U.S. patent application number 13/850311 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for controlling method applied to a sensing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PixArt Imaging Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is PixArt Imaging Inc.. Invention is credited to Cho-Yi LIN, Chih-Hung LU.
Application Number | 20130215085 13/850311 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43068122 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130215085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIN; Cho-Yi ; et
al. |
August 22, 2013 |
Controlling Method Applied to A Sensing System
Abstract
A controlling method applied to a sensing system includes the
following step. Whether a specific function is started is
determined according to the amount of pixels of a first total
pattern acquired by sensing a first object. In an embodiment of the
present invention, the step of determining whether the specific
function is started according to the amount of pixels of the total
pattern is the step of determining whether the specific function is
started according to the amount of pixels of the total pattern and
the length of time to successively acquire the total pattern.
Accordingly, it is more convenient for a user to use the sensing
system having the said controlling method.
Inventors: |
LIN; Cho-Yi; (HSINCHU City,
TW) ; LU; Chih-Hung; (HSINCHU City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PixArt Imaging Inc.; |
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|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PixArt Imaging Inc.
Hsinchu City
TW
|
Family ID: |
43068122 |
Appl. No.: |
13/850311 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12557466 |
Sep 10, 2009 |
|
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13850311 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0428 20130101;
G06F 3/0421 20130101; G06F 3/03547 20130101; G06F 3/04166 20190501;
H04N 5/2258 20130101; G06F 3/042 20130101; G06K 9/00375
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/175 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/042 20060101
G06F003/042 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 18, 2009 |
TW |
098116457 |
Claims
1. A controlling method applied to a sensing system, comprising:
determining whether a specific function is started according to the
amount of pixels of a first total pattern acquired by sensing a
first object.
2. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether the specific
function is started according to the amount of pixels of the first
total pattern is the step of: determining whether the specific
function is started according to the amount of pixels of the first
total pattern and the length of time to successively acquire the
first total pattern.
3. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 2, wherein the sensing system comprises a panel, a first
image sensor and a second image sensor, the first image sensor and
the second image sensor are disposed at the panel, a sensing range
of the first image sensor and a sensing range of the second image
sensor cover an area of the panel where the first object located
in, respectively, and the step of determining whether the specific
function is started according to the amount of pixels of the first
total pattern and the length of time to successively acquire the
first total pattern comprises: (a) the first image sensor and the
second image sensor simultaneously sensing the area for
respectively acquiring a first image and a second image, wherein
the first image comprises a first sub-pattern, the second image
comprises a second sub-pattern, the first sub-pattern and the
second sub-pattern correspond at that time to the first object, and
the first total pattern is composed of the first sub-pattern and
the second sub-pattern; (b) determining whether the amount of
pixels of the first total pattern is greater than or equal to a
first predetermined value; (c) further determining whether the
length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern is
greater than or equal to a second predetermined value if the amount
of pixels of the first total pattern is greater than or equal to
the first predetermined value; and (d) starting the specific
function if the length of time to successively acquire the first
total pattern is greater than or equal to the second predetermined
value.
4. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 3, further comprising: (c1) calculating and outputting a
first coordinate of the first object and returning to the procedure
(a) if the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is smaller
than the first predetermined value.
5. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 3, further comprising: (d1) calculating and outputting a
first coordinate of the first object and returning to the procedure
(a) if the length of time to successively acquire the first total
pattern is smaller than the second predetermined value.
6. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 3, wherein the first image sensor has a plurality of first
sensing pixels suitable for sensing the area, the second image
sensor has a plurality of second sensing pixels suitable for
sensing the area, and the amount of pixels of the first total
pattern is the sum total of the amount of the corresponding first
sensing pixels which acquire the first sub-pattern and the amount
of the corresponding second sensing pixels which acquire the second
sub-pattern.
7. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 2, wherein the sensing system comprises a panel, an image
sensor, and a reflective mirror element, the image sensor is
disposed at the panel, the reflective mirror element is disposed at
the panel and mirrors a first area of the panel for forming a
second area, a sensing range of the image sensor covers the first
area and the second area, and the step of determining whether the
specific function is started according to the amount of pixels of
the first total pattern and the length of time to successively
acquire the first total pattern comprises: (a) the image sensor
sensing the first area and the second area for acquiring a first
image, wherein the first image comprises a first sub-pattern and a
second sub-pattern, the first sub-pattern and the second
sub-pattern correspond at that time to the first object, and the
first total pattern is composed of the first sub-pattern and the
second sub-pattern; (b) determining whether the amount of pixels of
the first total pattern is greater than or equal to a first
predetermined value; (c) further determining whether the length of
time to successively acquire the first total pattern is greater
than or equal to a second predetermined value if the amount of
pixels of the first total pattern is greater than or equal to the
first predetermined value; and (d) starting the specific function
if the length of time to successively acquire the first total
pattern is greater than or equal to the second predetermined
value.
8. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 7, further comprising: (c1) calculating and outputting a
first coordinate of the first object and returning to the procedure
(a) if the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is smaller
than the first predetermined value.
9. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed in
claim 7, further comprising: (d1) calculating and outputting a
first coordinate of the first object and returning to the procedure
(a) if the length of time to successively acquire the first total
pattern is smaller than the second predetermined value.
10. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed
in claim 7, wherein the image sensor has a plurality of sensing
pixels suitable for sensing the first area and the second area, and
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is the sum total of
the amount of the corresponding sensing pixels which acquire the
first sub-pattern and the amount of the corresponding sensing
pixels which acquire the second sub-pattern.
11. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the specific function is an erasing
function.
12. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed
in claim 3, wherein the procedure (d) further comprises calculating
and outputting a first coordinate of the first object.
13. The controlling method applied to a sensing system as claimed
in claim 7, wherein the procedure (d) further comprises calculating
and outputting a first coordinate of the first object.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This is a division of an application Ser. No. 12/557,466,
filed Sep. 10, 2009 which is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from a Taiwan application No. 098116457 filed on May 18,
2009. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent applications are
hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this
specification.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a controlling method and in
particular, to a controlling method applied to a sensing
system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] A conventional sensing system includes a panel, two image
sensors, and a processor. Each of the image sensors senses an area
of the panel for acquiring an image, and the processor successively
processes for calculating a position of a pointer on the area. The
above-mentioned technology has been disclosed in many related
patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,328, U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,906,
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,197.
[0006] However, the functions of the abovementioned sensing systems
still can not satisfy requirements of designers and therefore, the
conventional sensing systems need to be improved.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed to provide a controlling
method applied to a sensing system in which whether a specific
function is started is determined according to the amount of pixels
of a first total pattern acquired by sensing a first object.
[0008] The present invention provides a controlling method applied
to a sensing system including the following step. Whether a
specific function is started is determined according to the amount
of pixels of a first total pattern acquired.
[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of
determining whether the specific function is started according to
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is the step of
determining whether the specific function is started according to
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern and the length of
time to successively acquire the first total pattern.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing
system includes a panel, a first image sensor, and a second image
sensor. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are
disposed at the panel. A sensing range of the first image sensor
and a sensing range of the second image sensor cover an area of the
panel, respectively where the first object located in. The step of
determining whether the specific function is started according to
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern and the length of
time to successively acquire the first total pattern includes the
following procedures. First, a procedure (a) is executed. The
procedure (a) includes that the first image sensor and the second
image sensor simultaneously sense the area for respectively
acquiring a first image and a second image. The first image
includes a first sub-pattern, and the second image includes a
second sub-pattern. The first sub-pattern and the second
sub-pattern correspond at that time to the first object, and the
first total pattern is composed of the first sub-pattern and the
second sub-pattern. Next, a procedure (b) is executed. The
procedure (b) includes that whether the amount of pixels of the
first total pattern is greater than or equal to a first
predetermined value is determined. Next, a procedure (c) is
executed. The procedure (c) includes that if the amount of pixels
of the first total pattern is greater than or equal to the first
predetermined value, whether the length of time to successively
acquire the first total pattern is greater than or equal to a
second predetermined value is further determined. Next, a procedure
(d) is executed. The procedure (d) includes that if the length of
time to successively acquire the first total pattern is greater
than or equal to the second predetermined value, the specific
function is started.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling
method applied to a sensing system further includes the following
procedure. A procedure (c1) is executed. The procedure (c1)
includes that if the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is
smaller than the first predetermined value, a first coordinate of
the first object is calculated and output, and the procedure (a) is
then executed.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling
method applied to a sensing system further includes the following
procedure. A procedure (d1) is executed. The procedure (d1)
includes that if the length of time to successively acquire the
first total pattern is smaller than the second predetermined value,
a first coordinate of the first object, the procedure (a) is
executed.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first image
sensor has a plurality of first sensing pixels suitable for sensing
the area, and the second image sensor has a plurality of second
sensing pixels suitable for sensing the area. The amount of pixels
of the second total pattern is the sum total of the amount of the
corresponding first sensing pixels which acquire the third
sub-pattern and the amount of the corresponding second sensing
pixels which acquire the fourth sub-pattern.
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing
system includes a panel, an image sensor, and a reflective mirror
element. The image sensor is disposed at the panel. The reflective
mirror element is disposed at the panel and mirrors a first area of
the panel for forming a second area. A sensing range of the image
sensor covers the first area and the second area. The step of
determining whether the specific function is started according to
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern acquired and the
length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern
includes the following procedures. First, a procedure (a) is
executed. The procedure (a) includes that the image sensor senses
the first area and the second area for acquiring a first image. The
first image includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern.
The first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern correspond at that
time to the first object, and the first total pattern is composed
of the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern. Next, a
procedure (b) is executed. The procedure (b) includes that whether
the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is greater than or
equal to a first predetermined value is determined. Next, a
procedure (c) is executed. The procedure (c) includes that if the
amount of pixels of the first total pattern is greater than or
equal to the first predetermined value, whether the length of time
to successively acquire the first total pattern is greater than or
equal to a second predetermined value is further determined. Next,
a procedure (d) is executed. The procedure (d) includes that if the
length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern is
greater than or equal to the second predetermined value, the
specific function is started.
[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling
method applied to a sensing system further includes the following
procedure. A procedure (c1) is executed. The procedure (c1)
includes that if the amount of pixels of the first total pattern is
smaller than the first predetermined value, a first coordinate of
the first object is calculated and output, and the procedure (a) is
then executed.
[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controlling
method applied to a sensing system further includes the following
procedure. A procedure (d1) is executed. The procedure (d1)
includes that if the length of time to successively acquire the
first total pattern is smaller than the second predetermined value,
a first coordinate of the first object is calculated and output,
and the procedure (a) is then executed.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the image sensor
has a plurality of sensing pixels suitable for sensing the first
area and the second area. The amount of pixels of the second total
pattern is the sum total of the amount of the corresponding sensing
pixels which acquire the third sub-pattern and the amount of the
corresponding sensing pixels which acquire the fourth
sub-pattern.
[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the specific
function is an erasing function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a sensing system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B are a flow chart of a controlling method
applied to the sensing system of FIG. 1 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B are a detailed flow chart of the
controlling method of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a first image and a second
image respectively sensed by the first image sensor and the second
image sensor of the sensing system of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a third image and a fourth
image sensed by the first image sensor and the second image sensor
of the sensing system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sensing system according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B are a flow chart of a controlling method
applied to the sensing system of FIG. 6 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B are a detailed flow chart of the
controlling method of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first image sensed by the
image sensor of the sensing system of FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second image sensed by the
image sensor of the sensing system of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a sensing system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1,
the sensing system 200 of the embodiment includes a panel 210, a
first image sensor 220, a second image sensor 230 and a processor
240. The panel 210 has a surface 214 and an area 212, and the area
212 is located at the surface 214. The area 212 is a quadrilateral
for example. The first image sensor 220 and the second image sensor
230 are disposed at the surface 214 of the panel 210 and are
electrically connected to the processor 240. A sensing range of the
first image sensor 220 and a sensing range of the second image
sensor 230 cover the area 212, respectively. In this embodiment,
the panel 210 is a whiteboard or a touch screen for example.
[0031] When a user uses an object 20 which is capable of being
sensed by the sensing system 200 such that the object 20 approaches
the area 212, the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 sense the area 212 respectively and the processor 240
calculates a position of the object 20 according to images sensed
by the first image sensor 220 and the second image sensor 230. The
abovementioned technologies can be referred to U.S. Pat. No.
4,782,328 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,906 and should not be described
in detail herein. In addition, when the object 20 moves on the area
212, the movement path will be displayed on the panel 210 such as a
touch screen or a display device (not shown) electrically connected
to the panel 210.
[0032] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B are a flow chart of a controlling method
applied to the sensing system of FIG. 1 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B are a
detailed flow chart of the controlling method of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a first image and a second image
respectively sensed by the first image sensor and the second image
sensor of the sensing system of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A,
2B, 3A, 3B and 4, generally speaking, the controlling method
applied to the sensing system includes the step of determining
whether a specific function is started according to the size of a
first total pattern P1 acquired. In this embodiment, the
abovementioned step is the step of determining whether the specific
function is started according to the size of the first total
pattern P1 acquired and the length of time to successively acquire
the first total pattern P1. The description will be given in detail
below.
[0033] First, a procedure (a) is executed. The procedure (a)
includes that the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 simultaneously sense the area 212 for respectively
acquiring the first image 222 and the second image 232. The first
image 222 includes a first sub-pattern 222a and the second image
232 includes a second sub-pattern 232a. The first total pattern P1
is composed of the first sub-pattern 222a and the second
sub-pattern 232a.
[0034] In this embodiment, the first image sensor 220 has a
plurality of first sensing pixels (not shown) suitable for sensing
the area 212, and the second image sensor 230 has a plurality of
second sensing pixels (not shown) suitable for sensing the area
212. When a first object (not shown) approaches the area 212 of the
panel 210, the first sensing pixels of the first image sensor 220
and the second sensing pixels of the second image sensor 230
simultaneously sense the area 212, and the first sensing pixels of
the first image sensor 220 acquire the first image 222 and the
second sensing pixels of the second image sensor 230 acquire the
second image 232. Meanwhile, at least a part of the first sensing
pixels sense the first object to acquire the first sub-pattern 222a
and at least a part of the second sensing pixels sense the first
object to acquire the second sub-pattern 232a. That is, at this
moment, the first object is adjacent to the area 212 of the panel
210 and sensed by the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 to be acquired as the first sub-pattern 222a of the
first image 222 and the second sub-pattern 232a of the second image
232.
[0035] The first object may be a stylus, a finger, a board eraser
or a palm. If the first object is a stylus or a finger, the size of
the first total pattern P1 is relatively small. The size of the
first total pattern P1 is, for example, the sum total of the amount
of the corresponding first sensing pixels which acquire the first
sub-pattern 222a and the amount of the corresponding second sensing
pixels which acquire the second sub-pattern 232a. In addition, if
the first object is a board eraser or a palm, the size of the first
total pattern P1 is relatively large. It should be noted that the
first object corresponding to the first sub-pattern 222a and the
second sub-pattern 232a of FIG. 4 is, for example, a board
eraser.
[0036] It should be noted that when a plurality of first objects
approach the area 212 of the panel 210, for example, when two
fingers touch the area 212 of the panel 210, the first image 222
may include a plurality of first sub-patterns 222a and the second
image 232 may include a plurality of second sub-patterns 232a.
Meanwhile, the first total pattern P1 is composed of the first
sub-patterns 222a and the second sub-patterns 232a, and the size of
the first total pattern P1 is the sum total of the amount of the
corresponding first sensing pixels which acquire the first
sub-patterns 222a and the amount of the corresponding second
sensing pixels which acquire the second sub-patterns 232a.
[0037] Next, a procedure (b) is executed. The procedure (b)
includes that the processor 240 determines whether the size of the
first total pattern P1 is greater than or equal to a first
predetermined value. In this embodiment, the first predetermined
value may be a predetermined amount of pixels which may be between
1/2 of the sum total of the amount of the first sensing pixels of
the first image sensor 220 and the amount of the second sensing
pixels of the second image sensor 230 and 2/3 of the sum total of
the amount of the first sensing pixels of the first image sensor
220 and the amount of the second sensing pixels of the second image
sensor 230.
[0038] Next, a procedure (c) is executed. The procedure (c)
includes that if the size of the first total pattern P1 is greater
than or equal to the first predetermined value, whether the length
of time to successively acquire the first total pattern P1 is
greater than or equal to a second predetermined value (e.g. 1.5
seconds) is further determined. It should be noted that the
procedure (c) of FIG. 2A may be accomplished by means of the
counting manner of FIG. 3A. For example, the first image sensor 220
and the second image sensor 230 are designed to sense the area 212
once every time interval (e.g. 1/240 seconds). Whenever the first
image sensor 220 and the second image sensor 230 sense the area
212, the processor 240 determines whether the size of the first
total pattern P1 is greater than or equal to the first
predetermined value. If the determination result is positive, the
counting value is increased by one and the processor 240 further
determines whether the counting value is greater than or equal to a
third predetermined value, as shown in sub-procedures (c2) and (c3)
of FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this embodiment, the second predetermined
value (e.g. 1.5 seconds) is converted to the third predetermined
value (e.g. 360 times) by means of the calculation (e.g. 1.5
divided by 1/240).
[0039] Next, a procedure (d) is executed. The procedure (d)
includes that if the length of time to successively acquire the
first total pattern P1 is greater than or equal to the second
predetermined value, that is, if the counting value is greater than
or equal to the third predetermined value, the processor 240 starts
the specific function, calculates and outputs a first coordinate of
the first object which corresponds at that time to the first
sub-pattern 222a and the second sub-pattern 232a. In this
embodiment, at this moment, the first object such as a board eraser
or a palm is regarded by the sensing system 200 as an erasing
instrument, and the specific function may erase the movement path
displayed by the panel 210 such as a touch screen or by the
additional display device. That is, the specific function may be an
erasing function.
[0040] In addition, after the procedure (b) is executed, the
controlling method applied to the sensing system further includes
executing procedure (c1). The procedure (c1) includes that if the
size of the first total pattern P1 is smaller than the first
predetermined value, the processor 240 calculates and outputs the
first coordinate of the first object which corresponds at that time
to the first sub-pattern 222a and the second sub-pattern 232a and
that the controlling process returns to the procedure (a). In this
embodiment, at this moment, the first object such as a stylus or a
finger is regarded by the sensing system 200 as a pointer.
[0041] In addition, after the procedure (c) is executed, the
controlling method applied to the sensing system further includes
executing procedure (d1). The procedure (d1) includes that if the
length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern P1
is smaller than the second predetermined value, that is, if the
counting value is smaller the third predetermined value, the
processor 240 calculates and outputs the first coordinate of the
first object which corresponds at that time to the first
sub-pattern 222a and the second sub-pattern 232a and that the
controlling process returns to the procedure (a). In this
embodiment, at this moment, the first object such as a board eraser
or a palm is regarded by the sensing system 200 as a pointer
because the length of time to be successively acquired is not long
enough. For example, at this moment, the user may make a board
eraser or a palm approach the area 212 by mistake and immediately
remove the board eraser or the palm away from the area 212, and the
sensing system 200 is prevented from starting the specific function
because of misjudgment.
[0042] It should be noted that a first controlling period is
composed of the above-mentioned procedures (a)(b)(b1)(c)(d) and
(d1). During the first controlling period, each of things capable
of being sensed by the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 is named as the first object. That is, during the first
controlling period, the first object is a common name of each of
the things capable of being sensed by the first image sensor 220
and the second image sensor 230.
[0043] In the controlling method applied to the sensing system,
whether the specific function is started is determined according to
the size of the first total pattern P1 acquired. Accordingly, it is
more convenient for a user to use the sensing system 200 having the
abovementioned controlling method. In addition, in the controlling
method applied to the sensing system, the abovementioned step may
be the step of determining whether the specific function is started
according to the size of the first total pattern P1 acquired and
the length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern
P1. Therefore, the possibility that the sensing system starts the
specific function because of misjudgment can be reduced.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a third image and a fourth
image sensed by the first image sensor and the second image sensor
of the sensing system of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, after the
procedure (d) is executed, the controlling method applied to the
sensing system further includes the following procedures. Referring
to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 5, procedure (e) is executed. The
procedure (e) includes that the first image sensor 220 and the
second image sensor 230 simultaneously sense the area 212 for
respectively acquiring the third image 224 and the fourth image
234. The third image 224 includes a third sub-pattern 224a, and the
fourth image 234 includes a fourth sub-pattern 234a. A second total
pattern P2 is composed of the third sub-pattern 224a and the fourth
sub-pattern 234a. It should be noted that the third image 224 and
the fourth image 234 correspond at that time to a second object
adjacent to the area 212. That is, at this moment, the second
object is adjacent to the area 212 of the panel 210 and sensed by
the first image sensor 220 and the second image sensor 230 to be
acquired as the third sub-pattern 224a of the third image sensor
224 and the fourth sub-pattern 234a of the fourth image sensor
234.
[0045] The second object may be a stylus, a finger, a board eraser
or a palm. It should be noted that the second object corresponding
to the third sub-patter 224a and the fourth sub-pattern 234a of
FIG. 5 is, for example, a stylus.
[0046] Next, a procedure (f) is executed. The procedure (f)
includes that whether the size of the second total pattern P2 is
smaller than the first predetermined value is determined. The size
of the second total pattern P2 is, for example, the sum total of
the amount of the corresponding first sensing pixels which acquire
the third sub-pattern 224a and the amount of the corresponding
second sensing pixels which acquire the fourth sub-pattern
234a.
[0047] Next, a procedure (g) is executed. The procedure (g)
includes that if the size of the second total pattern P2 is smaller
than the first predetermined value, whether the length of time to
successively acquire the second total pattern P2 is greater than or
equal to the second predetermined value is further determined. It
should be noted that the procedure (g) of FIG. 2B may be
accomplished by means of the counting manner of FIG. 3B. For
example, whenever the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 sense the area 212, the processor 240 determines whether
the size of the second total pattern P2 is smaller than the first
predetermined value. If the determination result is positive, the
counting value is increased by one and the processor 240 further
determines whether the counting value is greater than or equal to
the third predetermined value, as shown in sub-procedures (g2) and
(g3) of FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0048] Next, a procedure (h) is executed. The procedure (h)
includes that if the length of time to successively acquire the
second total pattern P2 is greater than or equal to the second
predetermined value, that is, if the counting value is greater than
or equal to the third predetermined value, the processor 240 ends
the specific function, calculates and outputs a second coordinate
of the second object which corresponds at that time to the third
sub-pattern 224a and the fourth sub-pattern 234a. In this
embodiment, at this moment, the second object such as a stylus or a
finger is regarded by the sensing system 200 as a pointer.
[0049] In addition, after the procedure (f) is executed, the
controlling method applied to the sensing system further includes
executing procedure (g1). The procedure (g1) includes that if the
size of the second total pattern P2 is greater than or equal to the
first predetermined value, the processor 240 successively starts
the specific function, calculates and outputs the second coordinate
of the second object which corresponds at that time to the third
sub-pattern 224a and the fourth sub-pattern 234a and that the
controlling process returns to the procedure (e). In this
embodiment, at this moment, the second object such as a board
eraser or a palm is regarded by the sensing system 200 as an
erasing instrument.
[0050] In addition, after the procedure (g) is executed, the
controlling method applied to the sensing system further includes
executing procedure (h1). The procedure (h1) includes that if the
length of time to successively acquire the first total pattern P2
is smaller than the second predetermined value, that is, if the
counting value is smaller the third predetermined value, the
processor 240 successively starts the specific function, calculates
and outputs the second coordinate of the second object which
corresponds at that time to the third sub-pattern 224a and the
fourth sub-pattern 234a and that the controlling process returns to
the procedure (e). In this embodiment, at this moment, the second
object is such as a stylus is regarded by the sensing system 200 as
an erasing instrument because the length of time to be successively
acquired is not long enough. For example, at this moment, the user
may make a stylus or a finger approach the area 212 by mistake and
immediately remove the stylus or the finger away from the area 212,
and the sensing system 200 is prevented from ending the specific
function because of misjudgment.
[0051] It should be noted that the abovementioned a second
controlling period is composed of procedures (e)(f)(g1)(g)(h) and
(h1). During the second controlling period, each of things capable
of being sensed by the first image sensor 220 and the second image
sensor 230 is named as the second object. That is, during the
second controlling period, the second object is a common name of
each of the things capable of being sensed by the first image
sensor 220 and the second image sensor 230.
[0052] It should be noted that in practice, before the procedure
(a) of the first controlling period of the controlling method
applied to the sensing system 200 is executed, the user may use
stylus such another specific function (regarded as the second
specific function) of the sensing system 200 is performed. The
second specific function is, for example, the handwriting function
or the drawing function. Next, after the specific function such as
the erasing function (regarded as the first specific function which
is different from the second specific function) is started for a
period of time (e.g. the user uses a board eraser) and then is
ended (e.g., the user removes the board eraser and picks up the
stylus), the second specific function is started again. That is,
the second specific function is a predetermined function of the
sensing system 200.
Second Embodiment
[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a sensing system according to
a second embodiment of the present invention. The sensing system
300 includes a panel 310, an image sensor 320, a reflective mirror
element 330 and a processor 340. The image sensor 320 is disposed
at the panel 310. The reflective mirror element 330 is disposed at
the panel 310 and a reflective mirror plane 332 of the reflective
mirror element 330 mirrors a first area 312 of the panel 312 for
forming a second area 312'. The image sensor 320 faces the
reflective mirror element 330 and is electrically connected to the
processor 340. A sensing range of the image sensor 320 covers the
first area 312 and the second area 312'. That is, the second image
sensor 230 of the first embodiment is omitted in the sensing system
300 of this embodiment and the reflective mirror element 330 is
added in the sensing system 300 of this embodiment.
[0054] When a user uses an object 30 which is capable of being
sensed by the sensing system 300 such that the object 20 approaches
to the area 312, the object 30 is mirrored by the reflective mirror
element 330 to form a mirror image 30'. The image sensor 320 senses
the first area 312 and the second area 312' and the processor 340
calculates a position of the object 30 according to images sensed
by the image sensor 320. The abovementioned technologies can be
referred to Taiwan patent application No. 097126033, Taiwan patent
application No. 097142355 and Taiwan patent application No.
098100969 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,222, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/334,449 and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/422,191, which respectively correspond to the
abovementioned Taiwan patent applications, and should not be
described in detail herein.
[0055] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B are a flow chart of a controlling method
applied to the sensing system of FIG. 6 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B are a
detailed flow chart of the controlling method of FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first image sensed by the image
sensor of the sensing system of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a schematic view
of a second image sensed by the image sensor of the sensing system
of FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the difference between the
controlling method applied to the sensing system of this embodiment
and the controlling method applied to the sensing system of the
first embodiment is that the procedures (a) and (e) of this
embodiment are different from the procedures (a) and (e) of the
first embodiment.
[0056] In the procedure (a) of this embodiment, the image sensor
320 senses the first area 312 and the second area 312' for
acquiring a first image 322. The first image 322 includes a first
sub-pattern 322a and a second sub-pattern 322b, and a first total
pattern P3 is composed of the first sub-pattern 322a and the second
sub-pattern 322b.
[0057] In this embodiment, the first image sensor 320 has a
plurality of sensing pixels (not shown) suitable for sensing the
first area 312 and the second area 312'. When a first object (not
shown) approaches the first area 312 of the panel 310, the sensing
pixels of the image sensor 320 sense the first area 312 and the
second area 312', and the sensing pixels of the image sensor 320
acquire the first image 322. Meanwhile, at least a part of the
sensing pixels sense the first object to acquire the first
sub-pattern 322a, and at least a part of the sensing pixels sense
the mirror image of the first object to acquire the second
sub-pattern 322b. That is, at this moment, the first object is
adjacent to the first area 312 of the panel 310, and the first
object and its mirror image are sensed by the image sensor 320 to
be acquired as the first sub-pattern 322a and the second
sub-pattern 322b of the first image 322.
[0058] The size of the first total pattern P3 is, for example, the
sum total of the amount of the corresponding sensing pixels which
acquire the first sub-pattern 322a and the amount of the
corresponding sensing pixels which acquire the second sub-pattern
322b. It should be noted that the first object corresponding to the
first sub-pattern 322a of FIG. 9 is, for example, a board
eraser.
[0059] In the procedure (e) of this embodiment, the image sensor
320 senses the first area 312 and the second area 312' for
acquiring a second image 324. The first image 324 includes a third
sub-pattern 324a and a fourth sub-pattern 324b, and a second total
pattern P4 is composed of the third sub-pattern 324a and the fourth
sub-pattern 324b. The third sub-pattern 324a and the fourth
sub-pattern 324b correspond at that time to a second object
adjacent to the first area 312 and a mirror image of the second
object, respectively. That is, at this moment, the second object is
adjacent to the first area 312 of the panel 310, and the second
object and its mirror image are sensed by the image sensor 320 to
be acquired as the third sub-pattern 324a and the fourth
sub-pattern 324b of the second image 324.
[0060] The size of the second total pattern P4 is, for example, the
sum total of the amount of the corresponding sensing pixels which
acquire the third sub-pattern 324a and the amount of the
corresponding sensing pixels which acquire the fourth sub-pattern
324b. It should be noted that the second object corresponding to
the third sub-patter 324a of FIG. 10 is, for example, a stylus.
[0061] In addition, the first predetermined value of this
embodiment may be a predetermined amount of pixels which may be
between 1/2 of the amount of the sensing pixels of the image sensor
320 and 2/3 of the amount of the sensing pixels of the image sensor
320.
[0062] According to the mentioned above, the controlling method
applied to the sensing system of the embodiment of the present
invention has at least one of the following or other
advantages:
[0063] 1. In the controlling method applied to the sensing system,
whether the specific function is started is determined according to
the size of the first total pattern acquired. Accordingly, it is
more convenient for a user to use the sensing system having the
abovementioned controlling method.
[0064] 2. In the controlling method applied to the sensing system,
the abovementioned step is the step of determining whether the
specific function is started according to the size of the first
total pattern acquired and the length of time to successively
acquire the first total pattern. Therefore, the possibility that
the sensing system starts the specific function because of
misjudgment can be reduced.
[0065] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein, including configurations ways of the
recessed portions and materials and/or designs of the attaching
structures. Further, the various features of the embodiments
disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with
each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific
combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not
to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
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