US 8471812

US Patent 8471812: Concise Summary

Title: Pointing and identification device

Assignee: Pointwise Ventures LLC (as of 2024-06-18)

Inventors: Jesse C. Bunch

Filing Date: 2005-09-23

Issue Date: 2013-06-25

Abstract: A pointing and identification device (PID) enables a user to point at objects in the real world, on television or movie screens, or other displays not directly on a computer screen. The PID incorporates a digital camera and either a laser, a reticle, or both, for aiming the camera. An image captured by the digital camera is then sent to a computer or similar system for processing.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a pointing and identification device (PID) that includes a digital camera, a laser pointer (to project a visible spot for aiming), and a communication component. The PID is designed to take an image of a target, identify the target, and determine the precise location on that target that the laser is pointing to. This information is then communicated to an external computer system. The system uses the image from the PID's camera to recognize the target (like a frame on a screen or a real-world object) and then uses the laser's spot to pinpoint a location within that recognized target.

• Independent Claim 12: This claim focuses on a method for identifying an object using a PID. The method involves a user pointing the PID's laser at an object and activating a button. The PID captures an image of the object. This image is then analyzed to determine the context of the object (e.g., if it's on a TV screen, computer screen, or a real-world object). Based on the context, the system then identifies the object. For example, if it's a TV screen, it might determine a frame ID, and then identify items within that frame based on the laser's pointed location. If it's a real-world object, it might use image processing, location data, or read an identifying tag.

• Independent Claim 13: This claim outlines a method for enabling a user to act upon an item using a PID that has a laser and a camera. The user designates an item by pointing the laser at it and activating a button. The PID then records an image of the item. It then provides feedback to the user about what item it has identified as designated. The user then has the option to respond to this feedback, which could involve confirming the selection, refining the selection, or choosing an action to perform on the item.

Litigation Information:
The patent US8471812B2 is currently active and has an adjusted expiration date of 2031-04-23. According to the provided patent text, there is ongoing litigation related to this patent, with multiple US cases filed in District Courts including Texas Eastern, Wisconsin Western, Washington Western, Texas Western, Colorado, Delaware, New York Eastern, and New York Southern Districts. There are also PTAB cases (IPR2025-00798 and IPR2025-01102) filed, both noted as "Settlement".