IP Library Granted Patent US 9,417,706
Granted Patent B2
US 9,417,706 · App. 14/714,297 · Granted Aug 16, 2016

Three dimensional user interface session control using depth sensors

Inventors: Micha Galor (Tel Aviv, IL); Jonathan Pokrass (Bat-Yam, IL); Amir Hoffnung (Tel Aviv, IL)
Assignee: APPLE INC.
G06F3/017G06F3/005G06F3/011G06F3/0304
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,417,706
App. No.
14/714,297
Granted
Aug 16, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method, including receiving, by a computer executing a non-tactile three dimensional (3D) user interface, a set of multiple 3D coordinates representing a gesture by a hand positioned within a field of view of a sensing device coupled to the computer, the gesture including a first motion in a first direction along a selected axis in space, followed by a second motion in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, along the selected axis. Upon detecting completion of the gesture, the non-tactile 3D user interface is transitioned from a first state to a second state.

Claims (29)

1. A method, comprising:

detecting, by a computer executing a non-tactile three dimensional (3D) user interface, a focus gesture made by a hand positioned within a field of view of a sensing device coupled to the computer;

upon detecting the focus gesture, conveying a prompt to unlock the user interface;

subsequently, receiving, by the computer, a set of multiple 3D coordinates representing a gesture by the hand, the gesture comprising a rising motion along a vertical axis in space; and

transitioning the non-tactile 3D user interface from a locked state to an unlocked state upon detecting completion of the gesture.

2. The method according to claim 1 , and comprising conveying a first visual feedback prior to the gesture, and conveying a second visual feedback subsequent to the gesture.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the first and the second visual feedbacks comprise illuminating or darkening one or more visual feedback devices coupled to the computer.

4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the first and the second visual feedbacks comprise altering a feedback item presented on a display coupled to the computer.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the computer transitions to a tracked, locked and inactive state in response to the focus gesture.

6. An apparatus, comprising:

a sensing device; and

a computer executing a non-tactile three dimensional (3D) user interface and configured to:

detect a focus gesture made by a hand positioned within a field of view of the sensing device,

upon detecting the focus gesture, convey a prompt to unlock the user interface,

subsequently, receive, from the sensing device, a set of multiple 3D coordinates representing a gesture by the hand, the gesture comprising a rising motion along a vertical axis in space, and

transition the non-tactile 3D user interface from a locked state to an unlocked state upon detecting completion of the gesture.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the computer is configured to convey a first visual feedback prior to the gesture, and to convey a second visual feedback subsequent to the gesture.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , and comprising one or more visual feedback devices, wherein the computer is configured to convey the first and the second visual feedbacks by illuminating or darkening the one or more visual feedback devices.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 , and comprising a display, wherein the computer is configured to convey the first and the second visual feedbacks by altering a feedback item presented on the display.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the computer transitions to a tracked, locked and inactive state in response to the focus gesture.

11. A computer software product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium, in which program instructions are stored, which instructions, when read by a computer executing a non-tactile user interface, cause the computer to:

detect a focus gesture made by a hand positioned within a field of view of a sensing device,

upon detecting the focus gesture, convey a prompt to unlock the user interface,

subsequently, receive, from the sensing device, a set of multiple 3D coordinates representing a gesture by the hand, the gesture comprising a rising motion along a vertical axis in space, and

transition the non-tactile 3D user interface from a locked state to an unlocked state upon detecting completion of the gesture.

12. The product according to claim 11 , wherein the instructions cause the computer to convey a first visual feedback to the user prior to the gesture, and to convey a second visual feedback subsequent to the gesture.

13. The product according to claim 12 , and comprising one or more visual feedback devices, wherein the instructions cause the computer to convey the first and the second visual feedbacks by illuminating or darkening the one or more visual feedback devices.

14. The product according to claim 12 , and comprising a display, wherein the instructions cause the computer to convey the first and the second visual feedbacks by altering a feedback item presented on the display.

15. The product according to claim 11 , wherein the instructions cause the computer to transition to a tracked, locked and inactive state in response to the focus gesture.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 17, 2015
From: PRIMESENSE LTD.
To: APPLE INC.
Reel/Frame 035654/0241 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 17, 2015
From: GALOR, MICHA; POKRASS, JONATHAN; HOFFNUNG, AMIR
To: PRIMESENSE LTD.
Reel/Frame 035705/0974 →
Continuity (10)
Continuation 14055997 · Oct 17, 2013
Continuation In Part 13314210 · Dec 8, 2011
Continuation In Part 14714297
Continuation In Part 13423314 · Mar 19, 2012
Continuation In Part 12352622 · Jan 13, 2009
Provisional Application 61422239 · Dec 13, 2010
Provisional Application 61020754 · Jan 14, 2008
Provisional Application 61020756 · Jan 14, 2008
Provisional Application 61032158 · Feb 28, 2008
Related Publication 20150248171A1 · Sep 3, 2015