A contactless on/off switch is thus realized for the stylus.

Abstract: A side switch mechanism which provides comfortable operation of a pair of side switches of a stylus pen and implements facilitated construction and assembly. The side switch mechanism has a side switch member having a surface construction and a rear construction. The surface construction includes a pair of knobs which are longitudinally spaced apart from each other so as to press either of two specific switching elements when the switching elements are respectively turned on. The rear surface construction includes a pair of switch pressing sections made of projections, each being provided on the rear surface so as to correspond to each knob. The switch pressing section turns on only one of the two switching elements when a corresponding one of the pair of knobs is pressed. The rear surface construction further includes fitting portions for attaching the side switch member to the casing.

Abstract: A pen input apparatus of the present invention is provided with an apparatus for detecting an inclination of an input pen. The apparatus for detecting an inclination of an input pen is composed of a hemispherical container, a conductive movable body, and detecting means. The hemispherical container, in which a hemispherical cavity is created, has an axis congruent with the axis of the input pen, and is provided so as to integrally move with the input pen, while a plurality of ring-shaped electrodes are concentrically provided with the input pen. The conductive movable body is provided in the hemispherical cavity, and moves according to the inclination of the input pen due to gravity. The detecting means detects the position of the movable body in the hemispherical cavity in accordance with how continuity is between the ring-shaped electrodes, and detects an inclination of the input pen in accordance with the detected position of the movable body.

Abstract: An electronic paintbrush and electronic palette which allow a user to generate images on a CRT screen in a manner which imitates traditional painting with paints on a canvas. The electronic brush has fiber optic bristles which channel light from a CRT screen to optical detectors. A microprocessor in the brush utilizes pulses generated by the incidence of the raster scan on photodiodes to determine the position of the brush, the pressure of the brush against the CRT screen, and its angular orientation about the longitudinal axis of the brush. The microprocessor utilizes color information generated by a CCD array to determine the area of contact of the brush with color swatches on the palette, and the angle between the longitudinal axis of the brush and the normal vector to the CRT screen. In an alternate embodiment the palette is also displayed on the CRT screen.

Abstract: A light pen for use in data imput to data processing equipment, has an adjustable tip assembly wherein the tip switch sensitivity and tactile feel or feedback to the user can be varied according to user preferences and particular applications. In one mode, the pen can be set for a normal, longer throw of the switch, so as to provide and require a definite touch or push action on the part of the user in order to actuate the switch. In another mode, the tip switch characteristics can be adjusted for a very light feel, so as to permit delicate input such as handwriting or drawing. The tip assembly includes an adjustable stop member provided within the tip housing, to provide a variable limit for the travel of the tip structure.

Abstract: A coordinate input device includes a coordinate detector which may include an acceleration detector for accurate determination of the spatial coordinates of a coordinate indicator. A three-dimensional acceleration in a first coordinate system is detected by a first acceleration detecting unit and is converted into an input coordinate system in accordance with the attitude of the coordinate indicator. The effect of gravity is removed and the acceleration is integrated to obtain the spatial coordinates of the coordinate indicator. Even if the coordinate indicator is tilted, accurate coordinate input can be performed.

Abstract: In a system of multiple computers connected by a network means, a method for using multiple input styli, each connected to an individual computer, to indicate input information on the display screen of any computer in the system. In a system in which there are many computers, a user of one computer may wish to indicate an input action on a second computer. In the present invention, all pens in a system are able to determine which computer they are writing on and an input position relative to that input computer, regardless of whether they belong to that computer, by determining an identifying "signature" of the computer based on the peak signal strength of a plurality of distinguishable signals in a complex signal produced on the computer display screen and sensed by the stylus. Each stylus is able to communicate with the software entity which can correctly interpret the measurement by using a computer network.

Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein a user of an interconnected computer system can identify a specific piece of data and then access this data from another computer in the network. This is extremely useful since it is often desirable for data to be capable of being displayed and manipulated from another system during meetings, discussions and the like. The user who wishes to transfer a file to another system simply points an untethered stylus to a representation of a file, such as a filename, icon, or the like and then selects the file to be transferred. The user then carries the stylus to a remote interconnected computer and points the stylus at the remote computer which verifies the identity of the stylus and obtains a path to the selected file. The data file is then transferred from the user's computer to the remote computer through the network.

Abstract: An optical position detecting unit which includes: an image pickup device having a pixel array region, an imaging lens for forming an image of a light-emitting point, a converging lens for converging light come from the light-emitting point image formed by the imaging lens onto the pixel array region, a pattern member having a pattern which contains code information uniquely corresponding to the position of the light-emitting point and disposed on a path of light from the light-emitting point and at a position near the light-emitting point image, and a signal processing unit for extracting information of the position of the light-emitting point by using code information contained in an image of the pattern projected onto the pixel array region of the image pickup device on the basis of image data generated by the image of the projected pattern.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive pointing device or pen is described for use with an electronic tablet that determines the position of the pointing device on the surface of the tablet. The pointing device incorporates a variable reluctance circuit responsive to the force exerted on the pen point for modulating a radiating frequency, emanating from the pen, in proportion to the force.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus functioning as a writing device that images information as it is written on to a surface by measuring the forces applied at the stylus tip. The imaging device includes a ink pen cartridge and strain gauges mounted along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The strain gauges measure lateral forces deflecting the pen cartridge, and the longitudinal forces pressing the cartridge into the pen housing. Alternatively, strain gauges can also determine the force of the pen tip against the writing surface. The gauges generate signals representative of the forces applied to the pen point as the pen moves along or presses against a writing surface. A further set of sensors can be employed to determine movement and orientation of the device relative to the surface even when the pen is not in contact with the surface. Data representative of the written images are captured by analyzing the forces applied to the pen point.

Abstract: A graphic input system for digitizing the location of an object moving on a planar surface and utilizing two or more primary laser light beams, the output beam of each scanning the planar surface through interposed controllably pivotally mounted beam deflecting scan mirrors. A stylus is moved over the planar surface in response to the position of the deflected position of the scanning beam. A signal generating beam detector positioned adjacent the planar surface delivers signals to a logical circuit to create the instantaneous value of a position voltage signal which is proportional to the tangent of the scan angle of each of the controllably deflected laser beams.

Abstract: A pen-input type information processor includes a pen holder for holding the pen, and a push type power switch provided on the pen holder. When the user takes out the pen after once pushing the pen downward, the power switch is turned on, starting power supply to the information processor. When the user puts the pen in the pen holder while pushing the pen downward, the power switch is turned off, and power supply to the information processor stops. In a preferred embodiment the pen can be replaced temporarily without turning on/off the power and switches are provided at each end of the pen holder to permit the holder to be used identically by either a left-handed or a right-handed user.

Abstract: An improved communication channel between two sites in which power for the second site is communicated via the cable from the first site's electrical source. Since the electrical source is used to create a higher voltage instead of power from the host apparatus at the first site, enhanced transmission is possible permitting the cable to extend in excess of one hundred fifty feet. Further, since the remote second site does not require any power at its location, it can operate in a wider range of applications and environments.

Abstract: Method and system for reducing illiteracy of individuals accompanied by improvements in functionality utilizing computer technology to integrate multi-sensory stimuli for synthesis of individualized instruction, evaluation, and prescription for advancement of communications skills. The method is employed to, for instance, advance a learner from status as a nonreader to being a skilled user of a language to express ideas and concepts.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for determining the position of a movable element with respect to a pair of spaced reference means, e.g. mirrors, rotatable around parallel shafts. The movable element emits a light beam from a position to both mirrors. As a result of the rotation, the two mirrors convert the reflected light beam into a light pulse series. Each of these light pulse series is detected by a detector, which detected light pulse series are supplied to a processing unit for calculating from the light pulse series and from a starting pulse the position of the movable element with respect to both mirrors.

Abstract: A self-contained pen computer is provided that is capable of acquiring data representative of written strokes of the stylus of the pen and then recognizing the symbols associated with these pen strokes, or compacting these strokes. These recognized symbols or compacted strokes are stored in a memory contained in the pen and are transmitted via a transmitter contained in the pen to a host computer.

Abstract: An improved airbrush modeling routine is disclosed that can be implemented in a conventional electronic image reproduction system. The improved airbrush modeling routine incorporates an interpolation function with velocity smoothing to provide improved sampling of brush location during airbrushing operations by calculating the average velocity between sample intervals and determining average acceleration. In addition, randomness is introduced in the improved airbrush modeling routine to provide for a "textured" appearance in a retouched area of an original image.