Data entry device utilizing writing implement rotation
AssigneePnf Co., Ltd.
InventorJacob Harel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A writing implement and system using that writing implement are disclosed. The writing implement includes a pen having an elongated body with a plurality of light sources arranged around an outer surface of the body. Each light source has a unique identity. A pen controller that activates each light source to emit light such that the identity of that source can be ascertained by a detector external to the pen. The number of light sources is greater than or equal to 2, and the light sources are arranged such that at least one of the light sources is visible to a detector external to the pen at any time. The detector can then determine the angle of rotation of the pen relative to a fixed reference direction.
Claims27
An apparatus comprising:
- a pen comprising an elongated body having a plurality of light sources arranged around an outer surface of said body, each light source being characterized by a unique identity;
- and
- a pen controller that activates each light source to emit light such that said identity of that light source can be ascertained by a detector external to said apparatus, wherein the number of light sources is greater than or equal to 2 and said light sources are arranged such that at least one of said light sources is visible to said detector at any time.
A method for determining a rotation of a pen relative to a fixed reference orientation, said method comprising:
- providing a plurality of light sources arranged around an outer surface of said pen, each light source being characterized by a unique identity;
- causing each light source to emit light such that said identity of that light source can be ascertained by measuring said emitted light;
- detecting said emitted light at a location external to said pen;
- and
- estimating a rotation angle for said pen relative to said fixed reference orientation, wherein the number of said light sources is greater than or equal to 2.
An apparatus comprising:
- a pen comprising an elongated body having a light source that emits light having an intensity that varies as a function of a rotation angle with respect to a reference direction in a plane perpendicular to said elongated body;
- and
- a pen controller that determines said rotation angle and/or a direction of rotation of said elongated body from measurements of said intensity of light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.