US Patent 7972211 Pattern codes used for interactive control of computer applications

Methods for determining input to be supplied to a computer program are provided. One of the methods include processing a first video frame having a pattern code before light is applied to the pattern code. The first video frame defines a first characteristic of the pattern code, and the pattern code is defined by at least two tags. The method further includes processing a second video frame having the pattern code when light is applied to the pattern code, such that the second video frame defines a second characteristic of the pattern code. Then, decoding the first characteristic and the second characteristic of the pattern code to produce decoded information. An interactive command is then initiated to the computer program. A type of the interactive command is defined by the decoded information, wherein one of the tags has a reflective surface and one of the tags has a non-reflective surface.