Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6218967?dq=7,013,345/
Timestamp: 2017-05-27 23:38:33
Document Index: 340730014

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 6', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 6', 'art 1', 'art 6', 'art 1', 'art 1']

Patent US6218967 - Arrangement for the optical remote control of apparatus - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsAn arrangement for the optical remote control of an apparatus such as a data terminal, an online bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment or the like, employing the palm of a hand or a finger of an operator as a control includes a light transmitter part in which there are several sources...http://www.google.com/patents/US6218967?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6218967 - Arrangement for the optical remote control of apparatusAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS6218967 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/155,694PCT numberPCT/FI1997/000199Publication dateApr 17, 2001Filing dateApr 1, 1997Priority dateApr 1, 1996Fee statusLapsedAlso published asDE69723247D1, EP0891655A1, EP0891655B1, WO1997037430A1Publication number09155694, 155694, PCT/1997/199, PCT/FI/1997/000199, PCT/FI/1997/00199, PCT/FI/97/000199, PCT/FI/97/00199, PCT/FI1997/000199, PCT/FI1997/00199, PCT/FI1997000199, PCT/FI199700199, PCT/FI97/000199, PCT/FI97/00199, PCT/FI97000199, PCT/FI9700199, US 6218967 B1, US 6218967B1, US-B1-6218967, US6218967 B1, US6218967B1InventorsKyosti Veijo Olavi MaulaOriginal AssigneeKyosti Veijo Olavi MaulaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (9), Referenced by (33), Classifications (11), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetArrangement for the optical remote control of apparatus
US 6218967 B1Abstract
An arrangement for the optical remote control of an apparatus such as a data terminal, an online bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment or the like, employing the palm of a hand or a finger of an operator as a control includes a light transmitter part in which there are several sources of light. The light from each of the sources of light of the light transmitter travel through a first collector member to a presumed keyboard in which a keyboard layout is arranged. Each presumed key in the keyboard layout is connected to at least one source of light in the transmitter part. The image of the source of light is visible at the location of the relevant presumed key. Also provided is a light receiver part and a second collector member through which the image of the source of light at the key in question, travels to the receiver part. A processor controls the operation of the light transmitter part. Each source of light is timed to light up in turn as part of a group and/or separately so that when the finger or palm of the hand is at the position of a presumed key, the light coming from the source of light is reflected from it through the second collector member to the receiver part. The processor recognizes the moment when the various sources of light are on, and on the basis of data relating to the moment of reception of the light arriving at the receiver, it recognizes which key is in operation.
What is claimed is: 1. An arrangement for the optical remote control of apparatus, comprising:
a light transmitter part (1), in which there are several sources of light (2), a first collector member (3), through which the light from each of the sources of light (2) of the transmitter part (1) travels, a keyboard (4), in which a keyboard layout is arranged, wherein when each key (5) in the keyboard layout is connected to at least one source of light (2) in the transmitter part (1), the image of which source of light (2) is visible at the location of the relevant key (5), a light receiver part (6), a second collector member (7), through which the light coming from the keyboard travels to the processor of the receiver part (6), which controls the operation of the light transmitter part (1), each source of light (2) being timed to light up in turn so that when an appendage of an operator is at the position of a key (5), the light coming from the source of light (2) is reflected from it through the second collector member (7) to the receiver part (6), when the processor recognizes the moment when at least one source of light (2) is on and, on the basis of the data relating to the moment of reception of the light arriving at the receiver (6), recognizes which key is in operation. 2. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the key-board layout comprises a matrix of vertical (9, 10, 11) and horizontal rows (12-18), in which a receiver (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) is dedicated to each vertical row (9-11), so that when light corresponding to a certain vertical row (9-11) is observed by a receiver (6 a-6 c), the processor states whether one of the sources of light (2) belonging to that row has lit up at the same moment, so that it is known whether this is a ‘correct’ identification or an error message.
3. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the sources of light are LED's transmitting infrared radiation, and wherein the receiver (6 a-6 c) is an infrared-sensitive detector.
5. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the transmitter part (1), the first collector member (3), the second collector member (7) and the receiver part (6) are located in a common case (20), which is located at a distance from the keyboard (4).
6. An arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the keyboard (4) is arranged on the outer face of a transparent surface forming a wall of a housing, and wherein the transmitter part and the receiver part are located inside said housing at a distance from an inner face of the transparent surface.
7. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter part (1) is located in such a way that the rays of light coming from the sources of light (2) travel at an angle to the keyboard (4), and that the receiver part (6) is in turn so located as to receive rays of light coming from the keyboard (4) at essentially right-angles.
a light transmitter comprising a plurality of sources of light; a virtual keyboard comprising a plurality of virtual keys, wherein the light from each of said sources of light travels to a respective one of said plurality of virtual keys and wherein the image of said source of light is visible at the location of the relevant virtual key; a light receiver; and, a processor connected to said light receiver for monitoring and controlling the operation of the light transmitter, wherein each source of light is timed to light up in turn so that when the appendage of the operator is at the position of the virtual key, the light coming from the source of light is reflected from it to the receiver, wherein the processor recognizes the moment when the various sources of light are on and, on the basis of the moment of reception of the light arriving at the receiver, recognizes which key is in operation. 10. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein said keyboard layout comprises a matrix of vertical and horizontal rows in which a receiver is dedicated to each vertical row so that when light corresponding to a certain vertical row is observed by the receiver, the processor states whether one of the sources of light belonging to that row has lit up at the same moment so that it is known whether this is a correct identification or an error message.
a first collector member through which the light from each of said several sources of light travels; and a second collector member through which the light coming from the virtual keyboard travels to the processor of the receiver. 13. The arrangement of claim 12 wherein said first collector member comprises a lens and said second collector member also comprises a lens.
15. The arrangement of claim 12 further comprising a housing for accommodating said transmitter part, said first collector member, said second collector member and said receiver, wherein said transmitter and said receiver are located at a distance from said virtual keyboard.
16. The arrangement of claim 15 wherein said virtual keyboard is located on an outer surface of a transparent member forming a wall of said housing and wherein said transmitter and said receiver are located within said housing and spaced from said transparent member.
The object of the invention is an arrangement for the optical remote control of apparatus, such as an information terminal, on-line bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment, or similar, by using as the controlling device the palm of the hand or a finger or a separate, hand-held controlling device.
The object of the invention is to facilitate the optical remote control of different processor controlled apparatus, so that the said apparatus can be used through glass, for example, by touching the positions of the keys located on the outer surface of the glass. This kind of arrangement is suitable for use in the windows of various types of shops, for example, when the apparatus could contain different kinds of information about the products on sale and the raw materials and production methods used etc. An optical keyboard according to the invention is also suitable for use in diverse on-line bill payment terminals and movement monitoring equipment.
In accordance with FIG. 1, an arrangement according to the invention comprises a transmitter part 1, from which light is transmitted through a collector member 3 to the presumed keyboard 4, and a receiver part 6 to which the light coming from the keyboard 4 is directed through the collector member 7. Light coming from the transmitter part 1 reflects onto the receiver 6 only when a finger or a palm or similar controlling member has been placed on a certain key on the pattern of keys on the keyboard. The presumed keyboard 4 can be located on the outer surface of a single or multilayered pane of glass but any other material through which light can penetrate could also be used. In principle, the presumed keyboard 4 can be formed without any solid surface, when the key pattern could be produced by e.g. the hologram technique, In this context, presumed keyboard and presumed keys mean that the keyboard has been formed optically, for example on the outer surface of glass, by transmitting the image of a source of light onto the desired position on the keyboard, the pattern of which has been marked on the relevant surface with an adhesive label or similar, so that the user knows which position to press with a finger to produce the desired dialling pattern.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the transmitter part 1 is formed by several light sources 2, which could, for example, be LEDs operating in the infrared radiation zone. Light transmitted by the LEDs 2 travels through the collector member 3 onto the presumed keyboard 4, the key pattern 8 of which has been marked by attaching an appropriate adhesive label on the outer surface of the window pane or similar surface. The key pattern 8 contains the required number of keys 5 arranged advantageously into a matrix which, in the shown embodiment, contains three vertical rows 9-11 and seven horizontal rows 12-18. The key pattern 8 can, for example, have number keys running in one direction and arrow keys in another. A lens or a hole in a board, for example, can be used as the collecting member 3 The board in question could advantageously be the front wall of the case 20 which, advantageously, contains both the transmitter part 1 and the receiver part 6. Each key 5 of the key pattern 8 connects with its own LED 2, so that the light transmitted by the LED 2 in question reflects in respect of the key connected with it through a second collecting member 7 to the receiver part 6 only when the key in question is pressed with a finger or a similar controlling member. An elongated gap or cylindrical lens act advantageously as the second collecting member 7. The receiver part 6 contains advantageously a separate receiver 6 a-6 c for each vertical row 9-11 of the key pattern 8. The operation of the LEDs 2 has been timed for example so that each LED is on separately, one at a time, so that when a given receiver 6 a-6 c detects light, the processor connected with the arrangement indicates whether any of the light sources 2 belonging to the same row are lit at the same time, thereby providing information on whether it was a ‘correct’ identification or an error message. For the recognition of a LED, the processor uses information connected with the moment of time the different LEDs are on and the moment of time the light coming to the receiver 6 a-6 c is received. The LEDs 2 can also be arranged to come on as groups, for example, a vertical row at a time, so that when the receiver detects light from a particular row, the processor identifies the LED in question for example so that the LEDs of the row in question are arranged to come on one at a time, and the processor can determine which LED is on at the moment the light is detected. The recognition of the LEDs can also be realized so that after the reception of the light in the receiver the LEDs are lit up one horizontal row at a time.
FIG. 3 shows a similar arrangement to FIG. 2, in which essentially round holes in the front panel of the case 20 act as the collecting members 3 and 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment each light transmitter 2 corresponds with its own receiver, which receivers have been advantageously connected with each other in vertical rows.
FIG. 4 show one other embodiment, in which the transmitter part 1 and the receiver part 6 have been placed inside the case 20 so that the light coming from the transmitter part 1 reflects via a concave mirror 3 onto the presumed keyboard so that when a finger is placed on a certain key, the light continues to reflect via the concave mirror 7 to the receiver 6.
In accordance with the Figures, the rays of light coming from the transmitter part 1 travel diagonally in relation to the presumed keyboard 4, whereas the rays of light going from the keyboard 4 to the receiver 6 travel at essentially right-angles to the keyboard. This transmission of light in a direction which differs from the direction it is received makes the locating of the presumed keyboard in the desired position (at the desired distance from the case 20) relatively easy. Furthermore, it produces the illusion that the glass or corresponding surface upon which the keyboard is located is, in itself, touch sensitive, i.e., to dial the desired series, the user must press a finger clearly against the surface which contains the keyboard.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3769515Oct 6, 1972Oct 30, 1973Polar CorpElectro-optical lock and methodUS4701747Dec 23, 1985Oct 20, 1987Ncr CorporationData input system including a keyboard having no moving partsUS5483261 *Oct 26, 1993Jan 9, 1996Itu Research, Inc.Graphical input controller and method with rear screen image detectionUS5767842 *Apr 21, 1995Jun 16, 1998International Business Machines CorporationMethod and device for optical input of commands or dataUS5801681 *Jul 30, 1996Sep 1, 1998Sayag; MichelMethod and apparatus for generating a control signalDE3932508A1Sep 26, 1989Apr 4, 1991Pofa Technology CorpOptical input for computer systems - has multiple optical transmitters and receivers operated in time shared modeDE4007971A1Mar 13, 1990Sep 19, 1991Gaggenau WerkeVorrichtung zum schalten elektrischer einrichtungenDE4408058A1Mar 7, 1994Sep 14, 1995Pro Innovatio ForschungszentruOpto-electronic key=pad for application behind reflecting glass plateSE440969B Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6611252 *May 17, 2000Aug 26, 2003Dufaux Douglas P.Virtual data input deviceUS6750849 *Dec 10, 2001Jun 15, 2004Nokia Mobile Phones, Ltd.Method and arrangement for accomplishing a function in an electronic apparatus and an electronic apparatusUS6798401 *May 6, 2003Sep 28, 2004Tree Frog Technologies, LlcOptical system for inputting pointer and character data into electronic equipmentUS7042371 *Feb 24, 2004May 9, 2006Nokia CorporationOptical keyboard with geodesic optical elementsUS7176905 *Feb 19, 2003Feb 13, 2007Agilent Technologies, Inc.Electronic device having an image-based data input systemUS7417681 *Apr 13, 2004Aug 26, 2008Vkb Inc.Multifunctional integrated image sensor and application to virtual interface technologyUS7486386Sep 21, 2007Feb 3, 2009Silison Laboratories Inc.Optical reflectance proximity sensorUS7670006Feb 23, 2006Mar 2, 2010Vkb Inc.System and method for projectionUS7893924May 24, 2007Feb 22, 2011Vkb Inc.Data input deviceUS7932481May 8, 2007Apr 26, 2011E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbhOperating device, electrical appliance with such an operating device, arrangement of a glass ceramic hob or an oven with such an operating device and method for operating such an operating deviceUS8243015Feb 23, 2006Aug 14, 2012Vkb Inc.Virtual data entry deviceUS8660300Dec 12, 2008Feb 25, 2014Silicon Laboratories Inc.Apparatus and method for optical gesture recognitionUS20020075239 *Dec 10, 2001Jun 20, 2002Ari PotkonenMethod and arrangement for accomplishing a function in an electronic apparatus and an electronic apparatusUS20030193479 *May 6, 2003Oct 16, 2003Dufaux Douglas PaulOptical system for inputting pointer and character data into electronic equipmentUS20040160420 *Feb 19, 2003Aug 19, 2004Izhak BaharavElectronic device having an image-based data input systemUS20040200955 *Apr 8, 2003Oct 14, 2004Aleksandr AndzelevichPosition detection of a light sourceUS20040207732 *Apr 13, 2004Oct 21, 2004Klony LiebermanMultifunctional integrated image sensor and application to virtual interface technologyUS20050184885 *Feb 24, 2004Aug 25, 2005Nokia CorporationOptical keyboard with geodesic optical elementsUS20060187198 *Feb 23, 2006Aug 24, 2006Vkb Inc.Input deviceUS20060187199 *Feb 23, 2006Aug 24, 2006Vkb Inc.System and method for projectionUS20070019099 *Jul 25, 2005Jan 25, 2007Vkb Inc.Optical apparatus for virtual interface projection and sensingUS20070019103 *Jul 25, 2005Jan 25, 2007Vkb Inc.Optical apparatus for virtual interface projection and sensingUS20070222749 *May 8, 2007Sep 27, 2007Martin BaierOperating device, electrical appliance with such an operating device, arrangement of a glass ceramic hob or an oven with such an operating device and method for operating such an operating deviceUS20070222760 *May 24, 2007Sep 27, 2007Vkb Inc.Data input deviceUS20080246738 *Apr 28, 2006Oct 9, 2008Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.System and Method for Projecting Control GraphicsUS20080297614 *Oct 31, 2004Dec 4, 2008Klony LiebermanOptical Apparatus for Virtual Interface Projection and SensingUS20080309620 *Jul 15, 2008Dec 18, 2008Klony LiebermanMultifunctional integrated image sensor and application to virtual interface technologyUS20100150399 *Dec 12, 2008Jun 17, 2010Miroslav SvajdaApparatus and method for optical gesture recognitionUS20100214135 *Feb 26, 2009Aug 26, 2010Microsoft CorporationDynamic rear-projected user interfaceUS20110212774 *Jun 29, 2010Sep 1, 2011Karl WudtkeTerminal including a button and button having projected images and methodUSRE40880 *Sep 28, 2006Aug 25, 2009P. Milton Holdings, LlcOptical system for inputting pointer and character data into electronic equipmentDE102004044396A1 *Sep 14, 2004Mar 30, 2006BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbHOperating device for domestic appliance has sensor device spatially separate from input panel for contactless detection of manual operation of input panel and for outputting control signal to electronic deviceDE102004055376A1 *Nov 8, 2004May 11, 2006E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbHBedieneinrichtung, Elektrogerät mit einer solchen Bedieneinrichtung, Anordnung eines Glaskeramik-Kochfeldes mit einer solchen Bedieneinrichtung sowie Verfahren zum Betrieb einer solchen Bedieneinrichtung* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification341/31, 341/22, 250/221, 250/347, 250/341.7, 345/168, 345/173, 341/20International ClassificationH03K17/96Cooperative ClassificationH03K17/9631European ClassificationH03K17/96L3Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 3, 2004REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedApr 18, 2005LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesJun 14, 2005FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20050417RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services