WO2011042622A2

WO2011042622A2 - Laser pointer device

Info

Publication number: WO2011042622A2
Application number: PCT/FR2010/000660
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dominique Paret
Original assignee: Hitpool Systems
Priority date: 2009-10-05
Filing date: 2010-10-05
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: FR2950990A1; WO2011042622A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser pointer device including a main unit (1), including a laser diode (3) for emitting a laser beam (30) in a first direction (X1), the main unit (1) being attached to a first phalanx (P1) of a finger (20), a control means (4) for controlling the laser diode, a detection means (5) for detecting when said first phalanx is substantially aligned with a second phalanx (P2) adjacent to the first phalanx, wherein the control means (4) control the activation and turning off of the laser diode (3) depending on whether or not the first phalanx is substantially aligned with the second phalanx of the finger.

Description

LASER POINTER DEVICE

The present invention relates to laser pointer devices. These devices are used in particular, but not exclusively, to point an area of a screen where a presentation of images or slides is projected. These devices emit a coherent ray of light which makes it possible to display a spot of light of predetermined shape on an object or an area of the screen that the presenter wishes to highlight.

One of the difficulties facing the presenter who uses a laser pointer device is to simultaneously hold with his hand the laser pointing device, the microphone of the audio amplification system and possibly also a marker pen for flipchart or flipchart. Most often, the presenter must also manage the triggering of the slide change at the same time. In some cases, the presenter also uses his hands to hold and show a sample piece.

PRIOR ART

In the prior art a laser pointer device is known combined with a mouse adapted to interface with a computer on which the projected images are generated.

This requires however to hold this object in hand, and thus the presenter does not have his free hand for other functions.

Moreover, it is also known from documents JP2005140920 or

KR20090030364, laser pointer devices adapted to be worn by a finger of the presenter's hand. But the disadvantage of these solutions is that you have to press a button to trigger or stop the emission of the laser beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed here makes it possible to propose a new solution for laser pointer devices adapted to be worn by a finger of the user, this new solution object of the present invention does not require that the user presses a button to trigger the emission of the laser beam. The laser pointer device according to the invention comprises:

a main unit comprising a laser diode adapted to emit a laser beam in a first direction, and adapted to be fixed to a first phalanx of a user's finger, the first direction coinciding substantially with the longitudinal direction of said first phalanx,

control means adapted to control the starting or stopping of the supply of said laser diode,

detection means adapted to detect the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with a second adjacent phalanx of said finger of said user,

at least one electric storage battery adapted to supply at least the laser diode, the control means and detection means,

characterized in that the control means controls the start of the supply of said laser diode according to the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said user's finger.

Thanks to these provisions, the start and stop of the emission of the laser beam is made automatic and is directly related to the fact that the presenter points his finger equipped with such a device in the direction of the display screen.

In addition, in preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more of the following features may be used:

the second phalanx extends in a second direction, and the means of

detection are adapted to switch when the difference between the first and second directions is between a first and a second predetermined value,

the difference between the first and second directions is less than 10 degrees,

the detection means comprise an angle measuring member and a connecting rod rotatably mounted relative to the main unit, said connecting rod having first and second ends, the first end being integral in rotation with said angle measuring member, the second end being supported on an anterior portion of the second phalanx, the device comprises an auxiliary unit, movable relative to the main unit, adapted to be fixed to the second phalanx of the user's finger, carrying a cooperating element adapted to cooperate with the detection means,

the detection means comprise a micro-switch and wherein said cooperating element of the auxiliary unit is a cam adapted to actuate said micro-switch when the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx; said finger of said user is checked,

the detection means comprise a transmitter of a directional signal and a

receiver of said directional signal and wherein said cooperating element of the auxiliary unit is a reflector adapted to reflect said directional signal to said receiver when the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said user's finger is verified,

the device further comprises a mode selector comprising three positions, an OFF position, an ON position, and an 'Auto' position in which the control means control the start-up of the supply of said laser diode according to the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said finger of said user.

- the device further comprises the main unit further comprises a

an accelerometer connected to the control means to enable said control means to take into account the accelerations experienced by the device among the conditions necessary to start the supply of said laser diode,

the device further comprises a temperature sensor connected to the means of

control to allow said control means to take into account the temperature of the device among the conditions necessary to start the supply of said laser diode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, referring to a non-limiting example, illustrated by the following drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the main unit of the laser pointer device according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 represents the laser pointer device according to the first embodiment of the invention installed on a finger of a hand of a user,

FIG. 3 represents the laser pointer device according to the first embodiment of the invention, in a situation of common use,

FIGS. 4a and 4b show the laser pointer device according to FIG.

first embodiment of the invention, in side view, respectively with the folded finger and the finger extended,

FIG. 4c represents the laser pointer device according to the first embodiment of the invention, seen from above,

FIGS. 5a and 5b show the laser pointer device according to a

second embodiment of the invention, in side view, respectively with the folded finger and the finger extended,

FIG. 5c shows the laser pointer device according to the second embodiment of the invention, seen from below,

FIGS. 6a and 6b show the laser pointer device according to a

third embodiment of the invention, in side view, respectively with the folded finger and the finger extended,

FIG. 6c represents the laser pointer device according to the third embodiment of the invention, seen from above,

FIG. 7 represents a front view of the laser pointer device according to the first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 represents a block diagram of the control circuit,

Fig. 9 is a detail view showing the mode selector. FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the main unit 1 of the laser pointer device according to a first embodiment of the invention. The main unit 1 of the laser pointer device comprises a main body 12, which extends along a longitudinal direction X1 between a front end 14 and a rear end 15. In the illustrated example, the main body 12 presents a general section in the form of 'C' open downwards, with a concave inner face 13 presenting itself as a cylinder portion of axis parallel to X1, this internal face being adapted to fit the upper part of a first phalanx P1 finger 20 of a hand 50 of a user, for example preferably the index 20 of the user, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

The main body has a convex outer surface with upper portion 16 and two lateral portions 17 and 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7.

The upper face 16 comprises a laser diode 3, adapted to emit a laser beam 30 forward in a direction X3, which in the example shown is identical to the direction X1, and in the general case coincides substantially with the direction X1 .

A closure collar 10 makes it possible to connect the two lateral portions 17, 18 from below and makes it possible to adjust the circumferential tightening of the first phalanx P1 of the user's finger 20.

On one of the side faces, preferably the left side face 18 in the case where this device is used on the index of a right-handed user, a mode switch 6 is arranged, this mode selector 6 will be described in detail later .

Furthermore, the main unit 1 of the laser pointer device comprises detection means 5 able to detect the condition that said first phalanx P1 is substantially aligned with a second phalanx P2 adjacent said first phalanx P1 of said finger 20 of said user. According to the first embodiment, the detection means 5 are in the form of a 'micro-switch' 5 (meaning micro-switch or micro-switch), arranged on a rear part of the upper face 16 of the main unit 1, the micro-switch 5 having a pusher 51 protruding rearward towards the second phalanx P2.

An auxiliary unit 2, fixed on the second phalanx P2, is presented

substantially like a ring, this auxiliary unit 2 can be adjusted around the phalanx P2 by means of a lower closure member 22. The auxiliary unit 2 comprises a cooperating element adapted to cooperate with the detection means 5, which presents itself in the present embodiment as a cam 21 projecting forwards on the upper face of said auxiliary unit, this cam 21 cooperating with the pusher 51 of the micro-switch in the following manner, also clearly visible in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c:

when the user's finger is bent, or not completely stretched, the phalanges P1 and P2 are not substantially aligned and the cam 21 remains at a distance from the pusher 51 and therefore does not actuate the pusher 51 (see FIG. 4a), when the finger 20 of the user is completely stretched, the knuckles P1 and P2 are substantially aligned and the cam 21 comes into contact with the pusher 51 and then actuates said pusher 51 (see Fig. 4b and 4c).

Thus the detection means 5 are able to detect the condition that the phalanges P1 and P2 are substantially aligned and therefore that the finger of the user is stretched. In this case, when the cam 21 actuates the pusher 51, then the detection means 5 deliver information that the finger is stretched to allow the laser diode 3 to be energized, and when the cam 21 no longer actuates the pusher 51 , then the detection means 5 deliver information that the finger is bent in order to prohibit the supply of the laser diode 3.

Furthermore, the main unit is provided with a battery 1 1 of electric accumulator (see Fig. 7), which can be lithium button-type or other type more suitable. This battery 1 1 can be further rechargeable type. A cover 19 provides access to the battery for replacement or connection for charging.

Advantageously according to the invention, the device further comprises control means 4, illustrated in particular in FIG. 8, these control means 4 being powered by the battery 1 1, and these control means 4 being connected to the detection means 5 and the mode selector 6. At the output, said control means 4 control the supply of the laser diode 3.

The control means 4 comprises an electronic circuit based on semiconductor components as is well known in the art.

In particular, the control means 4 may comprise a printed circuit 40, a microcontroller 41, an output transistor 43 which supplies the laser diode 3, input information reading interfaces relating to the mode selector 6 and the detection means 5. .

Furthermore, optionally, the control means 4 may furthermore comprise an acceleration sensor 7 or accelerometer 7, able to measure the accelerations experienced by the main unit 1 of the pointing device and to transmit these measurements to the microcontroller 41 .

Furthermore, still optionally, the control means 4 may further comprise a temperature sensor 8, able to measure a temperature on the inner face 13 of the main unit 1, said temperature being close to the temperature of the skin of phalanx P1 as soon as the main unit is installed on said phalanx P1. This temperature information is transmitted to the

microcontroller 41.

The acceleration and temperature information can be taken into account in the operating logic that will be described later, in addition to the information supplied by the detection means 5.

The mode selector 6, in the example shown and shown in Figure 9, is integral with a switch 6a, and has three positions:

an OFF position (key 61) in which the laser diode is never powered by the control means, the control means 4 not being powered in this position (see position 61a in FIG.

an 'ON' position (item 63) in which the laser diode is continuously supplied by the control means 4, the ON 'position being indicated by 63a in FIG.

an 'AUTO' position (item 62) in which the control means 4 activate the supply of the laser diode 3, as a function of the information delivered by the detection means 5, the 'AUTO' position being indicated by 62a in FIG. Figure 8.

FIGS. 5a to 5c show a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first mode essentially in the structure and operation of the detection means 5.

In the case of the second embodiment of the invention, the detection means 5 comprise a connecting rod 9, rotatably mounted relative to the main unit 1, having a first end 91 connected to an angle measuring member 52, such as for example a potentiometer or an angular encoder, said first end being rotatably connected to said angle measuring member 52. In addition, the connecting rod 9 comprises in its middle part a lever arm and an elbow, the connecting rod 9

further comprises a second end portion 92, substantially

perpendicular to the lever arm.

On this second end portion 92, is arranged a roller 94, rotatably mounted around this end portion 92, said roller 94 abuts on the lower face of the second phalanx P2, the roller 94 allowing frictionless movement the second end portion 92 on the lower face (also called anterior) of the second phalanx P2. As represented in FIGS. 5a and 5b, an angle Θ represents an image of the distance separating the longitudinal direction X1 from the first phalanx P1 of the longitudinal direction X2 of the second phalanx P2.

When the finger 20 moves in the direction of deflection, the direction X1 of the first phalanx P1 deviates from the direction X2 of the second phalanx P2 and the angle Θ increases. On the other hand, when the finger 20 moves in the direction of an extension, the direction X1 of the first phalanx P1 approaches the direction X2 of the second phalanx P2 and the angle Θ decreases and approaches a predetermined value Θ1 corresponding to the situation where the finger is almost tense.

In the control means 4, a threshold of a second predetermined value of Θ equal to Θ2 is stored in memory, and when the angle measurement Θ is less than Θ2, then the emission of the laser diode can be controlled. Conversely, when the angle measurement Θ is greater than Θ2 then the emission of the laser diode can be stopped.

Thus when the angle measurement Θ is between the first predetermined value Θ1 and the second of a predetermined value Θ2, the control means 4 have an information that said first phalanx P2 is substantially aligned with said second phalanx P2, and can thus take this into account in order to trigger the emission of the laser diode 3.

The other elements of the laser pointer device, other than the detection means 5, are identical or similar to what has been described for the first mode and will therefore not be described in detail here again.

FIGS. 6a to 6c show a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first and second modes essentially by the structure and operation of the detection means 5.

The detection means comprise a transceiver comprising a transmitter 25 and a receiver 28 of short electromagnetic waves, for example visible light and preferably an infrared beam. The transmitter 25 is adapted to emit a directional signal 27 towards the rear, in the direction of the second phalanx P2, in a direction substantially coinciding with X1. The receiver 28 is adapted to receive and capture a reflection (ie an echo) of said directional beam signal. In this third embodiment, an auxiliary unit 2, fixed on the second phalanx P2, having substantially an adjustable ring shape similar to that of the first embodiment, comprises as a cooperating element a reflector 26, able to reflect the light rays, in particular those emitted by the transmitter 25, with a reflection plane having a normal oriented in the direction X2. Thus, when the direction X2 substantially coincides with the direction X1 (when the finger is stretched or almost stretched, the signal emitted by the transmitter 25 is reflected by the reflector 26 and is received back by the receiver 28 and analyzed: this condition The return signal represents for the detection means 5 the condition that the first phalanx P1 is substantially aligned with the second phalanx P2.

The reflector 26 may be recessed into a housing or positioned on the surface.

Return signal processing means located in the detection means 5 or in control means 4 make it possible to filter parasitic reflections of the signal 27 which could occur on more distant objects and generate false detections.

The laser pointer device according to the invention operates as follows.

Firstly, the mode selector 6 allows the user to choose the operating mode between:

- a mode stopped (OFF position of the selector 6) in which the device of

laser pointer does not consume energy, the position 61a of the switch 6a linked to the selector interrupting the power supply circuit of the means of

order 4.

a permanent transmission mode (ON 'position of the selector 6) in which the control means 4 of the laser pointer device supply the laser diode 3 continuously,

an automatic mode ('Auto' position of the selector 6) in which the control means 4 of the laser pointer device supply the laser diode 3 according to a logic which will be described below according to the information supplied by the detection means 5 and incidentally by the acceleration and temperature information.

According to any of the embodiments described above, the simplest automatic operation is for the control means 4 to trigger the emission of the laser diode 3 when the detection means 5 have delivered the information that the provided that the first and second phalanx P1 and P2 are substantially aligned is verified.

In addition, the control means 4 stop the emission of the laser diode 3 since the detection means 5 have delivered the opposite information, namely the condition that the first and second phalanx P1 and P2 are substantially aligned. more verified.

In addition, advantageously according to the invention, in any of the embodiments, the emission of the laser beam by the laser pointer device can be secured by additional transmission conditions related to the acceleration information and / or which are taken into account in the operating logic.

The control means 4 may, for example, subject the tripping of the emission of the laser diode 3 to the fact that the main unit is subjected to movements or has been subjected to movements in the moments which precede the verification of the condition that the first and second phalanx P1 and P2 are substantially aligned delivered by the detection means 5.

Thus, it is avoided that the device can trigger the emission of the laser beam while the user simply has the hand laid flat on a table for example.

Moreover, the control means 4 may, for example, make the triggering of the emission of the laser diode 3 subject to the fact that the temperature sensor 8 gives a temperature information between, for example, 25 ° C. and 35 ° C., which is representative of the fact that the main unit is correctly installed on the finger 20 of a user.

Thus, it is avoided that the device can trigger the emission of the laser beam while said device is not in a situation of normal use on the finger of a user. Advantageously, the presenter can carry on his finger the laser pointer device according to the invention throughout the duration of the presentation, without significant inconvenience, his hand remaining free for other tasks and other functions such as the maintenance of the microphone to hand or writing with a pen or marker on the board or flipchart. At the same time, it suffices for the presenter to extend the finger on which the laser pointer device according to the invention is installed so that the latter emits a laser beam projecting a spot of light onto the screen or the presentation medium.

Claims

A laser pointer device for displaying a predetermined form of light spot on an area of a screen where a presentation of images or slides is projected, said device comprising:

a main unit (1) comprising a laser diode (3) adapted to emit a laser beam (30) in a first direction (X1), said main unit (1) being adapted to be fixed to a first phalanx (P1) d a finger (20) of a user, the first direction coinciding substantially with the longitudinal direction of said first phalanx (P1),

control means (4) adapted to control the starting or stopping of the supply of said laser diode (3),

detection means (5) adapted to detect the condition that said

first phalanx (P1) is substantially aligned with a second phalanx (P2) adjacent to said first phalanx of said user's finger,

at least one electric storage battery (11), adapted to supply at least the laser diode, the control means and the detection means, characterized in that the control means (4) control the start-up of the supplying said laser diode (3) according to the condition that said first phalanx (P1) is substantially aligned with said second phalanx (P2) of said user's finger.

The laser pointer device according to claim 1, wherein the second

phalanx (P2) extends in a second direction (X2), and wherein the detection means are adapted to switch when a measured angle (Θ) representing a difference between the first and second directions (X, X2) is between first and second predetermined values (Θ1, Θ2).

3. Laser pointer device according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the detection means comprise an angle measuring member (52) and a connecting rod (9) rotatably mounted relative to the main unit, said connecting rod. having first and second ends, the first end being integral in rotation with said angle measuring member, the second end bearing on an anterior portion of the second phalanx.

4. Laser pointer device according to one of claimsi-3, comprising an auxiliary unit (2), movable relative to the main unit, adapted to be fixed to the second phalanx (P2) of the finger of the user, carrying a cooperating element adapted to cooperate with the detection means.

The laser pointer device according to claim 4, wherein the detection means comprise a micro-switch (51) and wherein said cooperating element of the auxiliary unit is a cam (21) adapted to actuate said micro-switch when the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said user's finger is verified.

The laser pointer device according to claim 4, wherein the detection means comprises a transmitter (25) of a directional signal and a receiver of said directional signal and wherein said cooperating element of the auxiliary unit is a reflector (26). ) adapted to reflect said directional signal to said receiver when the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said user's finger is verified.

Laser pointer device according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising a mode selector (6) having three positions, an OFF position, an ON position, and an 'Auto' position in which the control means controls the powering of said laser diode (3). ) according to the condition that said first phalanx is substantially aligned with said second phalanx of said finger of said user.

Laser pointer device according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising the main unit further comprises an accelerometer (7) connected to the control means (4) to enable said means for

command to take into account the accelerations experienced by the device among the conditions necessary to start the power supply of said laser diode.

Laser pointer device according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising a temperature sensor (8) connected to the means of

control (4) to enable said control means to take into account the temperature measured in contact with the first phalanx (P1) among the conditions necessary to start the supply of said laser diode.