Object detection for an interactive human interface device

Abstract

The presence and/or movement of objects about a central location is detected, e.g., by sensors that emit and detect radiation within zones about the device.

1 . An electronic sensing device comprising:
 a. a plurality of sensors disposed along an envelope about a central location, each sensor comprising a source of radiation and a detector therefor, the detector detecting reflected radiation within a radial zone originating at the sensor; and   b. circuitry, responsive to the sensors, for generating a control signal upon detection of the reflected radiation within one or more of the zones.   
   
   
       2 . The sensing device of  claim 1  further comprising a platform disposed above the central location. 
   
   
       3 . The sensing device of  claim 2  further comprising a signal emitter for transmitting the control signal. 
   
   
       4 . The sensing device of  claim 3  wherein the signal emitter wirelessly transmits the control signal. 
   
   
       5 . The sensing device of  claim 4  wherein the wireless transmission utilizes one or more 802 wireless protocols. 
   
   
       6 . The sensing device of  claim 2  further comprising a receiver for receiving the transmitted control signals. 
   
   
       7 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the radiation comprises infrared radiation. 
   
   
       8 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the radiation comprises ultrasonic radiation. 
   
   
       9 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the radiation comprises sound radiation. 
   
   
       10 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the radiation comprises radio-frequency radiation. 
   
   
       11 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the sensors further detect variations in an electric field about the device. 
   
   
       12 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the sensors are spaced about the central location. 
   
   
       13 . The sensing device of  claim 12  wherein the sensors are spaced such that each radial zone is substantially triangular. 
   
   
       14 . The sensing device of  claim 12  wherein the device comprises eight sensors arranged octagonally. 
   
   
       15 . The sensing device of  claim 1  further comprising horizontal base, and wherein the sensors are angled upwardly relative to the base. 
   
   
       16 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the zones are sized to accommodate a human foot. 
   
   
       17 . The sensing device of  claim 1  further comprising a sensitivity adjustment for altering the sensitivity of the sensors. 
   
   
       18 . The sensing device of  claim 1  wherein the control signal represents an interaction of a human with the device. 
   
   
       19 . The sensing device of  claim 18  wherein the interaction comprises the placement of a body part within one or more of the zones. 
   
   
       20 . The sensing device of  claim 19  wherein the body part comprises a foot. 
   
   
       21 . A method of detecting position of an object, the method comprising:
 a. defining a plurality of radial zones about a central location;   b. periodically introducing radiation into various ones of the zones;   c. using radiation within a zone to detect the presence of an object in that zone; and   d. upon detection of an object within an irradiated zone, generating a control signal indicative of the detection.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising transmitting the control signal to a video receiver at a console, whereupon the console displays images indicative of the presence of the object in that zone. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the detection is based at least in part on a sensitivity setting. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising providing visual confirmation of a detection. 
   
   
       25 . A video game system comprising:
 a. a video game console for providing user instructions via a display device;   b. a plurality of sensors disposed along an envelope about a central location, each sensor comprising a source of radiation and a detector therefor, the detector detecting reflected radiation within a radial zone originating at the sensor;   b. circuitry, responsive to the sensors, for generating a control signal upon detection of the reflected radiation within one or more of the zones, conforming the control signal to a video game controller signal, and transmitting the video game controller signal to the video game console.   
   
   
       26 . The video game system of  claim 25  wherein the instructions are based at least in part on the video game controller signal.