Distance sensing and visual indicator arrays with reconfigurable detection windows

An indication and sensing system comprising:

• a first array comprising a first plurality of individually readable distance sensors configured to be disposed along at least a first axis, wherein each of the first plurality of distance sensors is configurable to detect penetration of a first plane containing the first axis;
• and,
• a second array comprising a plurality of individually controllable light emitting indicators disposed along at least a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis;
• and,
• a control circuit configured to generate a reconfigurable predetermined detection window comprises:
• a window height determined by a predetermined detection range;
• and,
• a window width determined by associating together from the first plurality of distance sensors a plurality of adjacent distance sensors detecting input during a teaching operation,
• wherein each of the plurality of indicators is individually configurable to emit visual indicia to a user out of the first plane, and the visual indicia are associated with the detected penetration.

An indication and sensing method comprising:

• provide a first plurality of individually readable distance sensors configured to be disposed in a first array along at least a first axis;
• configure each of the first plurality of distance sensors to detect penetration of a first plane containing the first axis;
• provide a plurality of individually controllable light emitting indicators configured to be disposed along at least a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis;
• and,
• configure each of the plurality of indicators to emit visual indicia to a user out of the first plane, wherein the visual indicia are associated with the detected penetration;
• initiate a teaching operation;
• generate a reconfigurable predetermined detection window height based on a predetermined detection range of the first plurality of distance sensors;
• select from the first plurality of distance sensors a plurality of adjacent distance sensors detecting input during the teaching operation;
• and,
• generate a reconfigurable predetermined detection window width by associating together the plurality of adjacent distance sensors.