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Patent 2274786 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2274786
(54) English Title: COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM
(54) French Title: SYSTEME DE COMMANDE D'ORDINATEUR
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G06F 3/033 (2006.01)
  • G06F 3/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • GUNTHER, DETLEF (Germany)
  • BOHN, ANDREAS (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • TWOSUNS MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GMBH (Germany)
(71) Applicants :
  • TWOSUNS MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GMBH (Germany)
(74) Agent: KIRBY EADES GALE BAKER
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1997-12-15
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 1998-06-18
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/DE1997/002970
(87) International Publication Number: WO1998/026346
(85) National Entry: 1999-06-09

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
196 53 682.0 Germany 1996-12-13

Abstracts

English Abstract




This invention concerns a control system for at least one function (10) of a
computer (1). The control system has sensors (5) for detecting the position
(8) of at least one cursor (3) on a computer (1) display and elements for
detection of a dwell time of the cursor (3) at the position (8). Furthermore,
the control system has elements which, in relation (9) to the cursor position
(3) and the dwell time of the cursor (3) in at least one 1 or 2 dimensional
determined zone (sensor zone (2)) of the computer (1) display, influence at
least one function (10) of the computer (1). This creates a control system
with which computers (1) can be flexibly and differentially controlled and, in
relationship to the behavior of the cursor (3), certain functions (10) of the
computer (1) can be controlled.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de commande pour au moins une fonction (10) d'un ordinateur (1). Ce système de commande présente des moyens de détection (5) servant à détecter une position (8) d'au moins un curseur (3) sur un dispositif d'affichage de l'ordinateur (1) et des moyens pour déterminer un temps de séjour du curseur (3) dans la position (8). Ce système de commande présente en outre des moyens qui influencent la ou les fonctions (10) de l'ordinateur (1) en fonction (9) de la position (8) du curseur (3) et du temps de séjour du curseur (3) dans au moins une zone partielle prédéterminée (zone de détection (2)), en une ou deux dimensions, du dispositif d'affichage de l'ordinateur (1). Il est ainsi possible de créer un système de commande permettant de commander l'ordinateur (1) de manière flexible et très différenciée, par l'intermédiaire du comportement d'un curseur (3), et d'exécuter des fonctions particulières (10) de l'ordinateur (1) en fonction du comportement du curseur (3).

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.





-22-
CLAMS
1. Control for at least one function (10) of a computer
(1) with
a) sensor means (5) for detecting the position (8) of
at least one cursor (3) on a display of the computer
(1),
b) means for detecting the time spent by the cursor (3)
in at least a 1- or 2- dimensional partial area
(sensor range 2) of the display of the computer (1)
c) means which influence the function (10) of the
computer (1) in dependence on the position (8) and
the dwell time of the cursor (3) in the sensor range
(2),
characterised in that
d) the function (10) of the computer (1) is influenced
in dependence on the relevant momentary position (8)
of the cursor (3) in the sensor range (2).
2. Control according to claim 1 characterised by means
for detecting the speed and/or the acceleration of the
cursor (3) whereby this kinematic information can be
used to influence at least one function (10) of the
computer (1).
3. Control according to one of claims 1 or 2
characterised by means for detecting a path of
movement described by the cursor (3) on the screen of
the computer (1) whereby this information can be used
to influence at least one function (l0) of the
computer (1).




-23-
4. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means for quantifying the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor (3) wherein at least
one function (10) of the computer (1) can be purposely
influenced in dependence on the quantification through
a predeterminable or variable functional connection
(9).
5. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means for quantifying the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor (3) wherein at least
one function (10) can be purposely influenced in
dependence on the quantification and through a random
generator.
6. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means for the predeterminable
change in the position, configuration and/or function
of at least one sensor range (2).
7. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means for the random-controlled
change in the position, configuration
and/or function of at least one sensor range (2).
8. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by a data bank for storing the
kinematic behaviour of at least one cursor (3).




-24-
9. Control according to at. least one of the preceding
claims characterised by a data bank in which time,
spatial and/or functional changes of at least one
sensor range (2) can be stored.
10. Control according to one of the preceding claims
characterised by means of using the data stored in the
data bank to influence at least one function (10) of
the computer (1) and/or at least one sensor range (2).
11. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means for providing a fading
of the visual and/or acoustic functions of the
computer (1).
12. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims, characterised in that at least one object (14)
stored in the data bank has for influencing at least
one function (10) of the computer (1) an attribute
(16) which describes a property of the object (14).
13. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised in that at least one of the
objects (14) stored in the data bank and/or at least
one of the attributes (16) of the object (14) for
influencing at least one function (10) of the computer
(1) has a modifier (17) which assigns to the object
(14) and/or to the attribute (16) a predeterminable or
changeable standard with which a qualitative
comparison is possible between the objects (14).




-25-
14. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means with which at least one
function (10) of the computer (1) can be controlled
through the kinematic behaviour of the cursor (3) in
connection with attributes (16) and/or modifiers (17).
15. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised by means with which objects (14)
can be stored in the data bank automatically sorted
according to type.
16. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised in that the object (14) is
information on a sensor range (2), a picture, a text,
a noise, a piece of music, control data for external
apparatus, data for a three-dimensional
representation, a modifier (17), an attribute (16) or
a group of objects (14).
17. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised in that at least one sensor range
(2) is invisible behind the display of the computer
(1).
18. Control according to at least one of the preceding
claims characterised in that the cursor (3) is
controllable on the display of the computer (1)
through eye movements of a user of the computer (1).




Page 26


19. Method for the control of at least one function (10)
of a computer (1) wherein
a) the position (8) of at least one cursor (3) is
detected on a display of the computer (1),
b) the time spent by the cursor (3) in at least a
1- or 2- dimensional partial area (sensor range
2) of the display of the computer (1) is
detected and
c) the function (10) of the computer (1) is
influenced in dependence on the position (8) and
the dwell time of the cursor (3) in the sensor
range (2),
characterised in that
d) the function (10) of the computer (1) is
influenced in dependence on the relevant
momentary position (8) of the cursor (3) in the
sensor range (2).

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



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COMPUTER CONTROL
10
DESCRIPTION '_~
The invention relates to a control for a computer.
Controls for multi functional systems, such as for example
computers, have been known in a simple form for some time.
In particular computers are known wherein a user triggers
or influences functions of the computer through a trigger,
e.g. a mouse-supported cursor on a screen or a data glove
for manipulating three-dimensional objects.
Thus with the nowadays widely used multi media systems
which are designed as computer programs, the trigger of a
function (e.g. the display of a picture, the retrieval of
a program or the playing of a video) is produced by
selecting a certain point on the display screen. By multi
media systems are understood systems where the senses of a
person are influenced by various media, such as for
example by text) pictures, videos, sounds, noises or
music. In principle multi media systems also include
however contact (tactile) or smell (olfactory? stimulus
which has an effect on a person.
From IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 36, no. 11,
November 1993, page 57 a method is known for activating
user-interface functions of a computer. The time spent by
a cursor in a small part of the display of the computer is
detected. After a certain dwell time a certain function
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is executed which is assigned to this part of the display.
A drawback with these computers is that the operation of
the computer is only carried out through the position and
where applicable the dwell time of the cursor which
represents a considerable restriction on the
functionality. Only one function can ever be Executed in
a certain manner and way since the trigger of the function
is produced by clicking on the mouse in a fixed
predetermined area of the screen or by the cursor dwelling
in this fixed predetermined area. The potential
functionality of the computer is severely restricted by
this non-differentiated use of the cursor.
The obj ect of the invention is to provide a control for a
computer and a method for computer control wherein the
functions of the computer can be controlled in specially
differentiated ways and the functionality of the computer
is increased.
This is achieved according to the invention through a
control with the features of claim 1 and through a method
for control with the features of claim 19.
The control of a computer according to the invention has
sensor means with which the position of at least one
cursor on a display of the computer is detected. If the
position of the cursor is within a certain partial area of
the display, the sensor range, then the dwell time and the
position of the cursor in the sensor range are measured.
The information on the dwell time and the position is used
for influencing at least one function of the computer.
The dwell time of the cursor outside of the sensor range
is not measured.
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By computer is meant any device for data processing which
is fitted inter alia .With a screen and a device for
controlling a cursor (e.g. mouse) digitalizer). The
control of the computer according to the invention can be
designed for example in the form of a processor or a
program. Generally the functional units described below
can be produced selectively as soft or hardware.
Thus compared with the known controls for computers not
only the position of the cursor but also -the dwell time of
the cursor at a spot on the screen are significant for the
function of the computer. Through these additional
parameters (namely position and dwell time in the sensor
range) it is possible to increase the functionality (e. g_
control of audio-visual signals) of the computer and to
provide new control possibilities.
One advantageous embodiment of the control according to
the invention detects the speed and/or acceleration of at
least one cursor and uses this information to influence at
least one function of the computer. The functionality of
the computer is improved through these additional
parameters of the trigger. Thus a control for a computer
according to the invention can react differently for
example to a rapid or slow movement of a cursor.
In a further advantageous embodiment the path of movement
is detected which is described by at least one cursor on
the screen of the computer. At least one function of the
computer is influenced in dependence on this data. Thus
for example the paths of movement of the cursor on the
display of the computer are characteristic for certain
situations in the operation of the computer or for certain
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users. This information can be used to adapt the computer
better to a user.
In a particularly advantageous design the control
according to the invention has means with which the
kinematic (dynamic) behaviour of the cursor is quantified.
sy kinematic behaviour of the cursor is meant here
generally the space-time behaviour of the cursor on the
computer screen, which includes in particular the dwell
time, the position, the speed and the acceleration of the
cursor. By quantification is meant that the kinematic
behaviour of the cursor is detected through parameters or
functions which describe for example the dwell time or
shape of the path of movement. These parameters and
functions form the input values for functional connections
which link the kinematic behaviour of the cursor directly
with a function of the computer. These functional
connections can be stored read-only in a data bank or can
be changed during the course of time. Through the
quantification of the kinematic behaviour of the cursor it
is possible to influence the functions of the computer in
very different ways.
The quantification is used with special advantage in
combination with a random generator so that particularly
With computers having multi media applications or games.
novel effects can be achieved again and again.
The control advantageously has means to change the
position, shape and/or function of at least one sensor
range in the computer in predetermined or random way.
Thus the sensor ranges can be adapted to changing
situations which increases the flexibility of the control
and of the computer.
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In a further advantageous development of the control
according to the invention a data bank serves to store the
kinematic behaviour of at least one cursor. It is also
advantageous to detect and store the spatial, time and/or
functional changes of at least one sensor range in a data
bank . Certain movements or movement patterns of the
cursor can thereby be stored for example and used in a
particularly advantageous way for influencing functions of
the computer and/or at least one sensor range.
In a particularly advantageous design of the control
according to the invention a continuous transition
(fading) takes place between two different functions of
the computer. In particular a number of aesthetic or
useful effects can thereby be achieved between visual
and/or acoustic functions.
A particularly advantageous development of the control
according to the invention has a data bank in which
objects are stored for influencing at least one function
of the computer. At least one of these objects thereby
has an attribute which describes a property of the object.
This attribute can describe for example the type of object
(e. g. text) or also the contents of the object (e_g.
verse). By using attributes the control is able to easily
make relationships between different objects.
In a further advantageous design of the control according
to the invention at least one object and/or attribute of
the object stored in the data bank has a modifier. This
modifier is a standard by which the control can compare
different objects or attributes with each other. A
modifier can be stored in predetermined manner in a data
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bank or can be changed by the control over the course of
time_
Advantageously the control according to the invention has
means by which at least one function of the computer can
be controlled by the kinematic behaviour of the cursor in
connection with attributes and/or modifiers of at least
one object. It is thus possible that the kinematic
behaviour of the cursor and the properties of the objects
ZO influence the function of the computer whereby a very
flexible control of the computer is possible.
The control according to the invention likewise
advantageously has means with which objects, more
Z5 particularly media, can be stored in the data bank
automatically sorted according to type. The detection of
objects (e.g. texts or pictures) which are to be used as
functions of a computer can thus be considerably speeded
up. The control can thus assign e.g. automatically
20 determined attributes to the objects.
At least one of the objects more advantageously has
information on a sensor range, a picture, a text, a noise,
a piece of music, control data far external equipment,
25 data for a three-dimensional representation, a modifier,
an attribute or a group of objects. Through the general
treatment of the most varied information as object it is
possible to use this information in uniform way for
influencing the computer.
Advantageously with a control according to the invention
for a computer at least one sensor range for a cursor is
filed invisible behind the display of the computer. The
display thereby appears in the u5ua1 form for the user.
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_ 7 _
In a likewise advantageous development of the control
according to the invention the cursor is controllable on
the display of the computer by the eye movements of a user
of the computer. The detection of the eye movements can
thereby take place for example through video monitoring of
the pupils or a derivative of action potentials of face
muscles. The activation of the cursor through eye
movements is particularly suitable for people who cannot
use their hands when working at the computer.
l0
With the method according to the invention for controlling
at least one function of a computer first the position of
at least one cursor on a display of the computer is
detected by sensor means. Through the at least one cursor
the functions of the computer such as e.g. audio visual
signals can be activated. The information captured by the
sensor means are then transferred to the control. The
control then establishes whether the at least one cursor
is located in a 1- or 2- dimensional partial area (sensor
range) of the display of the computer. If the position is
inside the sensor range then the control determines the
dwell time and the position of the at least one cursor
inside the sensor range. The control finally influences
the at least one function of the control in dependence on
the dwell time and the position of the at least one
cursor.
The invention will now be explained with reference to the
embodiments shown in the drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a display of a
computer whereby the functions of the
computer can be influenced by a cursor and
sensor ranges for the cursor;
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_ g
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a sensor
range on a computer display;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a
functional connection between the position
of a cursor on the computer display and a
function of the computer (interaction
graph) ;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a
functional connection between the time
behaviour of a cursor and a function of the
computer;
Figure 5 is an illustration of the selection of
multi media objects through an interaction
graph;
Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the time path of
the positioning of a cursor.
Figure 1 shows by way of example a diagrammatic view of a
computer display 1 which is equipped with a control
according to the invention.
A cursor 3 thereby serves as a cursor of functions 10 of
the computer 1. Functions 10 are for example the volume
of a sound clip or the display sites of program menus.
The cursor 3 is moved by means of a mouse or another
handling device over the display of the computer 1.
The control of the computer 1 according to the invention
defines at some sites of the display certain partial areas
in which it is registered when a position 8 of the cursor
3 lies within this partial area. These partial areas are
called sensor ranges 2 in the following. The control
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_ g _
detects and stores in addition to the position 8 of the
cursor 3 also the dwell time of the cursor 3 in a sensor
range 2.
The shape of a sensor range 2 is thereby not rigid but can
be adapted in position, shape and/or function on the
displays of the computer 1 in any way to meet the
requirements. It is also possible that the entire display
of the computer 1 is covered with sensor ranges 2 so that
1o the dwell time of the cursor 3 is measured at any point on
the screen whereby depending on the sensor range 2
different functions 10 of the computer 1 are triggered.
An overlap of sensor ranges 2 is also possible whereby the
control of the computer 1 then determines in which way the
dwell times are processed (e.g. evaluation, addition of
the dwell times).
With the normal course of the control according to the
invention the sensor ranges 2 are invisible on the
display, i.e. they are hidden under the usual displays of
a multi media application or text processing system. The
sensor ranges 2 can however be made visible during program
setting up or debugging of a program in order to check the
function 10.
The method of operation of the sensor ranges 2 is
described below with reference to multi media programs.
A multi media encyclopaedia according to the invention
indicates for example on a screen, text, pictures and
videos whereby sensor ranges 2 are placed behind at
certain points of the screen)
A user of the multi media encyclopaedia guides the cursor
3 into the area of the displays which are of particular
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interest to him. If the cursor 3 is thereby guided into a
sensor range 2 then the control detects the position 8 of
the cursor 3 and its dwell time in this sensor range 2.
For this the control has timer functions.
The control interprets the time spent by the cursor 3 in a
sensor range 2 as interest of the user and quantifies this
interest as so-called energy value. In this way the
performance of a user is described by a standard. The
0 energy value is stored in a data bank and thus serves as
memory for the interest of a user. The control thereby
ensures that the energy value is changed after some time
so that a forgetting or waning interest is simulated. The
control keeps an "energy household" with which it can
always be ascertained which energy was used in which
sensor ranges 2.
Overall the position of a cursor 3 is detected at any time
through the momentary position, the momentary speed and
the time spent at its momentary position 8. In a two
dimensional display of a computer 1 the state can
accordingly be described by five values.
The control determines the further behaviour of the
computer 1 (see also Figures 2 to 4 ) in dependence on the
position a and dwell time of the cursor 3. After a
certain time (reaching a threshold value for the energy)
cross references to theme fields used are displayed for
example or a piece of music fitting in context is played.
It is thereby possible that the newly displayed pictures
or pieces of music played aze each superimposed on each
other and thus a continuous transition between scenes is
produced (fading) .
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The control can however control the behaviour of the
computer 1 not only in deterministic dependence on the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3. Rather multi media
contents can also be selected and presented through a
random generator. With an electronic encyclopaedia the
possibility of "leafing" through is thereby provided for
example. Through a combination of the deterministic and
random-controlled selection of the contents it is possible
to take into account specific associations of the user.
For example in connection with the random control in the
case of artistic mufti media programs pictures and
atmospheres can be created which are not repeatable and
which bring out the creativity of a user. In particular
random-controlled pictures and text can be used in games
which thereby disclose new aspects again and again.
It is also possible in the case of mufti-person games to
show several cursors 3 on a computer display 1. Sensor
ranges 2 can thereby be allocated to different players
which widely expands the playing possibilities_
A sensor range 2 can also be far example a menu point of
an operating system of the computer 1. If the cursor 3
remains for a longer time on this sensitive menu point
then this is identified by the control as increased
interest and a help text is displayed for this menu point.
Additional functions can then be addressed through the
position of the cursor 3 in the sensor range 2.
The control of the computer 1 according to the invention
can detect and utilise the kinematic or dynamic behaviour
of the cursor 3 in an even different way. Thus the
control of the computer 1 not only registers the position
8 of the cursor 3 but it also measures the speed,
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acceleration and path of movement of the cursor 3 on the
display of the computer 1. Furthermore the regions are
also detected which a cursor 3 includes by opening up a
window.
By detecting the path of movement of the cursor 3 the
control identifies in which sequence the cursor 3 has
stopped in certain sensor ranges 2. The control thereby
triggers different functions of the computer 1 according
to the sequence which is run through.
The control of the computer 1 can also execute at certain
points of the path of movement numerical differentiation
through which the speeds and accelerations are calculated
at the points of the path of movement. Thus the kinematic
behaviour of the cursor 3 is fully detected. These
measurements of the kinematic behaviour of the cursor are
also quantified as energy values.
If for example a cursor 3 is moved particularly quickly
over a text then the control evaluates this as a low
output of energy, i.e. the interest of the user ie
evaluated as slight and only a text is displayed. If a
cursor 3 is however moved slowly over a text then more
energy is used. The interest is evaluated as higher which
leads to a different behaviour of the computer 1, for
example to the playing of a video_
Since different people also have different habits when
3o using computers 1 the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3
depends decisively on the type of person who is using the
computer. To personalise the computer 1 the kinematic
behaviour of a user is stored in a data bank. The control
can thus match functions to of the computer 1 to a
specific user (e. g. through an expert system or a neuronal
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network). It is also possible that it identifies from the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 that a certain
behaviour of a user is not efficient and it adapts a
function 10 of the computer 1 accordingly yr refers the
user to the inefficiency. In the case of learning
software for example this caa lead to a considerable
improvement in the rate of learning.
It is likewise possible that the cursor 3 of the computer
7.0 1 is controlled through the control according to the
invention by eye movements of a user. The eye movements
can be detected for example through video monitoring of
the pupils. Through the control of the kinematic
behaviour of the cursor 3 through the eye movements and
the sensor ranges 2 it is possible for persons,
particularly those who dv not have full use of their hands
(e.g. disabled people) to operate the computer in an
efficient and flexible way.
The functions of the sensor range 2 will now be described
with reference to Figures 2 to 4.
In Figure 2 a circular sensor range 2 is displayed on the
display of a computer 1 with a radius 7. zf a cursor 3
such as shown in Figure 2 is located inside the sensor
range 2 then the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 and
its dwell time in the sensor range 2 is detected by the
control of the computer I according to the invention.
In this case the position 8 of the cursor 3 is thereby
shown in a golar co-ordinate system, with the centre point
as the reference point 6 of the sensor range 2. Fixing
the position 8 of the cursor 3 is produced from the
distance of the cursor 3 from the reference point 6 and an
angle (not shown here ) to a reference line.
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In differently shaped sensor ranges 2 a corner of the
sensor range 2 or the centre of gravity of the sensor
range 2 serves as the reference point 6 for example . In
an alternative embodiment the position 8 of the cursor 3
is given in an absolute co-ordinate system of the display
of the computer 1, i.e. the co-ordinates are counted from
the corner of the screen display.
The control according to the invention evaluates in
addition the angle co-ordinate and the dwell time at
various spots of the sensor range 2 and determines from
this at least one function l0 of the computer 1.
The connection between the kinematic behaviour of the
cursor 3 and a funetion 10 of the computer is shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 4 shows a functional connection 9 between a
position 8 of the cursor 3 and a function 10 of a computer
1. The functional connection 9 is part of the control
according to the invention.
Reference is thereby made to the circular shaped sensor
range of Figure 2. For simplification only the influence
of the radial distance of the position 8 from the
reference point 6 on the function 10 (e.g. the volume of a
piece of music) is shown.
Outside of the sensor range 2 (i.e. the distance of the
cursor 3 from the reference point 6 is greater than the
radius 7) no functions 10 of the computer 1 are triggered.
After the cursor 3 enters into the sensor range 2 the
volume l0 of the piece of music is increased. If the
cursor 3 reaches the reference point 6 then the volume 10
is maximum. If the cursor 3 is placed anywhere in the
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sensor range 2 then the position 8 in the sensor range is
detected and the functional connection 9 is evaluated at
this point.
The functional connections 9 between a function 10 of the
computer 1 and the position 8 of a cursor 3 can be both
linear and non-linear.
In other embodiments there is a functional connection 9 in
an analogous way between the speed, acceleration or dwell
time of the cursor 3 in a sensor range 2. The control of
the computer 1 then evaluates the various information on
the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 and then assigns a
certain function 10. In further embodiments a random
generator is used in addition to determine the function
10.
Since the functional connection 9 describes the
interaction of the kinematie behaviour of a cursor 3 with
a function 10 of a computer these connections are also
called interaction graphs.
The following input values are used typically by the
control . pressing keys, mouse movements, track ball
movements, data glove actions, sensor information, camera
information. The input values are linked by the control
through interaction graphs to the functions 10 of the
computer 1. The output values (i.e. functions 10) are
thereby typically . visual 2D and 3D illustrations, video
information, slide projections, sound, tactile information
through active sensors in data gloves.
Figure 4 shows a further functional connection 9~ between
a position of the cursor 3 and a function 10'. In this
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case the function 10' exists in the opacity of a picture
in a mufti media application.
Different from Figure 3, here it is nvt the spatial
distance between a reference point 6 and the position 8 of
the cursor 3, but the time distance from a starting time
point 11 which is used as the reference point 6.
The starting time point 11 is defined by a certain action
(e.g, by pressing a key, exceeding a certain dwell time of
the cursor 3 in a sensor range 2) . From this time point
the opacity of a picture is determined by the function
connection 9', i.e. the opacity rises and reduces again
after a while. If the cursor 3 is removed from the sensor
range 2 at any time point 13 then the opacity 10' of the
picture assigned to this time point 13 remains for a
little while-
Both the spatial (see Figure 3} and the time evaluation of
2o interaction graphs (see Figure ~} can be used combined.
Several functions 10 can thereby be influenced dependent
on or independently of each other.
In Figure 5 it is shown from an example how a control of
the computer 1 according to the invention influences
functions 10 ", 10'~~ of a mufti media system through
interaction graphs 9 ",
Essential for the function of the control according to the
invention is a data bank in which are stored all the
signals measured by the control and issued by the control.
In particular the data bank contains objects 14 such as
e.g. pictures, text, music, sounds, videos, programs)
control commands for external apparatus, which are made
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accessible to the user of the computer 1. Information on
sensor ranges 2 are also processed by technical programs
as objects 14.
Media are stored as objects 14 of different kinds in the
data bank_ The objects 14 are thereby combined by program
technology in a container 15 whereby the objects 14 stored
in the container 15 are grouped by contents (i.e.
pictures, texts, music vn one theme). Also a container 15
Io is in turn an object 14 with regard to programming
technology. An object 14 can thereby be a member of
different containers 15.
The selection of an object 14 or a certain number of
objects 14 is carried out in dependence on the position
8 " , 8 " ' of the cursor 3 through the interaction graphs
9 " , 9 "'. A standard is determined from the positions
8 " , 8 " ' and/or another kinematic parameter of the cursor
3 through the interaction graphs 9 ", 9 " ' which are valid
2o at the relevant sites and/or at the relevant time. From
this standard the control according to the invention
establishes which object 14 or which group of objects 14
is displayed or played from the appropriate container 15.
Each object 14 thereby has attributes 16 which describe
properties of the object 14. From these attributes 16 the
control determines inter alia which objects 14 are
displayed.
In the data bank is for example stored the picture of a
Greek temple which has the attribute 16 "Building",
"Greece", "Religion" and "Antiques". Depending on the
context which is displayed on the display of the computer
1 the control shows the picture of the temple. If the
control has determined for example that a user requires
information on Greece, then it is determined in dependence
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on the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 in the sensor
ranges 2~ whether for example the picture of the temple is
also displayed in addition to travel information on
Greece. If a user is obtaining information on antiques
through the computer 1 then again the picture of the
temple can be displayed in dependence on the kinematic
behaviour of the cursor 3. The attributes 16 thus produce
cross connections between various objects 14 stored in a
data bank. Since through program technology all
information is stored as objects 14 in the data bank a
multitude of interactions can be produced between the
information and the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3.
Unlike the known systems, such as for example WWW pages,
the control according to the invention provides nv fixed
information hierarchy where for example under the title
Greece only the sub-headings "Travel Information and
"Pictures" can be retrieved. Rather the information offer
is fixed on the display through the control dynamically in
dependence on the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3.
Solely by the cursor 3 dwelling at a certain spot in a
sensor range 2, the focus, (see Figure 6) can different
information be displayed or played little by little; the
control interprets the time spent in the sensor range 2 as
increased interest and controls the display of the
computer 1 from the relevant energy values.
Furthermore each object 14 has a modifier 17 which assigns
a standard (e.g. in the range 1 to 100) to the object 14.
Frvm the modifier 17 it can be established for example
with which transparency a picture is displayed, In the
case of a modifier 17 with the value 100 the control show$
the picture with full opacity, the background of the
display is completely obscured. With a value of 10 the
picture can only be seen transparently on the screen so
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that elements lying behind the picture show through the
picture. With a modifier 17, far example also the volume
of a noise, the frequency of the display of pictures or
the playing of music, the selection of a picture from a
container or the sensitivity of the energy output or
energy absorption can also be influenced.
Hoth the attributes 16 and the modifier 17 can be changed
by the control in a predeterminable manner. It is
likewise possible that attributes 16 or modifier 17 are
changed by the kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 and
thus are influenced directly by the behaviour of the user_
An example here is an audio system where the playing of
pieces of music is controlled in dependence on the
movement of a cursor 3. If the cursor 3 interacts
timewiee in succession with different sensor ranges 2, one
Sensor range 2 when recalled need not necessarily play the
same pieces of music as the f first time . There is rather
the possibility of playing pieces of music used with a
theme. In certain circumstances the interaction of the
cursor 3 which has meanwhile taken place with the control
signals that the interest of the user has changed. After
evaluation of the information on the energy, attributes 16
and modifier Z7 the container contents are therefore
compiled anew and the pieces of music then included are
played.
In this way it is possible that a user of the computer 1
3o also controls the display through movements of the cursor
3 but at the same time the control leads the user from the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 through a program.
The navigation of the user is thus carried out in a
permanent interplay between the user and the computer
control according to the invention whereby the kinematic
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behaviour of the cursor 3 represents the binding link.
The control according to the invention controls the
interaction of the data bank and the evaluation of the
kinematic behaviour of the cursor 3 so that new
information is always being displayed. In this way a
knowledge browser is provided with completely new
properties , namel.y the creation and consideration of data
rooms as well as the possibility of interaction with a
cursor.
Figure 6 shows diagrammatically the influence of a
function 10 of a computer 1 through the time spent by a
cursor (not shown here) at the position 8.
Figure 6 thereby shows the time curve, symbolised by a
time axis 18, when the cursor 3 dwells at the position s.
At first the control of the computer 1 does not react to
the presence of the cursor 3 in a sensor range 2 (not
shown here). Thus no functions of the computer 1 are
executed.
After exceeding a certain time certain objects 14 are
displayed whereby the control determines these from the
attributes 16 and modifier 17. The displayed objects 14
stand in close affinity with the object 14 at position 8.
After a certain time which the control interprets as
increased interest, the objects 14 are displayed whose
contents have a further connection with the object 14 at
the position 8. The degree of remoteness is determined
through the attributes 16 and modifier 17.
If for example the position 8 is in a sensor range 2 which
is assigned to the picture of a church then after a
certain time different views of the church are shown, i.e.
information which iB directly connected with the selected
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object 14. As the time increases so pictures of churches
are displayed which are to be associated with the same
style. Still later church music is played from the
corresponding era. In this way the user is guided by the
control according to the invention through a multi media
application whereby the control according tv the invention
offers the user at any time the possibility of influEncing
the information offered by moving the cursor 3 (i.e.
through the time spent and position inside the sensor
range ) .
The direction of the time axis 18 and the alignment of a
so-called focal funnel thus indicates the "direction of
interest", thus the focus of the user of the computer 1.
The increasing interest is shown in Figure 6 therefore by
a widening focal funnel 19;.more and more objects 14 are
detected. Moving the position 8 into another sensor range
2 therefore corresponds to a change of alignment of the
focal funnel 19.
The invention is not restricted in its design to the
preferred embodiments indicated above. Rather a number of
variations is possible which utilise the computer control
according to the invention even in quite different
designs.
CA 02274786 1999-06-09

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 1997-12-15
(87) PCT Publication Date 1998-06-18
(85) National Entry 1999-06-09
Dead Application 2002-12-16

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2001-12-17 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 1999-06-09
Application Fee $150.00 1999-06-09
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 1999-12-15 $50.00 1999-11-18
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2000-04-12
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2000-12-15 $50.00 2000-12-14
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
TWOSUNS MEDIA DEVELOPMENT GMBH
Past Owners on Record
BOHN, ANDREAS
GUNTHER, DETLEF
MARTIN KRAHL
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Claims 1999-06-09 5 157
Drawings 1999-06-09 5 44
Representative Drawing 1999-08-30 1 4
Abstract 1999-06-09 1 26
Description 1999-06-09 21 904
Cover Page 1999-08-30 1 49
PCT 1998-06-09 6 186
Assignment 1999-06-09 4 121
PCT 1999-06-09 16 557
Correspondence 1999-07-27 1 31
Assignment 2000-04-12 3 130