Systems and methods for projecting in response to conformation

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) has provided above a specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as “continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method includes but is not limited to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and projecting in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. The method may optionally include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The method may optionally include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to circuitry for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and circuitry for projecting that is responsive to the circuitry for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. The system may optionally include circuitry for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The system may optionally include circuitry for projecting in response to the circuitry for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to means for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and means for projecting that is responsive to the means for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. The system may optionally include means for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The system may optionally include means for projecting in response to the means for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In one aspect, a system includes but is not limited to a signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and one or more instructions for projecting in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. The system may optionally include one or more instructions for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The system may optionally include one or more instructions for projecting in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

In one or more various aspects, means include but are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein referenced functional aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the herein referenced functional aspects depending upon the design choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects means are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100in which embodiments may be implemented. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more devices105. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more housings110. In some embodiments, system100may include system memory140. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more interface modules180. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more user interfaces300. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, system100may include external memory500. In some embodiments, system100may provide for user600interaction. In some embodiments, system100may include two or more projectors130that project in a coordinated manner. For example, in some embodiments, two or more projectors130may project the same content such that the projections are registered together to create a continuous projection.

Device

A system may include one or more devices105. A device105may be configured to have numerous conformations. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a hand held device. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a computer mouse. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a hand held projector. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a hand held projector130and laser pointer. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a mountable device105. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a device105that may be mounted to a ceiling. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a ceiling mounted device105that may be configured to project content onto one or more portions of one or more substantially vertical surfaces. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a ceiling mounted device105that may be configured to project content onto one or more portions of one or more substantially horizontal surfaces. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured as a ceiling mounted device105that may be configured to project content onto one or more portions of one or more substantially vertical surfaces and onto one or more portions of one or more substantially horizontal surfaces. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content onto one or more portions of one or more tabletops. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be mounted onto a wall and configured to project content onto one or more tabletops. In some embodiments, a device105may be mounted and/or positioned onto a desk and configured to project content onto one or more desktops. In some embodiments, a device105may be mounted to or otherwise contained within another system, such as a desktop or mobile computer, PDA, cellular phone, camera163, video player, or other system, for the display of content associated with that system. Accordingly, a device105may be configured in numerous ways to project content onto numerous types of projection surfaces200.

In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project in response to motion imparted to the device105. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content in manner that is dependent upon one or more substantially specific motions that are imparted to the device105. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content contained on pages of a book in a manner that is motion dependent. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content contained on the next page in a series upon rotation of the device105in a clockwise direction. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content contained on the preceding page in a series upon rotation of the device105in a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content on the next page in a series upon being moved to the left from a starting position and then moved substantially back to the starting position. In some embodiments, the device105may be configured to project content on the preceding page in a series upon being moved to the right from a starting position and then moved substantially back to the starting position. In some embodiments, a device105may select content to be projected in response to motion imparted to the device105. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content associated with a newspaper when the device105is positioned in a first orientation and be configured to project content associated with a news magazine when positioned in a second orientation. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to correlate substantially specific motions with projection commands to select content in a motion dependent manner. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to correlate substantially specific motions with projection commands to project content in a motion dependent manner. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to correlate substantially specific motions with projection commands to select and project content in a motion dependent manner.

In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project content in a manner that is dependent upon a person who is associated with the device105. For example, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project children's content if used by a child. In some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project the statistics associated with various sports teams when associated with a first person and configured to project stock quotes when associated with a second person. Accordingly, a device105may be configured to project content that is selected in accordance with specific persons or classes of persons.

Housing

System100may include one or more devices105that include one or more housings110. In some embodiments, a housing110may be configured to include one or more projectors130, one or more projector control units120, one or more motion response modules190, one or more sensor control units170, one or more sensors150, one or more interface modules180, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a housing110may be configured for use in a handheld device105. In some embodiments, a housing110may be configured for use in a mountable device105. Accordingly, a housing110may be configured to have numerous conformations. A housing110may be constructed from numerous types of materials and combinations of materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals, papers, ceramics, and the like. In some embodiments, a housing110may include electrical connections to provide for operable association of components associated with the housing110. In some embodiments, a housing110may include optical connections to provide for operable association of components associated with the housing110.

Memory

System100may include numerous types of system memory140. Examples of system memory140include, but are not limited to, flash memory, random access memory, read-only memory, hard drives, optical storage, external memory500, and the like. In some embodiments, the system memory140may be dedicated for access from one or more individual components (e.g., one or more processors) contained within system100. In some embodiments, the system memory140may be included within one or more devices105. In some embodiments, the system memory140may be included within one or more devices105and may be dedicated for access from one or more individual components (e.g., one or more processors) included within the device105. In some embodiments, the system memory140that is included within the device105may be configured for system wide access. System memory140may be configured in numerous ways. Examples of such configurations include, but are not limited to, projector processor memory132, projector memory134, control processor memory122, control memory124, response processor memory192, response memory194, sensor processor memory172, sensor memory176, and substantially any combination thereof.

Projector

System100may include one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more interface modules180. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with system memory140. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more projector processors131. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with projector processor memory132. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more projector instructions133. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with projector memory134. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with projector memory instructions135. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more projector calibration images126. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more control motion patterns127. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more user interfaces300. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with external memory500. In some embodiments, a projector130may be operably associated with one or more housings110. In some embodiments, a projector130may be an image stabilized projector130.

System100may include numerous types of image stabilized projectors130. In some embodiments, a projector130may include inertia and yaw rate sensors161that detect motion and provide for adjustment of projected content to compensate for the detected motion. In some embodiments, a projector130may include an optoelectronic inclination sensor and an optical position displacement sensor to provide for stabilized projection (e.g., U.S. Published Patent Application No.: 2003/0038927). In some embodiments, a projector130may include an optoelectronic inclination sensor, an optical position sensitive detector, and a piezoelectric accelerometer that provide for stabilized projection (e.g., U.S. Published Patent Application No.: 2003/0038928). Image stabilized projectors130have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,866; U.S. Published Patent Application Nos.: 20050280628; 20060103811, and 2006/0187421). In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be modified to become image stabilized projectors130. Examples of such projectors130have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,002,505; 6,764,185; 6,811,264; 7,036,936; 6,626,543; 7,134,078; 7,355,584; U.S. Published Patent Application No.: 2007/0109509).

Projectors130may be configured to project numerous wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, a projector130may be configured to project ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, a projector130may be configured to project visible light. In some embodiments, a projector130may be configured to project infrared light. In some embodiments, a projector130may be configured to project numerous combinations of light. For example, in some embodiments, a projector130may project one or more infrared calibration images and one or more visible images.

Motion Response Module

In some embodiments, system100may include one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more response processors191. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with response processor memory192. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more response processor instructions193. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with response memory194. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more response instructions195. In some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may be operably associated with one or more response motion patterns196. In some embodiments, a motion response module190may be configured to modulate output from a projector130in response to motion that is imparted to a device105that includes the projector130. For example, in some embodiments, a motion response module190may include one or more motors198that are operably coupled to one or more actuators197that control one or more lenses. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more motion response modules190may focus output from a projector130in response to motion imparted to a device105that includes the image stabilized projector130. Motion response modules190may be configured in numerous conformations to modulate output from an operably associated projector130.

Projector Control Unit

System100may include one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more projectors130and one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with one or more control processors121. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with control processor memory122. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with one or more control processor instructions123. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with control memory124. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with one or more control instructions125. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with one or more control calibration images126. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be operably associated with one or more control motion patterns127. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may be configured to modulate output projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select one or more wavelengths of light that will be projected by one or more projectors130. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select one or more wavelengths of ultraviolet light that will be projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select one or more wavelengths of visible light that will be projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select one or more wavelengths of infrared light that will be projected by one or more projectors130. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select numerous wavelengths of light that will be projected by one or more projectors130.

In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is to be projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is to be projected in response to one or more features associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is to be projected in response to motion. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is to be projected in response to motion associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected in response to one or more features associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected in response to motion. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected in response to motion associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate output that is projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate the intensity of light that is projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate the brightness of light that is projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate the contrast of light that is projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate the sharpness of light that is projected by one or more projectors130.

In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may modulate the direction of output that is projected by one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may direct output from one or more projectors130onto one or more moving projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may direct output from one or more projectors130onto one or more stationary projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may direct output from one or more projectors130onto one or more moving projection surfaces200and onto one or more stationary projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may direct output from one or more projectors130onto multiple projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may direct output from one or more projectors130onto a first projection surface200and direct output from one or more projectors130onto a second projection surface200.

In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may dynamically modulate output from one or more projectors130. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be carried from room to room such that one or more projector control units120modulate output from the one or more projectors130in response to the available projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may dynamically modulate output from one or more projectors130in an outdoor environment. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to project one or more images in response to changing terrain.

In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to respond to one or more substantially defined motions. In some embodiments, a user600may program one or more projector control units120to correlate one or more substantially defined motions with one or more projection commands. For example, in some embodiments, a user600may program one or more projector control units120to correlate clockwise motion of device105with a command to advance a projected slide presentation by one slide. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a device105may be configured to project in response to substantially defined motions that are programmed according to the preferences of an individual user600.

Sensor Control Unit

System100may include one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more devices105. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with system memory140. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more sensor processors171. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with sensor processor memory172. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more sensor processor instructions173. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with sensor memory176. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more sensor instructions177. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may be operably associated with one or more sensor motion patterns174.

In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may signal a change in sensor response to one or more associated systems. For example, in some embodiments, a change in ambient light signal from one or more ambient light sensors164, range sensors165, motion sensors151, or other sensors150alone or in combination can be stored in memory for future use and/or be signaled to one or more image stabilized projectors130where the change in ambient light may trigger a change in projector130output intensity. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units120may use prior sensor response, user input, or other stimulus, to activate or deactivate one or more sensors150or other subordinate features contained within one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, one or more sensor control units170may use prior sensor response, user input, or other stimulus, to activate or deactivate one or more sensors150or other subordinate features contained within one or more sensor control units170.

Sensor

System100may include one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more devices105. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with system memory140. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more user interfaces300. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be operably associated with one or more housings110.

A device105may include many types of sensors150alone or in combination. Examples of sensors150include, but are not limited to, cameras163, light sensors164, range sensors165, contact sensors166, entity sensors159, infrared sensors160, yaw rate sensors161, ultraviolet sensors162, inertial sensors155, ultrasonic sensors156, imaging sensors157, pressure sensors158, motion sensors151, gyroscopic sensors152, acoustic sensors153, biometric sensors154, and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be configured to detect motion. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be configured to detect motion that is imparted to one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be configured to detect motion that is imparted to one or more devices105that include the one or more sensors150. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more sensors150that are configured to detect motion may be operably associated with one or more projectors130to facilitate modulation of projection output in response to motion. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be associated with one or more projectors130through one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be associated with one or more projectors130through one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, one or more sensors150may be associated with one or more projectors130through or independent of one or more sensor control units170.

Interface Module

System100may include one or more interface modules180. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more devices105. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more projector control units120. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more motion response modules190. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more sensor control units170. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with external memory500. In some embodiments, one or more interface modules180may be operably associated with one or more user interfaces300.

An interface module180may communicate with other components of system100through use of numerous communication formats and combinations of communications formats. Examples of such formats include, but are not limited to, VGA181, USB185, wireless USB189, RS-232182, infrared186, Bluetooth 18A, 802.11b/g/n183, S-video187, Ethernet184, DVI-D188, and the like. In some embodiments, an interface module180may include one or more transmitters18B. In some embodiments, an interface module180may include one or more receivers18C.

External Device

System100may be able to interact with one or more external devices400. Examples of such external devices400include, but are not limited to, projectors130, recording devices, projection surfaces200, image acquiring surfaces, image printing surfaces (e.g., a projection surface200that facilitates the printing or other recordation of content projected on the surface), networks, the internet, wireless devices (e.g., personal digital assistant, cellular telephones, telephones, television transmissions, etc.), receivers, transmitters, and the like.

External Memory

System100may be operably associated with external memory500. Examples of such external memory500include, but are not limited to, USB flash drives, memory cards, external hard drives, networked storage, and the like. In some embodiments, display content may be retrieved from external memory500. In some embodiments, sensor data, operational parameters, usage information, or other device or subsystem information can be stored on external memory500.

Projection Surface

System100may include one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, nearly any surface may be utilized as a projection surface200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may be portable. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may be carried by an individual person. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be configured as a sheet of material, a tablet, two or more sheets of material that may be separated from each other, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be configured as a sheet of material that a user600may unfold and place on a surface, such as a desk, wall, floor, ceiling, etc.

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more surface sensors202that are associated with the projection surface200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more magnetic surface sensors202. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may include magnetic surface sensors202that are configured to detect magnetic ink that is applied to the projection surface200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more pressure surface sensors202. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may include pressure surface sensors202that are configured to detect pressure that is applied to the projection surface200(e.g., contact of a stylus with the projection surface, contact of a pen with the projection surface, contact of a pencil with the projection surface, etc.). In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more motion surface sensors202. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may include motion surface sensors202that are configured to detect movement associated with the projection surface200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more strain surface sensors202. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may include strain surface sensors202that are configured to detect changes in conformation associated with the projection surface200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more positional surface sensors202(e.g., global positioning surface sensors202). For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may include positional surface sensors202that are configured to detect changes in position associated with the projection surface200.

A projection surface200may be constructed from numerous types of materials and combinations of materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, cloth, plastic, metal, ceramics, paper, wood, leather, glass, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may exhibit electrochromic properties. In some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may be coated. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be coated with paint. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more materials that alter light. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may convert light (e.g., up-convert light, down-convert light).

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may be associated with one or more fiducials. For example, in some embodiments, one or more fluorescent marks may be placed on a projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more phosphorescent marks may be placed on a projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more magnetic materials may be placed on a projection surface200. In some embodiments, fiducials may be placed on a projection surface200in numerous configurations. For example, in some embodiments, fiducials may be positioned in association with a projection surface200such that they form a pattern. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more calibration images.

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more surface transmitters204. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be configured to transmit one or more signals. Such signals may include numerous types of information. Example of such information may include, but are not limited to, information associated with: one or more positions of one or more projection surfaces200, one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200, one or more changes in the position of one or more projection surfaces200, one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200, one or more motions associated with one or more projection surfaces200, one or more changes in the motion of one or more projection surfaces200, and the like.

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more surface receivers206. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be configured to receive one or more signals. For example, in some embodiments, one or more surface receivers206may receive one or more signals that are transmitted by one or more control unit transmitters129.

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include one or more surface processors208. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a surface processor208may be configured to process information received from one or more surface sensors202.

In some embodiments, a projection surface200may include surface memory210. In some embodiments, a surface memory210may include one or more lookup tables that include correlation information associated with the position of one or more fiducials associated with a projection surface200and one or more conformations of the projection surface200. In some embodiments, surface memory210may include surface instructions212. In some embodiments, surface instructions212may include instructions for a projection surface200to transmit one or more signals that indicate that a projection surface200has undergone a change in conformation. In some embodiments, surface instructions212may include instructions for a projection surface200to transmit one or more signals that indicate that a projection surface200has undergone a change in position. In some embodiments, surface instructions212may include instructions for a projection surface200to transmit one or more signals that indicate that a projection surface200has undergone a change in motion.

User Interface

System100may include one or more user interfaces300. In some embodiments, one or more user interfaces300may be configured as gestural user interfaces300. In some embodiments, content may be projected in response to substantially specific motion that is imparted to a projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a user600may rotate a projection surface200in a clockwise direction to advance the projection of a slide presentation by one frame. In some embodiments, a user600may advance the projection of a slide presentation by moving one more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, system100may respond to user600input acquired through sensor information other than motion. For example, in some embodiments, acoustic sensors153may be employed for response to voice commands or other auditory signals. In some embodiments, cameras163or other imaging detectors may use user600location, user600gestures, laser pointer location, and/or other information as an input signal. In some embodiments, system100may include one or more user interfaces300that are configured as control features. Examples of such control features include, but are not limited to, buttons, switches, track balls, and the like.

System100may be operated by one or more users600. In some embodiments, a user600may be human. In some embodiments, a user600may be a non-human user600. For example, in some embodiments, a user600may be a computer, a robot, and the like. In some embodiments, a user600may be proximate to system100. In some embodiments, a user600may be remote from system100.

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations via an example implementation and thereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of the initial flowchart(s) as either sub-component operations or additional component operations building on one or more earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g., beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an example implementation and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easy understanding of the various process implementations. In addition, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the style of presentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/or object-oriented program design paradigms.

FIG. 2illustrates an operational flow200representing examples of operations that are related to the performance of a method for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and projecting in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces.

InFIG. 2and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to any one or combination of the above-described examples ofFIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow200includes an obtaining operation210involving obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200directly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200indirectly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200from one or more external devices400. One or more projector control units120may obtain numerous types of information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more fiducials associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more marks associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

After a start operation, the operational flow200includes a projecting operation220involving projecting in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content that is selected in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust projection output in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the intensity of light that is projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the wavelengths of light that are projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content onto two or more separate projection surfaces200in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of at least one of the two or more projection surfaces200.

FIG. 3illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 3illustrates example embodiments where the obtaining operation210may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation302, operation304, operation306, operation308, and/or operation310.

At operation302, the obtaining operation210may include detecting one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more sensors150that detect one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Numerous types of sensors150may be used to detect one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sensors164may be configured to detect light intensity associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more light sensors164may be configured to detect reflectivity associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more light sensors164may be configured to detect light absorbance associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more light sensors164may be configured to detect light transmission associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more motion sensors151may be configured to detect motion associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more motion sensors151may detect movement of one portion of a projection surface200relative to another portion of the projection surface200to indicate a change in the conformation of the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect the position of one or more fiducials associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the conformation of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the position of one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be stamped onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be printed onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be projected onto one or more projection surfaces200. Accordingly, sensors150may be configured in numerous ways to facilitate detection of one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation304, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more cameras. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more cameras163. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more patterns formed by one or more fiducials associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the position of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the position of one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be stamped onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be printed onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be projected onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to facilitate projection onto irregular surfaces (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,264).

At operation306, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more fiducials that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, such signals may be transmitted by one or more surface transmitters204that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Numerous types of fiducials may be used alone or in combination while associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of such fiducials include, but are not limited to, magnetic materials, fluorescent materials, quantum dots, radio-frequency tags, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials from one or more sensors150. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more fiducials that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation308, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more calibration images that are associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sensors150may detect one or more calibration images that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200. The conformation of the one or more calibration images at a first time point may be compared to the conformation of the one or more calibration images at a second time point to detect one or more changes in the conformation of the one or more calibration images.

At operation310, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to determine one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200that are associated with one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may be associated with one or more reflective fiducials that will produce an altered reflection pattern if the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200that are associated with the reflective fiducials are changed.

FIG. 4illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 4illustrates example embodiments where the obtaining operation210may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation402, operation404, operation406, operation408, and/or operation410.

At operation402, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more vertical positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more vertical positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, the conformation of a projection surface200may be changed by folding the projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200that is a sheet may be folded into a cube. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the vertical position of the projection surface200will change in accordance with the size of the cube. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in the vertical position of a projection surface200as an indicator of changes in the conformation of the projection surface200.

At operation404, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more horizontal positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more horizontal positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, the conformation of a projection surface200may be changed by folding the projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200that is a sheet may be folded in half. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the horizontal position of the projection surface200will change in accordance with how the projection surface200is folded. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in the horizontal position of a projection surface200as an indicator of changes in the conformation of the projection surface200.

At operation406, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more rotational positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more rotational positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be twisted to alter the rotational conformation of the projection surface200.

At operation408, the obtaining operation210may include receiving one or more signals that include the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200that are transmitted by one or more surface transmitters204. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200that are transmitted by one or more external devices400. For example, in some embodiments, one or more external devices400may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200and transmit one or more signals that include information associated with the one or more changes in conformation.

At operation410, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with content that is to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access memory to obtain content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is to be projected.

FIG. 5illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 5illustrates example embodiments where the obtaining operation210may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation502, operation504, operation506, operation508, and/or operation510.

At operation502, the obtaining operation210may include selecting content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is to be projected from memory. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is to be projected in response to user input. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is to be projected in response to one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is to be projected in response to one or more sensors150that detect one or more persons. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is suitable for children if a child is detected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is to be selected for projection.

At operation504, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with content that is not to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access memory to obtain information associated with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is not to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with confidential information that is not to be projected.

At operation506, the obtaining operation210may include selecting content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to select content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected in response to user input. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected in response to one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected in response to one or more sensors150that detect one or more persons. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not suitable for children if a child is detected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is not to be selected for projection.

At operation508, the obtaining operation210may include selecting one or more projection attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to determine one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more sensors150that are configured to determine one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of such projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200include, but are not limited to, reflectivity, light absorbance, light reflection, light transmission, light emission, ability to record projected content, ability to transmit information associated with projected content, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to one or more attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that is to be printed if a projection surface200is able to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content that is confidential if a projection surface200is able to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project one or more wavelengths of light in response to one or more attributes associated with a projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be made of material that transmits one or more wavelengths of light preferentially over other wavelengths of light. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct a projector130to emit the one or more wavelengths of light that are preferentially transmitted by a projection surface200. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may control one or more projectors130in accordance with projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation510, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more capture capabilities associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more capture capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to determine one or more capture capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more sensors150that are configured to determine one or more capture capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more capture capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of capture capabilities include, but are not limited to, printing of projected content, transmission of one or more signals that include information associated with projected content, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may control one or more projectors130in response to one or more capture capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that is to be printed onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of facilitating printing of the projected content. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content that is confidential onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of facilitating printing of the projected content.

FIG. 6illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6illustrates example embodiments where the obtaining operation210may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation602.

At operation602, the obtaining operation210may include obtaining information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to determine one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more sensors150that are configured to determine one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of recording attributes include, but are not limited to, permanent recordation of projected content, storage of projected content into memory, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may control one or more projectors130in response to one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that is to be saved into memory onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of recording projected content into memory. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content that is confidential onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of saving the projected content into memory.

FIG. 7illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 7illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation220may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation702, operation704, operation706, operation708, and/or operation710.

At operation702, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to detecting one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to detecting one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more patterns formed by one or more fiducials that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200may be detected. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more patterns formed by one or more marks that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200may be detected. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more patterns formed by one or more calibration images that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200may be detected.

At operation704, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more cameras. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more cameras163. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the conformation of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to detect one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200through determining one or more changes in the conformation of one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be stamped onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be printed onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more calibration images may be projected onto one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more cameras163may be configured to facilitate projection onto irregular surfaces (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,264).

At operation706, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project selected content in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to project a first set of content when one or more fiducials are in a first conformation and be instructed to project a second set of content when the one or more fiducials are in a second conformation. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to not project a first set of content when one or more fiducials are in a first conformation and be instructed to project a second set of content when the one or more fiducials are in a second conformation. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to project a first set of content when one or more fiducials are in a first conformation and be instructed to not project a second set of content when the one or more fiducials are in a second conformation.

At operation708, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to alter their projection output in response to one or more changes in the one or more calibration images. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to increase the intensity of light output from the one or more projectors130in response to a decrease in reflectivity associated with one or more calibration images. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to decrease the intensity of light output from the one or more projectors130in response to an increase in reflectivity associated with one or more calibration images. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to focus output from the one or more projectors130in response to one or more changes in resolution associated with one or more calibration images.

At operation710, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to alter projection output in response to one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns may be used to calibrate projection output from one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns may be used to focus projection output from one or more projectors130. In some embodiments, one or more changes in one or more reflection patterns may be used to adjust the intensity of projection output from one or more projectors130.

FIG. 8illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 8illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation220may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation802, operation804, operation806, operation808, and/or operation810.

At operation802, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more vertical positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more vertical positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project a first set of content when a projection surface200is positioned on a tabletop and to project a second set of content when the conformation of the projection surface200is altered to change the vertical position of the projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may initially be a sheet that is folded into a cube that results in changing the vertical position of the projection surface200.

At operation804, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more horizontal positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more horizontal positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project a first set of content when a projection surface200is positioned at a first horizontal position and to project a second set of content when a projection surface200is positioned at a second horizontal position. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be folded in half to change the horizontal conformation of the projection surface200.

At operation806, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more rotational positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more rotational positions associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may be twisted to change the rotational conformation of the projection surface200. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to project content that is selected in response to one or more changes in the rotational conformation associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation808, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to receiving one or more signals that include the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to receiving one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more control unit receivers128may receive one or more signals. In some embodiments, one or more control unit receivers128may receive one or more signals from one or more surface transmitters204. In some embodiments, one or more control unit receivers128may receive one or more signals that were transmitted by one or more external devices400.

At operation810, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with content that is to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access control memory124to access content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access projector memory134to access content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is to be projected.

FIG. 9illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 9illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation220may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation902, operation904, operation906, operation908, operation910, and/or operation912.

At operation902, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with selecting content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with selecting content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to select content that is to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to select content that is to be projected from memory. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to select content that is to be projected in response to user input. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to select content that is to be projected in response to one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may select content that is to be projected in response to one or more sensors150that detect one or more persons. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may select content that is suitable for children if a child is detected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is to be selected for projection.

At operation904, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to designate content that is not to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access memory to designate content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access projector memory134and not project designated content.

At operation906, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with selecting content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with selecting content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to select content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected in response to user input. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select content that is not to be projected in response to one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not to be projected in response to one or more sensors150that detect one or more persons. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may select content that is not suitable for children if a child is detected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with content that is not to be selected for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to instruct one or more projectors130to select content that is not to be projected.

At operation908, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with selecting one or more projection attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with selecting one or more projection attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to select one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200and instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the projection attributes. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to project in response to accessing memory to determine one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to project in response to one or more sensors150that are configured to determine one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be configured to project in response to receiving one or more signals that include information associated with one or more projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of such projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200include, but are not limited to, reflectivity, light absorbance, light reflection, light transmission, light emission, ability to record projected content, ability to transmit information associated with projected content, and the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to one or more attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that is to be printed if a projection surface200is able to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content that is confidential if a projection surface200is able to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project one or more wavelengths of light in response to one or more attributes associated with a projection surface200. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be made of material that transmits one or more wavelengths of light preferentially over other wavelengths of light. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct a projector130to emit the one or more wavelengths of light that are preferentially transmitted by a projection surface200. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may control one or more projectors130in accordance with projection attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation912, the projecting operation220may include projecting in response to the information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to obtain information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200and to instruct one or more projectors130in response to the recording attributes. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to access memory to determine one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be operably associated with one or more sensors150that are configured to determine one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may be configured to receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of recording attributes include, but are not limited to, permanent recordation of projected content, storage of projected content into memory, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may control one or more projectors130in response to one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that is to be saved into memory onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of recording projected content into memory. In some embodiments, a projector control unit120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content that is confidential onto one or more projection surfaces200that are capable of saving the projected content into memory.

InFIG. 10and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to any one or combination of the above-described examples ofFIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. In some embodiments, modules210and220ofFIG. 2may correspond to modules1010and1020ofFIG. 10. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow1000includes an obtaining operation1010involving obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200directly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200indirectly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200from one or more external devices400. One or more projector control units120may obtain numerous types of information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more fiducials associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more marks associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

After a start operation, the operational flow1000includes a projecting operation1020involving projecting in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content that is selected in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust projection output in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the intensity of light that is projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the wavelengths of light that are projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content onto two or more separate projection surfaces200in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of at least one of the two or more projection surfaces200.

After a start operation, the operational flow1000includes a coordinating operation1030involving coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector processors131may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200and facilitate coordination of the information with one or more commands. Examples of commands include, but are not limited to, commands to: increase light output from one or more projectors130, decrease light output from one or more projectors130, select one or more wavelengths of light for projection, select one or more wavelengths of light that are not to be projected, direct projection outputs, project in response to changes in conformation, project in response to changes in the conformation of one or more marks associated with one or more projection surfaces200, select content for projection, select content that is not to be projected, project in response to one or more attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200, project in response to one or more capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200, save content into memory, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access memory. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access one or more lookup tables that include correlations of one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access one or more algorithms that may be used to correlate one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands.

FIG. 11illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 11illustrates example embodiments where the coordinating operation1030may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1102, operation1104, operation1106, operation1108, and/or operation1110.

At operation1102, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more projection commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in light transmission that are associated with one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in light absorbance that are associated with one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may alter the intensity of light that is projected onto the one or more projection surfaces200in response to the altered light absorbance of the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more fiducials that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more calibration images that are associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands.

At operation1104, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets that include specified information. For example, in some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets that include specified information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more specified changes in conformation may be coordinated with specified information. In some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more specified content packets. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more specified changes in conformation may be coordinated with one or more specified content packets.

At operation1106, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands associated with content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands associated with content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, in some embodiments, folding a flat projection surface200into a cube may be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information for projection. In some embodiments, folding a rectangular projection surface200into a triangular projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select nonconfidential information for projection. In some embodiments, a user600may specify one or more changes in conformation that may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, a user600may specify that folding a projection surface200in half is to be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information for projection. Accordingly, in some embodiments, numerous changes in the conformation of a projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection

At operation1108, the coordinating operation1030may include accessing one or more databases. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more databases. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more databases. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more databases that include confidential material in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, altering the conformation of a projection surface200may be coordinated with accessing one or more databases. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more databases in response to one or more specified changes in the conformation of a projection surface200.

At operation1110, the coordinating operation1030may include accessing one or more lookup tables. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more lookup tables. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more lookup tables. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more lookup tables that include information for coordinating the one or more changes in conformation with one or more commands. For example, in some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more lookup tables in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, changing the conformation of a projection surface200from one conformation to another may be coordinated with accessing one or more lookup tables. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more lookup tables in response to one or more specified changes in the conformation of a projection surface200.

FIG. 12illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 12illustrates example embodiments where the coordinating operation1030may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1202, operation1204, operation1206, operation1208, and/or operation1210.

At operation1202, the coordinating operation1030may include accessing one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate accessing one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets that include specified information. For example, in some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets that include specified information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more specified changes in conformation may be coordinated with specified information. In some embodiments, one or more lookup tables may include information for coordinating one or more specified changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more specified content packets. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more specified changes in conformation may be coordinated with one or more specified content packets.

At operation1204, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, in some embodiments, folding a projection surface200in half may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, folding a rectangular projection surface200into a triangular projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection. Accordingly, in some embodiments, numerous changes in the conformation of a projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection.

At operation1206, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, in some embodiments, changing the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information that is not for projection. In some embodiments, folding a flat projection surface200into a cube may be coordinated with one or more commands to select information that is not for projection. In some embodiments, a user600may specify one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200that may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, a user600may specify that folding a rectangular projection surface200into a triangular projection surface200is to be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information that is not for projection. Accordingly, in some embodiments, numerous changes in the conformation of a projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection.

At operation1208, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may be configured as a flat projection surface200to indicate that the projection surface200is enabled to save content that is projected onto the projection surface200into memory. In some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may be folded in half to indicate that the projection surface200is not enabled to save content that is projected onto the projection surface200into memory. Accordingly, numerous conformations may be coordinated with numerous recording attributes that may be associated with one or more projection surfaces200. Examples of such recording attributes include, but are not limited to: saving projected content into memory, facilitating printing of projected content, transmitting one or more signals that include information associated with projected content, and the like.

At operation1210, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating the one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, in some embodiments, unfolding a projection surface200to form a flat sheet may be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information for projection. In some embodiments, folding a projection surface200in half may be coordinated with one or more commands to select nonconfidential information for projection. In some embodiments, a user600may specify one or more changes in conformation that may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content for projection.

FIG. 13illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 13illustrates example embodiments where the coordinating operation1030may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1302, operation1304, and/or operation1306.

At operation1302, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating the one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, in some embodiments, folding a projection surface200in half may be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information that is not for projection. In some embodiments, a user600may specify one or more changes in conformation that may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, a user600may specify that folding a rectangular projection surface200into a triangular projection surface200is to be coordinated with one or more commands to select confidential information that is not for projection. Accordingly, in some embodiments, numerous changes in the conformation of a projection surface200may be coordinated with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection.

At operation1304, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be recorded into memory. For example, in some embodiments, the ability of one or more projection surfaces200to facilitate saving content that is projected onto the projection surface200into memory may be coordinated with content that is to be projected on the projection surface200and saved into memory. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be printed. For example, in some embodiments, the ability of one or more projection surfaces200to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200may be coordinated with content that is to be projected onto the projection surface200and printed.

At operation1306, the coordinating operation1030may include coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be recorded into memory. For example, in some embodiments, the ability of one or more projection surfaces200to facilitate saving content that is projected onto the projection surface200into memory may be coordinated with content that is not to be projected onto the projection surface200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may facilitate coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be printed. For example, in some embodiments, the ability of one or more projection surfaces200to facilitate printing of content that is projected onto the projection surface200may be coordinated with content that is to be projected onto the projection surface200.

InFIG. 14and in following figures that include various examples of operations used during performance of the method, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to any one or combination of the above-described examples ofFIG. 1, and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. In some embodiments, modules1010,1020, and1030ofFIG. 10may correspond to modules1410,1420, and1430ofFIG. 14. However, it should be understood that the operations may be executed in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or modified versions ofFIG. 1. Also, although the various operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow1400includes an obtaining operation1410involving obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200directly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more sensors150. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200indirectly. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information from one or more external devices400. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may receive one or more signals that include information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200from one or more external devices400. One or more projector control units120may obtain numerous types of information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more fiducials associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more marks associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more changes in one or more calibration images associated with one or more projection surfaces200.

After a start operation, the operational flow1400includes a projecting operation1420involving projecting in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project in response to the information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content that is selected in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust projection output in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the intensity of light that is projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may adjust the wavelengths of light that are projected onto one or more surfaces in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may project content onto two or more separate projection surfaces200in response to one or more changes in one or more conformations of at least one of the two or more projection surfaces200.

After a start operation, the operational flow1400includes a coordinating operation1430involving coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector processors131may facilitate coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may obtain information associated with one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200and facilitate coordination of the information with one or more commands. Examples of commands include, but are not limited to, commands to: increase light output from one or more projectors130, decrease light output from one or more projectors130, select one or more wavelengths of light for projection, select one or more wavelengths of light that are not to be projected, direct projection outputs, project in response to changes in conformation, project in response to changes in the conformation of one or more marks associated with one or more projection surfaces200, select content for projection, select content that is not to be projected, project in response to one or more attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200, project in response to one or more capabilities associated with one or more projection surfaces200, save content into memory, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access memory. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access one or more lookup tables that include correlations of one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may access one or more algorithms that may be used to correlate one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands.

After a start operation, the operational flow1400includes a projecting operation1440involving projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select the content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content that was selected in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select and project the content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to not project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection.

FIG. 15illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1400ofFIG. 14.FIG. 15illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation1440may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1502, operation1504, operation1506, operation1508, and/or operation1510.

At operation1502, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more projection commands. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more projection commands. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to increase the intensity of light projected by one or more projectors130in response to coordinating one or more changes in illumination of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to alter the intensity of projected light. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to direct projection output onto one or more projection surfaces200in response to coordinating one or more changes in the conformation of the one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to direct the projection output onto the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project one or more wavelengths of light in response to coordinating one or more changes in light transmission of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select one or more wavelengths of light for projection that are matched to the light transmission characteristics of the one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation1504, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access one or more content packets in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content included within one or more content packets in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200.

At operation1506, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands associated with content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands associated with content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project specific content in response to coordinating one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200with the specific content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access content that is included within memory. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access projector memory134. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access control memory124. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to access memory that is associated with an external device400.

At operation1508, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to accessing one or more databases. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to accessing one or more databases. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more databases that contain the content. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project confidential information in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more databases that contain the confidential information.

At operation1510, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to accessing one or more lookup tables. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to accessing one or more lookup tables. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more lookup tables associated with the content.

FIG. 16illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1400ofFIG. 14.FIG. 16illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation1440may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1602, operation1604, operation1606, and/or operation1608.

At operation1602, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to accessing one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to accessing one or more content packets. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to access one or more content packets that include the content.

At operation1604, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to project confidential information in response to a projection surface200being unfolded from a folded conformation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a projector130may be instructed to project specific content in a manner that depends upon the conformation of a projection surface200.

At operation1606, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to access one or more content packets that include confidential and nonconfidential information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more projectors130may be instructed not to project the confidential information. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to access one or more content packets that include confidential and nonconfidential information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more projectors130may be instructed not to project the confidential information.

At operation1608, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200with one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projection surfaces200may be configured to record content that is projected onto the projection surface200when the projection surface200is in a specified conformation. For example, in some embodiments, a projection surface200may be able to record content that is projected onto the projection surface200when the projection surface200is configured as a cube. In some embodiments, a projection surface200may be unable to record content that is projected onto the projection surface200when the projection surface200is configured as a flat sheet.

FIG. 17illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1400ofFIG. 14.FIG. 17illustrates example embodiments where the projecting operation1440may include at least one additional operation. Additional operations may include an operation1702, operation1704, operation1706, and/or operation1708.

At operation1702, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of the one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating the one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content for projection. For example, in some embodiments, one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200may be coordinated with selection of specific content. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to select specific content in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may access memory to select content for projection.

At operation1704, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to the coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations of the one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating the one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more projection surfaces200with one or more commands to select content that is not for projection. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to select content that is not for projection in response to one or more changes in the conformation of one or more projection surfaces200. In some embodiments, one or more projectors130may access memory to select content that is not for projection.

At operation1706, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be recorded into memory. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project content in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is to be printed.

At operation1708, the projecting operation1440may include projecting in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with the one or more projection surfaces with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130to project in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be projected. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be recorded into memory. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to access one or more content packets that include confidential and nonconfidential information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more projectors130may be instructed not to project the confidential information. In some embodiments, one or more projector control units120may instruct one or more projectors130not to project content in response to coordinating one or more recording attributes associated with one or more projection surfaces200with content that is not to be printed. For example, in some embodiments, one or more projectors130may be instructed to access one or more content packets that include confidential and nonconfidential information. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more projectors130may be instructed not to project the confidential information.

FIG. 18illustrates a partial view of a system1800that includes a computer program1804for executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of system1800is provided using a signal-bearing medium1802bearing one or more instructions for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces and one or more instructions for projecting in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces200. The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1802may include a computer-readable medium1806. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1802may include a recordable medium1808. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1802may include a communications medium1810.

FIG. 19illustrates a partial view of a system1900that includes a computer program1904for executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of system1900is provided using a signal-bearing medium1902bearing one or more instructions for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces; one or more instructions for projecting in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces; and one or more instructions for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1902may include a computer-readable medium1906. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1902may include a recordable medium1908. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium1902may include a communications medium1910.

FIG. 20illustrates a partial view of a system2000that includes a computer program2004for executing a computer process on a computing device. An embodiment of system2000is provided using a signal-bearing medium2002bearing one or more instructions for obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces; one or more instructions for projecting in response to information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces; one or more instructions for coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands; and one or more instructions for projecting in response to coordinating one or more changes in one or more conformations associated with one or more projection surfaces with one or more commands. The one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium2002may include a computer-readable medium2006. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium2002may include a recordable medium2008. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium2002may include a communications medium2010.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similar implementations may include software or other control structures suitable to operation. Electronic circuitry, for example, may manifest one or more paths of electrical current constructed and arranged to implement various logic functions as described herein. In some implementations, one or more media are configured to bear a device-detectable implementation if such media hold or transmit a special-purpose device instruction set operable to perform as described herein. In some variants, for example, this may manifest as an update or other modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arrays or other programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any functional operations described above. In some variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++ or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwise implemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., a logic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, a hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of expression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logical expression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description or other circuitry model before physical implementation in hardware, especially for basic operations or timing-critical applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other common structures in light of these teachings.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into an image processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that a typical image processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity; control motors for moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An image processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a mote system. Those having skill in the art will recognize that a typical mote system generally includes one or more memories such as volatile or non-volatile memories, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, user interfaces300, drivers, sensors150, actuators, applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., an antenna USB ports, acoustic ports, etc.), control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing or estimating position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A mote system may be implemented utilizing suitable components, such as those found in mote computing/communication systems. Specific examples of such components entail such as Intel Corporation's and/or Crossbow Corporation's mote components and supporting hardware, software, and/or firmware.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the art to implement devices and/or processes and/or systems, and thereafter use engineering and/or other practices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate to context and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a Voice over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Qwest, Southwestern Bell, etc.), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g., Sprint, Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.

In certain cases, use of a system or method may occur in a territory even if components are located outside the territory. For example, in a distributed computing context, use of a distributed computing system may occur in a territory even though parts of the system may be located outside of the territory (e.g., relay, server, processor, signal-bearing medium, transmitting computer, receiving computer, etc. located outside the territory). A sale of a system or method may likewise occur in a territory even if components of the system or method are located and/or used outside the territory. Further, implementation of at least part of a system for performing a method in one territory does not preclude use of the system in another territory.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a user600may be representative of a human user600, a robotic user600(e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user may be assisted by one or more robotic agents) unless context dictates otherwise.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components.