Method and apparatus for computer input using six degrees of freedom
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A computer input device for providing input control to a computer, the input device comprising:
- a flat bottom surface capable of being slid across a working surface;
an orientation detection component capable of detecting the orientation of the input device relative to the working surface along six-degrees of freedom, the orientation detection component comprising a set of sensors capable of sensing the orientation of the input device without sensing an orientation signal generated external from the input device.
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Abstract
A mouse is provided that uses a camera as its input sensor. A real-time vision algorithm determines the six degree-of-freedom mouse posture, consisting of 2D motion, tilt in the forward/back and left/right axes, rotation of the mouse about its vertical axis, and some limited height sensing. Thus, a familiar 2D device can be extended for three-dimensional manipulation, while remaining suitable for standard 2D Graphical User Interface tasks. The invention includes techniques for mouse functionality, 3D manipulation, navigating large 2D spaces, and using the camera for lightweight scanning tasks.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A computer input device for providing input control to a computer, the input device comprising:
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a flat bottom surface capable of being slid across a working surface;
an orientation detection component capable of detecting the orientation of the input device relative to the working surface along six-degrees of freedom, the orientation detection component comprising a set of sensors capable of sensing the orientation of the input device without sensing an orientation signal generated external from the input device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computer-readable medium for use in a computer system having a display and having an input device capable of indicating its orientation, the computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:
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receiving an indication from the input device that the input device is tilted relative to a working surface;
routing a message indicating that the input device is tilted to an application that is currently displaying at least a portion of a two-dimensional image on the display;
based on the message, the application zooming out to show more of the two-dimensional image that is shown on the display;
receiving an indication from the input device that the input device has moved across the plane of the working surface while the input device is tilted;
routing a message indicating the movement of the input device to the application displaying the two-dimensional image; and
based on the message, the application moving a selection box across the two-dimensional image in a manner corresponding to the movement of the input device across the working surface. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computer-readable medium for use in a computer system having a display and having an input device capable of indicating its orientation, the computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:
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receiving an indication from the input device that the input device is tilted relative to a working surface;
displaying the rotation of an object on the display, the direction and rate of rotation based on the direction and degree to which the input device is tilted;
receiving an indication from the input device that the input device is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the working surface; and
displaying the rotation of the object on the display, the degree of rotation based on the degree to which the input device is rotated.
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15. A computer-readable medium for use in a computer system having a display and an input device that moves over a pad, the computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:
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displaying an image on the display;
selecting an item in the displayed image based on input from the user;
receiving a signal from the pad indicating that a user is touching the pad;
receiving a signal from the input device that the input device is moving relative to the pad;
displaying movement of the selected item and the remainder of the image on the display based on the movement of the input device relative to the pad and the signal indicating the user is touching the pad;
receiving a signal from the pad indicating that a user is not touching the pad;
receiving a signal from the input device that the input device is moving relative to the pad; and
displaying movement of the selected item based on the movement of the input device relative to the pad while displaying the remainder of the displayed image in a fixed position based on the movement of the input device relative to the pad and the signal indicating that the user is not touching the pad. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification