Proxima Corporation

Roger N Marshall

Lane Thomas Hauck

Jeffrey W Busch

Leonid A Shapiro

Eric S Stevens

Richard M Lizon

Robert W Shaw

Randall S Farwell

A method and apparatus geometrically makes correction in an optical computer input system.

Method and apparatus for calibrating geometrically an optical computer

A method and optical system auxiliary input calibration arrangement accurately and reliably discriminate between a user generated image and a video source generated image, such as one produced by a computer. The calibration arrangement includes amplifier devices for increasing the strength of a video information signal indicative of the video generated image, and a user generated auxiliary input signal indicative of an auxiliary input light image, without increasing spurious ambient light signals. A discrimination circuit generates a detection signal whenever the amplified information signals are greater than a predetermined reference level signal. A microprocessor calculates the appropriate predetermined reference level signal based upon ambient lighting conditions, the strength of that portion of the information signal indicative of the video image, the type of optical system and the distance the optical system is disposed away from a viewing surface. The microprocessor controls the exposure time of the light sensing device and selects an appropriate level of amplification for the output signal from the sensing device to increase light sensitivity between the video source generated light images as compared to the user generated auxiliary light images. A dual beam light generating device produces a low intensity laser beam for helping a user locate a desire portion of the video generated image and a high intensity laser beam for providing auxiliary input light of the desired position of the image illuminated by the low intensity beam.

Optical system auxiliary input calibration arrangement and method of

A method and system for producing a finely textured display image of a gradation of high color resolution color shading. The high color resolution system is adapted to be coupled to a relatively inexpensive high speed active matrix display panel employing single-bit LCD drivers and a plurality of sub-pixel elements. The system includes a sub-pixel activation circuit for generating single-bit digital signals for driving individual ones of the sub-pixel elements. A duty cycle circuit arrangement controls the sub-pixel activation circuit to cause desired ones of the sub-pixel elements to be activated selectively an average number of times over a large number of consecutive frame time intervals to generate sub-pixel images having desired perceived color shading levels. A fixed pattern generator responsive to a desired color shading level signal, controls the duty cycle circuit arrangement to activate sub-pixel elements to the desired perceived color shading levels and assigns color codes to groups of sub-pixel elements to produce color blending sub-pixel patterns that help to inhibit substantially color contouring between adjacent sub-pixel element images exhibiting a plurality of different color shading levels of a single primary color. The high resolution display system also includes a video interface module for coupling either RGB analog signals or RGB digital signals to the high speed LCD display panel.

High resolution display system and method of using same

The optical auxiliary input arrangement for an optical system projecting computer generated images includes an image processing unit and communication interface for detecting the speed at which two high intensity auxiliary light images flash onto the projected computer image, to interpret the images as a mouse double click feature. The optical auxiliary input arrangement accurately and reliably discriminates between user generated double click information without the need of the user being so steady of hand as to cause the auxiliary light information beam to illuminate the same precise location on the viewing surface during the double click operation. The image processing unit and communication interface cooperate together to permit both a low speed mouse and the high speed light generating device to communicate with the system.

Optical auxiliary input arrangement and method of using same

A method and apparatus facilitates the alignment and light sensitivity adjustment of an optical computer input system, which includes a user generated light directed onto a screen bearing a computer generated image, to convey information to the computer interactively by the user, even in a darkened room. The system discriminates between the user generated image, and the computer generated image. Devices facilitate the proper alignment of the system with the screen, as well as proper light sensitivity adjustments.

Growing community of inventors

Solana Beach, CA, United States of America

Roger N Marshall