The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 26, 2003
Filed:
May. 17, 2000
Douglas P. DuFaux, Clayton, MO (US);
Other;
Abstract
A virtual data input device to optically interface with an operator to detect the position of objects within a particular input zone, i.e., an area in which the operator may interact to enter character data into associated computing equipment. Each character data corresponds to a unique arrangement and position of the objects within the input zone, e.g., operator's fingers on a virtual keyboard. The input device includes a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone with sensor light, which reflects off the operator's fingers. The data input device also includes an optical detector to receive the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the operator's fingers within the input zone. The optical detector converts the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal representing the particular character data. A microprocessor then receives the electrical signal and correlates the electrical signal to character data.