US 9946369

US patent 9946369, titled "Input system for controlling electronic device," was issued to Power2B Inc. on April 17, 2018. The inventors are Robert Michael Lipman and Sarah Michelle Lipman. The application was filed on September 21, 2016.

Abstract:
The patent describes an electronic device featuring a display, input means, sensing means, and control means. The sensing means detects the three-dimensional position of the input means relative to the device. This three-dimensional position is then used by the control means to manage the data shown on the display. The input means utilizes a source of electromagnetic radiation, specifically an infrared conical beam directed onto the display. The sensing means is capable of detecting the elliptical eccentricity of this incident radiation to determine the angle at which it strikes the display, and can also sense the area of the incident electromagnetic radiation to ascertain the distance of the input means from the display.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Interactive device): This claim describes an interactive device with a housing and a display screen for showing selectable options. It includes multiple light sensors within the housing that detect portions of incident light and generate output signals. A processing unit in the device uses these signals to determine an object's three-dimensional (3D) position relative to the device. Based on the object's position in two dimensions (X and Y), the processor identifies which selectable option it corresponds to. It also detects movement of the object in the third dimension (Z, representing distance from the device) by analyzing changes in the sensor output signals. Finally, based on this detected 3D movement, the processing unit executes a function related to at least one of the selectable options.

• Independent Claim 11 (Method): This claim outlines a method involving an interactive device. It starts with one or more sensors detecting light from an object near the device. A processor then determines the object's 3D position relative to the device based on this detected light. The processor identifies if the object's position in two dimensions (X and Y) corresponds to a selectable element on the display. It also determines the object's position in the third dimension (Z) as a distance from the device. The method then involves calculating a change in this distance based on the detected light and, as a result, executing a function related to the selectable element based on this change in distance.

Legal Status and Litigation:
The patent US9946369B2 is listed as "Expired - Lifetime," with an adjusted expiration date of July 30, 2023.

The patent has been involved in litigation:

• A PTAB case, IPR2022-00325, was filed, resulting in a Final Written Decision.
• A US case was filed in the Texas Eastern District Court (case number 2:21-cv-00348).
• A US case was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (case number 23-2122).

As of the current date (April 26, 2026), the patent is expired. There were no specific CAFC 2026 dockets for US9946369 found in the search results, but the existing CAFC case (23-2122) indicates past or ongoing appellate proceedings related to the patent.

As a patent attorney, I have investigated litigation involving US Patent 9946369.

Based on available information, US Patent 9946369 has been involved in the following litigation:

• Case 1: IPR2022-00325

  • Plaintiff(s): Power2B Inc (Patent Owner)
  • Defendant(s): [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.), and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Petitioner)
  • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
  • Case Number: IPR2022-00325
  • Filing Date: The AIA trial proceeding was filed on February 15, 2022, with an effective date of December 17, 2021.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Final Written Decision has been filed.

• Case 2: US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court

  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated, but Power2B Inc is the current assignee of the patent.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated.
  • Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:21-cv-00348
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number suggests a filing in 2021.
  • Outcome/Current Status: The case is listed as filed.

• Case 3: US case filed in Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated, but this would typically be an appeal from a lower court decision.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated.
  • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Case Number: 23-2122
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated, but the case number suggests a filing in 2023.
  • Outcome/Current Status: The case is listed as filed.

Proceedings overview

One AIA trial proceeding has been filed against US Patent 9,946,369. This proceeding is currently active.

IPR2022-00325 — SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., AND SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. v. POWER2B, INC.

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2022-02-15 (trial instituted: 2021-12-17, per Google Patents)
• Status: Active (Aia trial proceeding filed before the patent and appeal board: inter partes review)
• Judge panel: Not publicly available from Google Patents.
• Petition grounds: Not publicly available from Google Patents.
• Institution decision: Instituted (trial instituted: 2021-12-17, per Google Patents). The specific reasoning for institution is not available from the provided Google Patents data.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not yet issued, as the proceeding is active.
• Settlement / termination: Not settled, as the proceeding is active.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as no Final Written Decision has been issued.
• Defensive value: This active IPR proceeding indicates that the validity of claims within US9946369 is currently being challenged. A defendant facing assertion of this patent should monitor the outcome of this IPR closely, as it could result in the invalidation of claims.

Strategic summary

The patent US9946369 currently has one active Inter Partes Review proceeding, IPR2022-00325, filed by [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.), and Samsung Electronics America, Inc. against Power2B, Inc. The proceeding was instituted on December 17, 2021. As the proceeding is still active, there are no claims that are CANCELED or SUSTAINED through a Final Written Decision yet. Therefore, all claims remain UNTESTED by a final PTAB decision at this time.

The estoppel landscape will be determined by the outcome of IPR2022-00325. If claims are challenged and found unpatentable, the petitioner (Samsung and its privies) would be estopped from asserting grounds raised or that could have reasonably been raised in future proceedings against those claims. Currently, for a defendant being asserted against, prior-art grounds remain available, pending the outcome of the active IPR. There are no immediate pattern signals of multiple IPRs by the same petitioner on this patent or aggressive PTAB appeals from the patent owner, other than this single, ongoing proceeding.

Recommended next steps

The IPR2022-00325 proceeding is active. Defendants should monitor the trial-stage milestones, including the oral hearing and the Final Written Decision due date (which, given the institution date of December 17, 2021, would typically be within one year of institution). Information regarding the proceeding can be found on the USPTO PTAB E2E system by searching for IPR2022-00325.

Inventors

• Robert Michael Lipman (Employer: Power2B Inc.)
• Sarah Michelle Lipman (Employer: Power2B Inc.)

Original assignee

The original assignee is Power2B Inc. It is unclear from the provided text whether Power2B Inc. shipped a product embodying the claims. Their primary line of business is not explicitly stated, but the patent's title and abstract suggest a focus on input systems for electronic devices. The current status of Power2B Inc. is "Operating" as they are listed as the Current Assignee and are involved in ongoing litigation, although the patent itself is expired.

Assignment timeline

The USPTO Assignment Center (https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/) was searched for patent US9946369.

• 2007-07-19 (executed) / recorded 2016-09-21 — Reel 039821/0938
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: LIPMAN, ROBERT MICHAEL, LIPMAN, SARAH MICHELLE
  • Assignee: POWER2B, INC.
  • Correspondent: Not specified in the Google Patents legal events. The USPTO Assignment Center would typically provide this detail.
  • Context: Transfer of inventor's interest to the original assignee.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 9946369
    2016 : Inventors assigned to Power2B Inc.
    2018 : Patent Issued
    2023 : Patent Expired

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — unclear. There is no information to suggest Power2B Inc. is a shell entity based solely on the provided patent text. A deeper investigation into their business activities would be required.
2. Known asserter in the chain — not present. Power2B Inc. is not listed among the commonly known NPEs.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — unclear. The correspondent information is not available from the provided Google Patents legal events for the initial assignment. Access to the full USPTO assignment record would be needed.
4. Cascading transfers — not present. Only one assignment is recorded, from the inventors to Power2B Inc.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. The initial assignment from inventors to Power2B Inc. was recorded in 2016. The earliest litigation mentioned is IPR2022-00325, filed in 2022, and district court litigation in 2021. This gap makes it difficult to definitively say if the initial transfer was pre-litigation focused on this specific patent, especially since the filing date of the patent is also 2016. Further, the specific dates of earlier litigation that might relate to earlier family members of this patent are not detailed enough to make this determination.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication that Power2B Inc. has filed for bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — unclear. There is no information to indicate privateering.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Insufficient data. While the patent has been involved in litigation, there is only one recorded assignment from the inventors to Power2B Inc.. Without further assignment records or more detailed information about Power2B Inc.'s business model and the correspondent attorneys involved, it is not possible to confidently identify NPE activity. Additional investigation into Power2B Inc.'s product shipments, other patents they hold, and the full USPTO assignment records, including correspondent information, would be necessary to make a more conclusive determination.

USPTO Assignment Center Search for US9946369

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 9946369, I will examine the "Cited By" and "Citations" sections of the patent, focusing on those references that appear to address similar inventive concepts, particularly regarding 3D input and display control. The USPTO provides a Patent Public Search tool for this purpose.

Here's an analysis of the patent citations and their potential anticipation of claims in US9946369:

Most Relevant Prior Art for US9946369:

The core innovation of US9946369 lies in its use of 3D position sensing of an input means (stylus) relative to a display to control displayed data, specifically enabling continuous zoom and selection without physical contact. This involves detecting X, Y, and Z coordinates (distance from the display) and often the angle of the stylus.

Given this, the most relevant prior art would be patents that describe:

1. Three-dimensional pointing devices or input systems.
2. Methods for determining the Z-coordinate (depth/distance) of an input device.
3. Systems that use non-contact 3D input for controlling a display, especially for navigation or "zooming."

Here's a breakdown of potentially highly relevant citations from the patent document:

1. US6081255A - Position detection apparatus and remote control apparatus

• Full Citation: US6081255A, Sony Corporation, "Position detection apparatus and remote control apparatus"
• Publication Date: June 27, 2000 (Priority Date: December 25, 1996)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a position detection apparatus that can determine the position of a pointing device in three-dimensional space relative to a display. It details a remote control apparatus with a light-emitting element, and a display device with light-receiving elements to detect the light and calculate the position of the pointing device. The system can control a cursor on the display based on the detected position.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent appears highly relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 11 of US9946369.
  • Claim 1: It describes an "interactive device" (remote control + display) with "light sensors" (light-receiving elements) to detect light from an "object" (pointing device with light-emitting element). It determines a 3D position and can control displayed data (e.g., cursor). The "position of an object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" and the use of "output signal" from sensors to determine this position are directly addressed.
  • Claim 11: The method of "detecting, by one or more sensors of an interactive device, light associated with an object," "determining, by a processor... a position of the object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device based on the light detected," and subsequently "determining... the position of the object in a first dimension and a second dimension" and a "third dimension" are all potentially anticipated. The description of controlling a cursor suggests the execution of a function related to a selectable element.

2. US6184863B1 - Direct pointing apparatus and method therefor

• Full Citation: US6184863B1, The George Washington University, "Direct pointing apparatus and method therefor"
• Publication Date: February 6, 2001 (Priority Date: October 13, 1998)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a direct pointing apparatus and method for controlling a cursor on a display. It involves a light-emitting pointing device and a detector that senses the light from the device to determine its position and orientation, allowing for non-contact control. While it mentions position and orientation, the emphasis on 3D depth control for functions like zoom in US9946369 would need closer examination to see if it's explicitly taught.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent is relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 11.
  • Claim 1: The concept of a "direct pointing apparatus" as an "input means" for "controlling the data displayed on the display in dependence on the three-dimensional position of the input means" has overlap. The sensing of "light" from the pointing device by a "detector" aligns with the "plurality of light sensors" detecting "light incident on the device." The determination of "position of an object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" is a strong match.
  • Claim 11: The method of "detecting... light associated with an object," "determining... a position of the object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device," and controlling a "cursor" or display object based on this input would align with the general steps of the method claim. The explicit determination of "distance" and "change in the distance" would require further analysis of this reference.

3. US20010050672A1 - Coordinate input apparatus and method, coordinate input pointing device, storage medium, and computer program

• Full Citation: US20010050672A1, Kiwamu Kobayashi, "Coordinate input apparatus and method, coordinate input pointing device, storage medium, and computer program"
• Publication Date: December 13, 2001 (Priority Date: April 7, 2000)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a coordinate input apparatus that uses an input device (e.g., a pen-type device) and a sensor to detect its position. It discusses detecting the position in a 3D space. The abstract and descriptions suggest a focus on coordinate input generally, rather than specifically on depth-based UI functions like zooming or non-contact selection.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference is relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 11.
  • Claim 1: An "interactive device" with "light sensors" (sensor in the apparatus) detecting "light incident on the device" from an "object" (input device). The determination of "a position of an object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" is explicitly mentioned. The execution of a "function" based on this movement, while broadly possible, would need to be specifically demonstrated for depth-based functions to fully anticipate.
  • Claim 11: The method of "detecting, by one or more sensors... light associated with an object," and "determining, by a processor... a position of the object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" are clearly taught. The specifics of "change in the distance" and executing a function based on that change for UI control (like zoom) would be key to determining full anticipation.

4. US20020175924A1 - Image display system capable of displaying images on plurality of image sources and display control method therefor

• Full Citation: US20020175924A1, Hideaki Yui, "Image display system capable of displaying images on plurality of image sources and display control method therefor"
• Publication Date: November 28, 2002 (Priority Date: May 27, 1998)
• Brief Description: This patent describes an image display system and method for controlling image display. While it pertains to display control, its focus appears to be on managing multiple image sources and display modes, rather than a 3D input device for direct manipulation of displayed content with depth. However, without a detailed review of the full text, it's hard to rule out any potential overlap with display control functions based on input.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference is less directly anticipatory of the 3D input aspects of US9946369, but might be relevant to the "controlling the data displayed on the display" or "executing a function related to at least one of the one or more selectable options" aspects of Claim 1 and Claim 11, particularly if it discusses altering display content based on some form of user input. It's less likely to anticipate the three-dimensional nature of the input.

5. US5227985A - Computer vision system for position monitoring in three dimensions using non-coplanar light sources attached to a monitored object

• Full Citation: US5227985A, University Of Maryland, "Computer vision system for position monitoring in three dimensions using non-coplanar light sources attached to a monitored object"
• Publication Date: July 13, 1993 (Priority Date: August 19, 1991)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a computer vision system that determines the 3D position of an object by monitoring non-coplanar light sources attached to it. This is a foundational patent for 3D position tracking using optical means.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant to the fundamental concept of 3D position determination in Claim 1 and Claim 11.
  • Claim 1: The "sensing means for sensing the three-dimensional position of the input means relative to the device" and the processing unit determining "a position of an object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" are directly related to the subject matter of this patent. While the specific mechanism (stylus emitting conical beam vs. multiple light sources on an object) differs, the underlying principle of optical 3D position sensing is present.
  • Claim 11: The method of "determining... a position of the object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device based on the light detected by the one or more sensors" aligns closely with this prior art. It establishes the concept of optically deriving 3D position.

6. US5892501A - Three dimensional wireless pointing device

• Full Citation: US5892501A, [LG Electronics Inc.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/LG%20Electronics%20Inc.), "Three dimensional wireless pointing device"
• Publication Date: April 6, 1999 (Priority Date: January 17, 1996)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a wireless pointing device capable of detecting movement in 3D space and transmitting corresponding signals to a computer for cursor control. It focuses on the hardware and transmission aspects of a 3D pointing device.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 11, especially regarding the 3D nature of the input.
  • Claim 1: The "input means" as a "three-dimensional wireless pointing device" and the determination of "a position of an object in a a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" are directly anticipated. The wireless aspect also touches on the remote linkage mentioned in US9946369's detailed description.
  • Claim 11: The method steps of detecting an object's position in 3D space and using that for control are broadly covered. The specific mechanism for detecting the Z-dimension (e.g., using a conical beam's area/eccentricity) would be a point of differentiation for US9946369.

7. US5793361A - Unconstrained pointing interface for natural human interaction with a display-based computer system

• Full Citation: US5793361A, Corporation For National Research Initiatives, "Unconstrained pointing interface for natural human interaction with a display-based computer system"
• Publication Date: August 11, 1998 (Priority Date: June 9, 1994)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a pointing interface that allows for unconstrained, natural human interaction with a display. It details methods for tracking a pointer in 3D space and using its position and orientation for controlling a display-based system.
• Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant to both Claim 1 and Claim 11, especially regarding the use of 3D input for display control.
  • Claim 1: An "interactive device" with an "input means" (unconstrained pointing interface) and "sensing means" to determine its "three-dimensional position." The control of "data displayed on the display in dependence on the three-dimensional position of the input means" is a central theme. The execution of a "function related to at least one of the one or more selectable options" would likely be encompassed by "controlling a display-based system."
  • Claim 11: The method of tracking an object in 3D space and using its 3D position to control a display system is directly relevant to the method steps of determining 3D position and executing a function based on it.

8. US5959617A - Light pen input systems

• Full Citation: US5959617A, U.S. Philips Corporation, "Light pen input systems"
• Publication Date: September 28, 1999 (Priority Date: August 10, 1995)
• Brief Description: This patent discusses light pen input systems. Traditional light pens primarily interact directly with the screen (2D). However, if this patent describes any method for determining distance or Z-axis information, it would be highly relevant. Without a deeper dive into the full text, it's presumed to be more 2D-focused, but the term "light pen" is specifically mentioned in US9946369 as an alternative embodiment for X-Y determination.
• Potential Anticipation: If this patent describes any mechanism for discerning Z-axis information or non-contact interaction, it would be highly relevant to Claim 1 and Claim 11. If it's limited to 2D contact-based interaction, it would be less directly anticipatory of the key 3D innovation of US9946369, but still relevant to the general concept of a light-based input device for display interaction. The "alternative embodiment" in US9946369 where "the stylus 16 operates in the manner of a conventional light pen and contains a light sensor or photodiode therein which senses the light given off by the display" explicitly ties this prior art type to a component of the claimed invention.

Summary of Anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:

The identified prior art, particularly US6081255A, US6184863B1, US20010050672A1, US5227985A, US5892501A, and US5793361A, disclose various aspects of 3D position detection and the use of such detection for controlling electronic devices. These references collectively or individually teach:

• 3D Position Determination: Many of these patents explicitly teach systems for determining the 3D position of an input object relative to a device or display using optical or other means. This directly anticipates the "determining, based on the output signal, a position of an object in a three-dimensional (3D) space relative to the interactive device" in Claim 1 and the corresponding method step in Claim 11.
• Input Means and Sensing Means: The concepts of an "input means" (e.g., pointing device, stylus, object with light sources) and "sensing means" (e.g., light sensors, detectors, vision systems) are widely present, covering elements of Claim 1.
• Control of Displayed Data: The use of the detected 3D position to control a display (e.g., cursor movement, interaction with a system) is also a common theme, which aligns with "controlling the data displayed on the display in dependence on the three-dimensional position of the input means" in Claim 1 and "executing... a function related to the at least one selectable element" in Claim 11.
• X and Y Dimensions: The determination of position in "a first dimension and a second dimension of the 3D space" (X-Y plane) is a well-established concept in pointing devices and is present in the prior art.

The key differentiating aspects for US9946369, particularly in its preferred embodiment, involve the specific mechanism of determining the Z-dimension (distance) using the elliptical eccentricity and/or area/intensity of a conical infrared beam from the stylus, and using this continuous Z-axis input for continuous zoom functionality or non-contact selection based on specific thresholds or "dipping motions." While prior art teaches 3D position, the specific methods for determining Z from a conical beam's properties on a display's sensitive layer, and the explicit application of continuous Z-axis movement to continuous zoom or threshold-based contactless selection, would be crucial for establishing novelty and non-obviousness over these references.

For example, US6081255A, US6184863B1, US20010050672A1, US5227985A, US5892501A, and US5793361A broadly anticipate the general idea of 3D input and control. However, the specific details of using light beam eccentricity and area to determine distance, and then specifically using that distance for a continuous zoom, as detailed in US9946369, would need to be present in these references to fully anticipate the claims. Further detailed analysis of each cited patent's full text would be necessary to ascertain the extent to which these specific features are disclosed or rendered obvious.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for US Patent 9,946,369

The patent US 9,946,369 claims an interactive device and a method for controlling an electronic device based on the three-dimensional (3D) position of an input means relative to a display. The key inventive aspect, as described in the independent claims, is the detection of an object's 3D position (X, Y, and Z dimensions) using light sensors, and then executing a function (such as zooming or selection) based on the object's movement in the third dimension (Z-axis, representing distance from the device).

A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) in 2002 (the priority date of US 9,946,369) would have been familiar with various input technologies and the challenges of user interfaces on small electronic devices, as explicitly stated in the background of US 9,946,369. The background notes the "significant disadvantage" of reduced user interface size and the prevalence of "data 'layers' or 'levels'" requiring multiple selections, which is "time consuming and can be irritating to the user." This problem statement provides a clear motivation for a PHOSITA to seek improved, more intuitive interaction methods for small displays.

The following combination of prior art references would render the claims of US 9,946,369 obvious to a PHOSITA:

Primary References and their Teachings:

1. JPH05265637A (Toshiba Corp.): "Three-dimensional pointing device" (Published 1993-10-15, Priority 1992-03-16). This reference teaches a device capable of three-dimensional pointing. A PHOSITA would understand that a 3D pointing device inherently involves detecting an object's position in X, Y, and Z coordinates. Interaction with such a device would naturally imply a display for visualizing the pointing actions.
2. US5959617A (U.S. Philips Corporation): "Light pen input systems" (Published 1999-09-28, Priority 1995-08-10). This patent discloses input systems utilizing a "light pen" for interaction with a display. Light pens are well-known optical input devices that detect X-Y coordinates on a screen. This reference provides the concept of optical sensing for pointing on a display.
3. US5227985A (University Of Maryland): "Computer vision system for position monitoring in three dimensions using non-coplanar light sources attached to a monitored object" (Published 1993-07-13, Priority 1991-08-19). This patent explicitly describes a system for monitoring an object's position in three dimensions using light sources. It teaches a mechanism for determining the Z-coordinate (distance) based on the light emitted from or reflected by an object.

Motivation for Combination:

A PHOSITA, motivated to overcome the user interface challenges of small electronic devices (as described in US 9,946,369's background), would recognize the value of adding a third dimension of input beyond conventional 2D touchscreens.

• Combining JPH05265637A (3D pointing device) with US5959617A (light pen input for displays) would be obvious to a PHOSITA seeking to implement 3D pointing using optical sensing technology. The problem of enhancing user interaction with displays would motivate the use of a pointing device with a display.
• To achieve the three-dimensional detection, the PHOSITA would look to known methods for optically determining 3D position, such as the "computer vision system for position monitoring in three dimensions using non-coplanar light sources" taught by US5227985A. This reference provides a technical basis for determining the Z-coordinate by analyzing characteristics of light. The specific methods mentioned in US 9,946,369 for determining Z-position, such as sensing the area, intensity, or elliptical eccentricity of a conical light beam, are optical principles that would be known or readily apparent to a PHOSITA skilled in computer vision and optical sensing, in light of US5227985A. For example, US 9,946,369 describes a stylus emitting a conical beam and a sensitive layer detecting the area and/or intensity, or the elliptical eccentricity, to determine distance and angle. These are common optical sensing techniques for determining depth. Furthermore, the use of an infrared emitter in a stylus was known, as shown in US6529189B1 (filed 2000-02-08, published 2003-03-04), which describes a "Touch screen stylus with IR-coupled selection buttons."

Application to Independent Claims:

Independent Claim 1 (Interactive device):

• Housing, screen, selectable options: The concept of an interactive device with a screen displaying options is generic and taught or implied by JPH05265637A (a 3D pointing device would interact with a display) and other general display technologies (e.g., US6028595A "Touch-screen display").
• Plurality of light sensors disposed in the housing, detecting light, providing output signal: Light-sensitive input for displays is taught by US5959617A (light pen systems) and EP0572182A1 ("Display unit with integral optical input apparatus"). The use of a "plurality" of sensors or an array (such as CCD/CMOS arrays mentioned in US 9,946,369) for comprehensive detection would be an obvious design choice for a PHOSITA.
• Processing unit configured to receive output signals and determine 3D position: JPH05265637A clearly teaches a 3D pointing device, and US5227985A teaches a computer vision system for 3D position monitoring using light, which would involve a processor receiving signals and determining position.
• Determine X-Y position corresponds to selectable options: This is a fundamental aspect of pointing devices like those in US5959617A (light pen) and US20010050672A1 ("Coordinate input apparatus and method, coordinate input pointing device").
• Determine Z-movement based on change in output signal: US5227985A teaches 3D position monitoring using light sources, which inherently involves detecting changes in light characteristics (e.g., area, intensity, eccentricity) to determine movement in the Z-dimension. The specific techniques described in US 9,946,369 for determining Z-distance from the optical characteristics of a conical beam are well-understood optical principles.
• Execute a function (zoom, selection, sub-menu) based on Z-movement: Given a functional 3D input system, a PHOSITA would be motivated to map the Z-axis movement to common navigation and control functions to improve user experience, particularly to address the acknowledged difficulties with multi-level menus on small screens. Zooming was a known software function (the '369 patent mentions "conventional software offers an 'incremental zoom' with each discrete selection"), and providing continuous zoom or menu navigation via intuitive Z-axis movement would be an obvious way to enhance interaction, as directly motivated by the patent's own problem statement.

Independent Claim 11 (Method):
The steps of the method claim are likewise rendered obvious by the combination:

• Detecting light by one or more sensors associated with an object: Taught by US5959617A (light pen) and US5227985A (computer vision system using light sources).
• Determining 3D position by a processor based on detected light: Taught by JPH05265637A (3D pointing device) and US5227985A (3D position monitoring using light).
• Determining X-Y position corresponds to a selectable element: Taught by US5959617A and US20010050672A1.
• Determining Z-position corresponds to a distance: Explicitly taught by US5227985A's 3D position monitoring.
• Calculating a change in distance based on detected light: Inherently part of the 3D position monitoring in US5227985A.
• Executing a function related to the selectable element based on the change in distance: As explained for Claim 1, this mapping of Z-axis input to control functions like zoom or menu navigation would be an obvious design choice for a PHOSITA motivated to improve user interfaces, especially for small displays.

Therefore, a PHOSITA, equipped with the knowledge of JPH05265637A, US5959617A, and US5227985A, and motivated by the recognized need for improved user interfaces on small electronic devices, would have found it obvious to combine these teachings to arrive at the claimed invention.

Citations:
US9946369B2, Description, Abstract