US 9317170

US Patent 9317170: Concise Summary

Title: Interactive devices

Assignee: Power2B Inc

Inventors: Sarah Michelle Lipman, Eran Kali, Boris Gutin, Moti Margalit, Robert Michael Lipman, Ken Zwiebel

Filing Date: 2013-12-16

Issue Date: 2016-04-19

Abstract: The present invention relates to interactive devices, assemblies and user interface functionalities. The present invention particularly relates to improved assemblies including improved user interfaces and user interface functionalities, particularly useful for displays, such as those employed with computers, televisions, personal communicators and other mobile devices.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes an interactive assembly that includes at least one interactive surface element. This surface has at least two regions with different user-sensible functionalities. The assembly also has input sensor functionality, which includes at least one input sensor near the interactive surface element. This sensor detects an electromagnetic radiation spot impinging on either of the regions. Finally, utilization functionality uses the sensor outputs from impingement on either or both regions.
• Claim 21: This claim outlines a position sensing assembly. It comprises an interactive surface element, at least one pixel array with multiple detector elements that detect electromagnetic radiation at a baseline level, and circuitry. The pixel array senses the position of an object relative to the surface based on which detector elements show an amount or change in radiation detected exceeding a threshold. The circuitry receives output from the pixel array and provides a non-imagewise input (not a full image, but data about position) to utilization circuitry.
• Claim 31: This claim describes an interactive assembly featuring an interactive surface element and a detector assembly. The detector assembly is positioned along at least one edge of the interactive surface element and includes a support substrate, a linear arrangement of detector elements, and a cover layer. This assembly is designed to sense light that hits the interactive surface element and travels within it to its edges.
• Claim 41: This claim specifies a position sensing assembly with an interactive surface element and an illumination subassembly. The illumination subassembly provides electromagnetic radiation, including at least one infrared (IR) emitting LED. The assembly also has at least one pixel array, which includes multiple detector elements that detect electromagnetic radiation. The pixel array is capable of sensing the position of an object when it is near the array, based on how much light or the change in light detected by the individual elements exceeds a threshold. This detected light can be ambient or from an IR illuminator.

Litigation Status:

The patent 9317170 is currently active and is associated with litigation. Specific cases identified include:

• A PTAB case: IPR2021-01257 (Final Written Decision) [cite: "PTAB case IPR2021-01257 filed (Final Written Decision)"]
• A US case filed in the Texas Western District Court. [cite: "US case filed in Texas Western District Court"]
• Two US cases filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: case numbers 26-1654 and 23-1630. [cite: "US case filed in Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit litigation", "https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/Court%20of%20Appeals%20for%20the%20Federal%20Circuit/case/26-1654", "https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/Court%20of%20Appeals%20for%20the%20Federal%20Circuit/case/23-1630"]