Input detection in connection with projected images

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting user interaction or another input with a projected image includes a scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism is capable of scanning the at least one input region for any objects therein. An input identification mechanism may identify the input identified by the object, movement of the object, or a change in the object's position. That information may be used to alter the projected display.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A projected image-interactive input device comprising:
 a scanner that detects an object within a three-dimensional space over at least one input region of a side of a display surface onto which an image is projected, with which a user may provide physical input to affect a state of the image; and   an input identifier that identifies an input represented by the object in the three-dimensional space over the at least one input region on the side of the display surface.   
     
     
         2 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a boundary definer that defines the at least one input region over the side of the display surface.   
     
     
         3 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 2 , wherein the boundary definer defines the at least one input region to be laterally coincident with the image projected onto the side of the display surface. 
     
     
         4 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 2 , wherein the boundary definer defines a plurality of input regions. 
     
     
         5 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 4 , wherein each input region of the plurality of input regions corresponds to a specific user. 
     
     
         6 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , wherein the input identifier associates the input represented by the object in the three-dimensional space over the at least one input region on the side of the display surface with at least one user. 
     
     
         7 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 6 , wherein the input identifier associates the input represented by the object in the three-dimensional space over the at least one input region on the side of the display surface with the at least one user based on a location of the object over the at least one input region. 
     
     
         8 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a mechanical support that carries the scanner and orients the scanner towards the display surface.   
     
     
         9 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 8 , wherein the mechanical support further carries a projector that projects the image onto the side of the display surface. 
     
     
         10 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user associator that associates any scanned object with at least one user.   
     
     
         11 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 10 , wherein the user associator associates an object with at least one user based on a location over the at least one input region over which the object is scanned. 
     
     
         12 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , wherein the object comprises a body part of at least one user. 
     
     
         13 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a communication element that communicates data from the scanner to an electronic device that generates the image projected onto the side of the display surface.   
     
     
         14 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 1 , wherein the image comprises a display of an electronic device. 
     
     
         15 . A projected image-interactive input device, comprising:
 a scanner that selectively scans one or more input regions on a side of a display surface onto which an image is projected to detect objects placed within the one or more input regions; and   an input identifier that identifies an input represented by an object positioned on or adjacent to the one or more input regions.   
     
     
         16 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a boundary identifier that selectively defines the one or more input regions on the side of the display surface onto which an image is projected.   
     
     
         17 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 16 , wherein each of the one or more input regions comprises a region that can receive user input on and/or adjacent to the side of the display surface onto which the image is projected to affect a state of the image. 
     
     
         18 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 15 , wherein the input identifier associates the input represented by the object with a user. 
     
     
         19 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 18 , wherein the input identifier associates the input represented by the object with a user based on a location of the object on and/or adjacent to the side of the display surface onto which the image is projected. 
     
     
         20 . The projected image-interactive input device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a projector that projects the image onto the display surface.