Showing papers on "Stylus published in 1992"

Visible clipboard for graphical computer environments

Abstract: Text, graphics, or other selected objects of a computer screen are selected and converted into a "visual clipboard" which is attached to a convenient boundary of the screen. The visible clipboard is preferably implemented on a pen-based computer system where the object is selected by a stylus, is dragged to a boundary, and is converted to a clipboard icon at the boundary. Multiple clipboard icons may be produced by the user, and can be moved from one boundary location to another. The contents of the clipboard can be inserted or "pasted" into an application program by dragging the clipboard icon with the stylus to the desired insertion location. Preferably, each clipboard is provided with indicia representative of the contents of the clipboard.

Pointing gesture based computer note pad paging and scrolling interface

Abstract: A method for manipulating notes on a screen of a computer display is provided. Each note area may include graphical, text, and data objects. An initial note area is provided with a header bar which includes the date of creation, the note number, and/or other indicia. When a user desires to make a new note, a division gesture is made on the computer display by moving a stylus horizontally across the screen. Once a division gesture is detected, the height of the preceding note is determined, and the height of the new note is considered to be indefinite or infinite. Each new division gesture creates a new header bar for the new note indicating the date of creation, the note number, and/or other pertinent information.

An application of machine vision in the automated inspection of engineering surfaces

Abstract: Recent work has shown that computer vision has real potential when applied to the automated measurement of engineering component silhouettes, internal contours and profiles. The present study considers the detailed examination of surface textures using the 3D data arrays which are available using this vision system. Progress has been made towards establishing a model of texture based on vision data and it has been shown that a parameter based on both amplitude and space features could provide an additional control for use in on-line automated inspection of manufactured components. Corresponding stylus data has been employed as the basis for comparison in the current evaluation process. In the field of tribology the automated examination of a wear track using computer vision has demonstrated that the approaches can be integrated so as to provide full information about the overall dimensions, area and texture of a wear scar.

An apparatus and method for reducing system overhead while inking strokes in a finger- or stylus-based input device of a data processing system

Abstract: The present invention reduces overhead processing of a data processing system by storing a predetermined number of points corresponding to the position of a pointing device as it moves on a workpad or other touch sensitive input device. A predetermined number of points are stored in a buffer, wherein the predetermined number is dependent upon the type of pointing device (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) used with the workpad. The stored points are periodically displayed or inked on a visual display at a rate of at least 20 times per second. As a result, the user moving the pointing device receives both tactile and visual feedback information similar to that provided by a pencil used to make markings on a piece of paper. An alternative embodiment provides a similar reduction of overhead associated with erasing graphical information displayed on the visual display.

System for capturing multimedia information using a hand writing stylus pen which performs signal-to-data conversion inside the pen and stores data in the memory inside the pen

Abstract: A multimedia information capturing apparatus consisting of a hand writing stylus pen and a data processing unit including a write and display tablet operating with the stylus pen. By means of the stylus pen, image and voice data are captured, memorized and transmitted to the data processing unit through a wireless data transmission route, and in the data processing unit, the image and voice data are displayed and sounded on the tablet and from a speaker respectively and text data on the image and voice data is made by operating the stylus pen with the tablet. The data on the captured image and voice and the text data are stored in the data processing unit, and the data stored in the data processing unit can be transfer to the stylus pen through the wireless transmission route and stored in the stylus pen.

Handwriting recognition by character template

Abstract: A method for entry and recognition of elements from a set of symbols, involving a template of line segments displayed on an electronic writing surface. A stylus is applied to the electronic writing surface so as to trace a desired symbol. A computing arrangement is used to "snap" the strokes made by the stylus onto the corresponding template line segments. Upon completion of a symbol, a code is made to represent the line segments and this code is used to reference entries in a data structure to identify the appropriate corresponding computer code. If there is no match, the code for the line segments and a corresponding set of computer codes can be added to the table. This method takes advantage of natural handwriting skills and can be used for a variety of symbol sets.

Architecture for communication of remote devices to a digitizing display

Abstract: An architecture for communication of remote devices to a digitizing display includes a contact sensing mechanism and a position sensing mechanism whose outputs are multiplexed for transmission from the stylus to an antenna located proximate to the digitizing display. The digitizing display also includes a transmitter for transmitting information from a pen-based computer system to the stylus for storage or utilization in the stylus.

Stylus switch status determination in a digitizer tablet having a cordless stylus

Abstract: A digitizer tablet with a cordless transducer which is capable of providing to the tablet information relating not only to the position of the pointing device but also with respect to the status of any button switches on the transducer. This is obtained by providing a plurality of oscillators, connected in circuits in which the relative ratio of the signal frequency outputs of the oscillators can be varied in response to activation of a switch while at the same time the sum of the amplitudes of the oscillating signals remain constant. Thus, the determination of the sum can be used as a indication of the position of the pointing device with respect to the tablet, whereas by determining the differences in the signal intensities of the different frequency oscillating signals, it is possible to determine the status of the button switches on the pointing device. The invention is typically used with a stylus or cursor driven tablet.

System and method of generating variable width lines within a graphics system

Abstract: A video graphics system and method for creating variable width lines such that the lines may be easily edited. As a line image is created, a center point of that image along its length is temporarily established having width information at various points. This width information is used to create an outline of image of the desired shape, the outline having point data spaced at intervals. This point data can then be edited by a user to create different shapes. In situations where a pressure sensitive stylus is used to create the variable length line, a look-back technique is employed to insure that the line remains wide at the end point even though the user is reducing pressure as the system is removed from the pad.

Brightpen/pad II

Abstract: A scanning and digitizing device where the same photodetectors are used in a scanning mode and in a digitizing mode. In the scanning mode graphic information is scanned. In the digitizing mode coordinate positions of a stylus is determined. The photodetectors are used in the imaging portion of this device which imaging portion is a rangefinder in the digitizing mode.

Method for color image reduction based upon determination of color components of pixels in neighboring blocks

Abstract: A data processing system provides a desk view which serves as a graphical user interface to the system. The desk view displays detailed miniaturized images of all documents possessed by the user. The compressed document images are user moveable and stackable in the desk view. The desk view also enables user selected operations including mailing, disposing, annotating, stapling, unstapling and printing of documents. User interaction with items of the desk view is communicated through an electronic-stylus. Different actions with the stylus provide naturally expected effects. The stylus and desk view provide a simulation of a common office desk and user interaction therewith.

A data access system

Abstract: A note-taking system based on a notepad computer with an integrated audio/video-recorder is described. A document is created or retrieved. As the user types on the keyboard or writes with the stylus or similar input instrument, each character or stroke that is input by the user is invisibly time-stamped by the computer. The audio/video stream is also continuously time-stamped during recording. To play a section of recording back, the user selects part of the note (perhaps by circling it with a stylus) and invokes a "playback selection" command. The computer then examines the time-stamp and "winds" the record to the corresponding place in the audio/video recording, where it starts playing - so that the user hears and/or sees what was being recorded at the instant the selected text or strokes were input. With a graphical user interface, the user may input key "topic" words and subsequently place check marks by the appropriate word as the conversation topic veers into that neighborhood.

Position determining probe

Abstract: A probe for a position determining apparatus includes a sensing space and a movable stylus supported for three-dimensional position determining movement which extends into the space. A device emits sensing radiation into the space and a collector collects the sensing radiation from the space. A deflector is supported on the stylus within the space to deflect emitted sensing radiation and is movable with position determining movement of the stylus. The deflector concentrates the sensing radiation and the collector is sensitive to variations in the intensity distribution of collected deflected radiation which occur due to the three-dimensional movement of the stylus.

A method of measuring workpieces using a surface contacting measuring probe

Abstract: A method of measuring the position of a workpiece surface is disclosed which utilises an analogue probe which produces at least one output indicative of the amount of stylus deflection. The probe is driven by a machine towards the surface, and when contact is made the initial deflection signal triggers the machine controller to read simultaneously the outputs of the machine scales and the probe output. The machine continues its forward movement for a short time after receipt of the probe signal and then stops and reverses. The outputs of the machine and probe are read at intervals during the reverse movement. A computer then plots the relationship between the probe readings and the machine scale readings and extrapolates it back to the point at which the probe stylus deflection was zero. This gives an indication of the position of the stylus at the actual instant of contact. A further benefit is that, because the probe stylus remains in contact with the workpiece surface for a short time while readings are being taken, any inaccuracies introduced because of machine vibration can be averaged and thus reduced by plotting a best fit line through the recorded points.

Signal fidelity and tracking force in stylus profilometry

Abstract: This paper presents an experimental study of the influence of tracking force the signal fidelity in stylus profilometry. To do this, a simple, retrofit variable force actuator has been designed, built and assessed. This consists of a permanent magnet attached to the stylus arm about which is a noncontacting solenoid actuating coil. This simple device readily provides a continuously variable stylus force over the range 0.01 to 15 mN. Using this, surface finish values on specimens of steel, aluminium, brass and copper have been measured over a range of stylus loads and traverse speeds. Analysis of these traces has been carried out both by evaluation of the surface finish parameters, Rq, Ra, RMS slope and RMS peak curvature and a qualitative analysis using scanning electron microscopy. As might be expected, results indicate that stylus techniques give consistently reproducible values over a wide range of loads and speeds. However, limits are identified outside which erroneous values of surface finish parameters may be obtained or damage incurred if excessive loads or improper tracking speeds are used.

Gravity sensing digitizing stylus

Abstract: A digitizing stylus for use with a tablet for measuring the angle between a gravity vector and the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the stylus for calculating pitch angle and barrel rotation of the stylus includes a housing having an electrolytic solution. A plurality of electrodes are disposed within the housing and extend into the electrolytic solution. The electrodes generate an output signal based upon the distance the electrodes extend into the electrolytic solution. A sensor is interconnected to the plurality of electrodes for sensing changes in the output signals for computing pitch angle and rotation of the stylus.

Coordinate input device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To improve the resolution by forming a liquid crystal thin film layer of a thin film of a polymer which contains particulate liquid crystal, and inputting coordinates by applying a voltage to one point on the surface of the liquid crystal thin layer. CONSTITUTION:The liquid crystal thin film layer 14 is formed of the thin film layer of the polymer consisting principally of drops of liquid crystal (particulate liquid crystal) 41a - 41c while surrounded in a sponge shape. When a plus voltage is applied to a gate signal line, the plus voltage is applied also to picture element electrodes P11 and P12. The coordinates of a point P on a picture element electrode is inputted with a conductor (input stylus) 42. This input stylus 42 is normally applied with a pulse voltage or GND voltage. Then an electric field is applied onto the tip of the input stylus 42 and electrodes P11 and P12. The refractive index of the drops of liquid crystal when they are oriented in a constant direction is matched with the refractive index of the polymer 14 previously, so light which is made incident on drops 41a and 41b of liquid crystal on the picture element electrode is not scattered and reaches the electrode P12 and a phototransistor T12. Thus, even when the input stylus is moved, its position can be retrieved.

Long range constant force profiling for measurement of engineering surfaces

Abstract: A new instrument bridging the gap between atomic force microscopes (AFMs) and stylus profiling instruments is described. The constant force profiler is capable of subnanometer resolution over a 15‐μm vertical range with a horizontal traverse length of 50 mm. This long traverse length, coupled with the possibilities of utilizing standard radius, diamond measurement styli, make the force profiler more compatible with existing profiling instrument standards. The forces between the specimen and a diamond stylus tipped cantilever spring are sensed as displacements using a capacitance bridge. This displacement signal is then fed through a proportional plus integral controller to a high stability piezoelectric actuator to maintain a constant tip‐to‐sample force of approximately 100 nN. Much of the sensor head and traverse mechanism is made of Zerodur glass‐ceramic to provide the thermal stability needed for long travel measurements. Profiles of a 30‐nm silica step height standard and an 8.5‐μm step etched on Zer...

A comparative study of gestural, keyboard, and mouse interfaces

Abstract: This paper presents results from three experiments which compared gestural, keyboard, and mouse/keyboard interfaces to a spreadsheet program. This is the first quantitative comparison of these types of interfaces known to the author. The gestural interface employed gestures (hand-drawn marks such as carets or brackets) for commands, and handwriting as input techniques. In one configuration, the input/output hardware consisted of a transparent digitizing tablet mounted on top of an LCD which allowed the user to interact with the program by writing on the tablet with a stylus. The experiments found that participants were faster with the gestural interface than with the keyboard or mouse/keyboard interface. In addition, subjects tended to prefer the gestural interface over the keyboard interface. Inexperienced mouse users also tended to prefer the gestural interface over the mouse/keyboard interface, although experienced mouse users preferred the mouse. The main difficulties with the gestural interf...

Handwritten character input device

Abstract: The present invention discloses a handwritten character input device for entering a handwritten character into a microcomputer accommodated inside of the handwritten character input device, the handwritten character input device comprising a digitizer including a stylus pen and a tablet, the stylus pen with which the handwritten character is drawn on the tablet, the handwritten character formed of at least one stroke; an erasure request detection unit for detecting that erasure of the whole or part of the strode data is requested when they include a predetermined feature or they end in a predetermined area; and a stroke data erasure unit for cancelling stroke data representing the strokes which were drawn on the tablet and transferred thereto, and erasing them if request for the erasing operation is detected by the erasure request detection unit.

Video image creation systems combining overlapping stamps in a frame period before modifying the image

Abstract: A system for creating video images by `drawing` on a touch tablet with a stylus. Addresses designated by the stylus are translated by a computer (16) into addresses in a frame delay store (13). The operator may choose an artists implement, the effect of which is simulated in the image by brush stamp signals representing the distribution power of the implement. Brush stamp signals are provided for a patch of signals round a designated address. During a frame period the brush stamp signals are processed to produce signals representing the effect of overlapping brush stamps for a portion of a line drawn in that period. The store is a frame delay store where the stored signals are continuously recycled. During a cycle of the store signals corresponding to the addresses covered by the brush stamps are sequentially up-dated by combining with incoming video signals in proportions determined by the brush signals. This produces the effect on a screen of a line drawn with the chosen implement.

Three-dimensional virtual image modeling device

Abstract: PURPOSE:To provide the three-dimensional virtual image modeling device which makes a design according with designer's sense and improves the efficiency of design work. CONSTITUTION:A virtual three-dimensional model Iv is generated in a virtual space capable of stereoscopic vision. A stylus pen 20 is operated by the designer in an operation space (actual space) set in the same position as this virtual space. When an indicating point 20p of the stylus pen 20 approximately coincides with a prescribed point on the virtual three-dimensional model Iv by this manual operation, coordinates of the point on this model are inputted. When the designer moves the stylus pen 20 after this coordinate input, the virtual three-dimensional model Iv is deformed in accordance with the extent by which coordinates of the indicating point 20p of the stylus pen 20 are deviated from those of the prescribed point on the model by this movement. Thus, the shape of the product generated as the three-dimensional model is directly changed by three- dimensional pen moving operation.

Signal processing circuit for trigger probe

Abstract: An interface circuit for processing signals from a touch trigger probe is adapted to prevent the generation of false trigger signals during an inspection cycle. The probe incorporates a plurality of strain gauges, the voltage across which rises above a predetermined threshold when a stylus supported by the probe contacts a surface. When the probe is moved away from the surface and the stylus loses contact, the outputs across the gauges drop below the trigger threshold. The interface prevents false triggers when, while the stylus is in contact with a surface, a machine vibration occurs which causes an oscillation in the voltage across the gauges; the voltage dropping below the threshold level (causing the interface to reset), and then immediately passing back up through the threshold, causing the interface to emit a trigger signal. The interface of the present invention prevents such an occurrence by returning to its seated level only if, at a predetermined time interval after the sensor signal has passed below the predetermined threshold, the signal level from the or each sensor has not once again exceeded the predetermined threshold value.

Pointing device for a computer and computer cooperating with a pointing device

Abstract: The mouse or stylus typically used in a personal computer utilising a graphical user interface has hitherto been used solely as a position indicating device and to send basic control signals. This invention discloses providing the mouse or stylus with an internal data store, together with a data communications facility, enabling a variety of new features to be provided, including a software copy protection procedure and automatic access to a predefined security level.

Optical fiber displacement sensors for process and manufacturing applications

Abstract: We describe three novel optical fiber probes, all based on the focused-beam reflective principle, to measure displacement, form, and surface topography, respectively. Each depends on deriving twin displacement/optical output characteristics that may be resolved by difference/sum referencing. The displacement sensor adopts twowavelength operation using a zone plate to give opposing displacement/output characteristics. The device is noncontacting, and a resolution of better than 0.1% of span is anticipated. A 3-D optical touchprobe has been built for use with coordinate measuring machines. A mathematical model has been generated that relates output to stylus movement, and the model has been verified experimentally. A resolution of 0.1 μm in the x-y plane and 1.0 μm in the z direction is achievable. A further noncontacting probe has been developed for the measurement of surface topography whose output shows low dependency on surface reflectance. A mathematical model has shown good correspondence against a wide range of surface compositions and textures; a resolution of better than 1 μm is foreseen. Proposals are made for industrial implementation of all three probes.

Surface analysis apparatus

Abstract: A profile measurement device (18) having a probe (16) scans the surface of a sample (12), acquiring topographical information which enables a computer (20) to build up a picture of the surface profile. A Raman spectrometer comprising a microscope objective (32), Raman analyser (24) and a photodetector (26) in the form of a charge-coupled device provides spectrographic information such as the composition of or strain in the sample surface from place to place. This information is correlated in the computer (20) with the profile information, to build up a more comprehensive picture. The profile measurement may make use of a stylus which scans in contact with the surface of the sample (12), or it may make use of a scanning tip microscopy such as atomic force microscopy or scanning tunnelling microscopy. Optical determination of the surface profile is also described.

A stylus instrument for roughness and profile measurement of ultra-fine surfaces

Abstract: This paper describes a production instrument which will measure very fine surface texture. It is a stylus profiling instrument, namely Nanostep, based on the NPL Nanosurf 2, which provides thermal stability in its “Zerodur” construction and a dynamic range of 50 nm to 50mm in its slideway/carriage/drive design. Nanostep performance is discussed in respect of noise, straightness, profile and start position repeatability, the measurement of different grades of silicon slice and a very small step.

Stylus counterbalancing mechanism for a measuring probe

Abstract: A stylus counterbalancing mechanism for a probe includes a stylus support member suspended on a resilient suspension system and connected to a spring which provides a force to counterbalance the weight of the stylus. The spring is connected to one end of a plate which is capable of sliding up and down a rod but is locked in position due to the clockwise moment produced by the spring force. The plate is unlocked from its position, when required, by movement of an actuating member. The actuating member is slidable up and down the rod and has bearing areas arranged to provide an anti-clockwise moment to the plate to unlock it and to move it along the rod to increase or decrease the spring force as required. In the probe, the actuating member includes a projection extending through the probe housing to be operable from the outside either manually or by the co-ordinate positioning machine, the machine being programmed to move the probe to engage the projection with a fixed ledge on the machine.