Patent ID: 8860688

Claim:
A three-dimensional (3D) interactive input system comprising: a holographic image generator defining an enclosed space to accommodate a 3D object and configured to generate a holographic image of the 3D object that appears adjacent an input region of said holographic image generator; a projection unit configured to project image data onto the 3D object, the image data projected onto the 3D object appearing on said holographic image; a sensing unit configured to detect user proximity to the input region; processing structure configured to process sensing unit output and in response, update image data projected by the projection unit; wherein said processing structure processes sensing unit output to recognize user input gestures and in response, updates image data projected by the projection unit; wherein said holographic image generator comprises a pair of opposing, generally concave mirrors having facing reflected surfaces and defining the enclosed space therebetween, said 3D object being positioned adjacent the center of one of said mirrors, the other of said mirrors having an opening therein adjacent the center thereof at which said holographic image appears, the opening defining said input region; wherein the sensing unit comprises a plurality of capacitive sensors positioned circularly around the perimeter of the input region; and wherein the sensors are oriented in a spiral pattern.