User Interface Gestures For Moving a Virtual Camera On A Mobile Device

Abstract

This invention relates to user interface gestures for moving a virtual camera on a mobile device. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method navigates a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment on a mobile device having a touch screen. A user input is received indicating that two objects have touched a view of the mobile device and the two objects have moved relative to each other. A speed of the objects is determined based on the user input. A speed of the virtual camera is determined based on the speed of the objects. The virtual camera is moved relative to the three dimensional environment according to the speed of the virtual camera.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. 61 / 091,234, filed Aug. 22, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention generally relates to navigation in a three dimensional environment.[0004]2. Background Art[0005]Systems exist for navigating through a three dimensional environment to display three dimensional data. The three dimensional environment includes a virtual camera that defines what three dimensional data to display. The virtual camera has a perspective according to its position and orientation. By changing the perspective of the virtual camera, a user can navigate through the three dimensional environment.[0006]Mobile devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable navigation devices (PNDs) and handheld game consoles, are being made with improved computing capabilities. Many mobile devices can access one or more networks, such as the I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a method and system for navigating a virtual camera in a three-dimensional environment on a mobile device using user interface gestures. The system can detect the movement of two objects on the touch screen of the device, and use this information to determine the speed and direction of the virtual camera in the environment. The virtual camera can then be moved and rotated based on the user's touch input. The technical effects of this invention include improved user experience and more intuitive interaction with virtual cameras on mobile devices.

Problems solved by technology

Further, user input may cause virtual camera 202 to change orientation, such as pitch, yaw, or roll.

Moving the fingers towards each other may cause the virtual camera to move forward, whereas moving the fingers away from each other may cause the virtual camera to move backwards.

While being easy for user, double tapping a view with a finger can be imprecise.

As result, a finger touch may occupy a substantial portion of the view.

Small changes in the position of the wide finger may result in large changes in the target location.

As result, angular jump navigation may be unstable.

Further, the accelerometer readings may be damped.

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