Pointing device and cursor for use in intelligent computing environments

Abstract

A system and process for directing a laser beam within a space is presented. The system includes a pointing device which periodically outputs orientation data indicative of the direction it is pointing and a cursor device which projects a laser beam. The orientation data is used to compute the direction the pointing device is pointing in terms of yaw and pitch angles. The laser beam is directed to locations in the space relative to the amount of movement of the pointing device. In an absolute mode, the pointed device and the laser beam of the cursor device are pointed at the same location in the space, whereas in a relative mode, the pointing device does not point at the same location as the laser beam. The position of the laser can be used to select a variety of hardware devices known to be in a room for future control actions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of a prior application entitled “A POINTING DEVICE AND CURSOR FOR USE IN INTELLIGENT COMPUTING ENVIRONMENTS” which was assigned Ser. No. 10 / 461,646 and filed Jun. 13, 2003.”BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The invention is related to cursor devices, and more particularly to a system and process for directing a laser beam within a space to act as a cursor in an intelligent computing environment. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] Ubiquitous (i.e., intelligent) computing promises to blur the boundaries between traditional desktop computing and the everyday physical world. A popular vision of tomorrow's computing pushes computational abilities into everyday objects, each participating in a complex and powerful integrated intelligent environment. Tomorrow's home and office environments, for example, may include a variety of small and large networked displays and smart controllable devices. For instan...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and process for directing a laser beam in a space as a cursor, which can act as a natural, expressive interface for interaction in ubiquitous computing environments. The system includes a small platform that can be installed on the ceiling of a room, with two small servo motors that move the laser beam in the yaw and pitch directions. The platform can be controlled by a computer using movement control commands generated by a mouse or other traditional device. The system can also include an orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer or magnetometer, to determine the orientation of the device. The technical effects of the invention include improved interaction in environments where traditional devices are not appropriate or available, and the ability to select objects in a space by pointing the laser beam at them. The system does not require an external position sensing technology, which can be expensive and complex to install.

Problems solved by technology

This migration away from the desktop and “into the walls” presents several challenges for user interface design.

Typically, such devices are limited to one transmission scheme, such as IR or RF, and so can control only electronic components operating on that scheme.

This could add considerably to the cost of a “single UI-controlled” environment.

There are a number of drawbacks to using the external computer vision system.

First, the system involves installing multiple cameras in the room.

Secondly, the acquisition of the geometric model of the room and its devices requires a further calibration phase.

Thirdly, computer vision techniques rely on having a clear line of sight to the device.

Although this can be alleviated somewhat by installing more cameras, this approach can be prohibitively expensive and complex to install.

Finally, installation of cameras inevitably raises privacy objections.

However, this will not be the usual case because the WorldCursor will typically be mounted on the ceiling of the space.

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