Canesta, Inc.

Shiraz Shivji

Cyrus Soli Bamji

Abbas Rafii

Edoardo Charbon

Nazim Kareemi

A user inputs digital data to a companion system such as a PDA, a cell telephone, an applicance, device using a virtual input device such as an image of a keyboard. A sensor captures three-dimensional positional information as to location of the user's fingers in relation to where keys would be on an actual keyboard. This information is processed with respect to finger locations and velocities and shape to determine when virtual keys would have been struck. The processed digital information is output to the companion system. The companion system can display an image of a keyboard, including an image of a keyboard showing user fingers, and/or alphanumeric text as such data is input by the user on the virtual input device.

Method and apparatus for entering data using a virtual input device

A three-dimensional imaging system is fabricated on a single IC. The system includes a two-dimensional array of pixel light sensing detectors and dedicated electronics and associated processing circuitry, all preferably fabricated on a single IC using CMOS fabrication techniques. The system includes a detector array comprising a plurality of pixel photodiodes and photodiode circuits, wherein each pixel photodiode acquires delay time data and pulse brightness data simultaneously. The system emits an energy pulse at time t0 and a fraction of the energy is returned to the array by a target object. Photodiodes in the array output a brightness signal B(t) that is integrated. An elapsed time ET from t0 to when said B(t) attains a predetermined threshold value is determined, where the slope of B(t) is B/PW, where B is B(t) after integrating over a time equal to the emitted pulse width PW. Time-of-flight TOF representing time from t0 to when a photodiode begins to detect energy is determined, where TOF&equals;ET&minus;IT, where IT is proportional to PW/B. A system processor determines distance from the system to the target object, from TOF and the velocity of light, and can translate TOF into commands to control electronic devices.

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Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Shiraz Shivji