Patent ID: 8648802
Filing Date: 2014-02-11
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method comprising, in combination: (a) using one or more sensors to detect data indicative of (i) orientation of an elongated apparatus relative to a surface, and (ii) physical length of the elongated apparatus; and (b) using an output device to present visual images on the surface; wherein (1) the elongated apparatus is configured to be handheld by a human user and to undergo reversible increases and decreases in the physical length, and (2) during at least some times that the elongated apparatus is adjacent to the surface, the visual images include an apparent part of the elongated apparatus, which apparent part as viewable by the user appears (i) to be elongated, (ii) to be a continuation of the elongated apparatus beyond the surface, and (iii) to have an apparent length, which apparent length increases as the physical length decreases and decreases as the physical length increases, and (3) during the at least some times, the apparent part and elongated apparatus together, as viewable by the user, appear to have a constant total length after taking into account foreshortening.