Light pen input system and method, particularly for use with large area non-CRT displays

Abstract

The invention relates to a light pen input system with a light pen which is adapted to generate at least one scanning light line sweep for scanning a surface such as for example a display screen. The time from starting a scan until a light sensing element placed at a known position detects a scanning light line is measured and processed for determining the coordinates of the pointing position of the light pen. Thus, an ''inverse'' light pen is provided which may be implemented at low costs and which may be used with non-CRT displays. Furthermore, the system is independent of the display screen size.

Description

Invention field [0001] The invention relates to a light pen user interface technology that can be used in combination with a large-area non-CRT display. Background technique [0002] A conventional light pen is an input device that includes a light sensor for detecting light emitted from a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. Today's light pen technology is mainly used as an input device, such as a gun, in a game business establishment. The light pen is connected to the computer by a wire, for example, and includes a switch for causing an action to be performed by the computer, such as a switch for shooting a gun in a video game. When the computer detects the triggering of the switch, the scanning time of the electron beam in the CRT display tube from the starting point of the electron beam on the screen to the light sensor detecting the light is measured. Since the "path" of the electron beam on the screen and the coordinates of its starting point are known, the horizontal and vertic...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the photosensitive elements required make implementing this system very expensive

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