US 5,479,528 AGranted

Intelligent work surfaces

AssigneeAT&T Corp.

InventorThomas H. Speeter

Life of this patent

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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for implementing intelligent work surfaces are provided. Work surfaces, such as desktops and floors, are covered with a tactile sensing array to provide tactile data to a processor. Regions on the sensing arrays may be defined to include predetermined sensing elements of the sensing array and may be specified to function as input devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. Once defined, regions may be redefined to reposition a specified input device. Regions also may be respecified to function as a different input device. The arrays also may collect data at predetermined intervals for analysis, such as for identifying an individual or an object. For example, the force-image of an individual's handprint or footprint could be taken, analyzed, and compared against data representing the force-images of known individuals.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A method for identifying a person, comprising the steps of:

sampling a tactile sensor array to record a force-image of a handprint that is characteristic of the person, tactile sensor array comprising a plurality of sensing elements;
determining from the recorded force-image information characteristic of the person;
comparing the information characteristic of the person with information characteristic of known individuals;
and
identifying the person as one of the known individuals on the basis of the comparing step,
wherein the determining step comprises:
defining an origin at a centroid of the force-image;
determining a set of principle axes of the force-image;
performing connected region analysis on the force-image to separate the force-image into a plurality of connected regions;
identifying the connected regions corresponding to fingertips of the force-image;
identifying a pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin;
calculating the distances between a predetermined point on the force-image and the pixel of each fingertip that is spaced furthest from the origin;
and
calculating the width of the palm of the force-image.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/279,458Filed 22 Jul 1994 · continuation
Priority: 13 Dec 1991
Granted: 26 Dec 1995
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification8 codes

G06F 3/041
Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form: digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads,…
G06F 3/033
Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form: pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user ,…
G06F 3/04144
Using force sensing means to determine a position: using an array of force sensing means
G06V 40/10
Recognition of biometric, human-related or animal-related patterns in image or video data: human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or…