3D Input Tracking With IMU and Ultrasound for Intuitive Object Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input devices are limited in their ability to intuitively manipulate and control 3D objects, requiring additional control functionalities for 3D object translation, zoom, rotation, and movement, which are inefficient and difficult to learn.
Innovation Solution
An input device equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, ultrasonic speaker, and feedback module, along with a tracking assembly of ultrasonic microphones, allows for natural 3D manipulation by detecting position, orientation, and gestures, enabling seamless transition between 2D and 3D control modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional 2D input devices (buttons, knobs, mouse) are used for 3D object manipulation, then device simplicity is maintained, but control intuitiveness and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, knobs, 2D mouse) with an inertial input device that utilizes inertial sensors to detect 3D spatial movements. This substitution enables natural 3D manipulation gestures without requiring complex mechanical controls, directly resolving the contradiction by improving control intuitiveness while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D input device平面 movement to 3D spatial movement detection by incorporating inertial sensors that track position, orientation, and gestures in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion allows users to manipulate 3D objects intuitively through natural hand movements, resolving the contradiction between control intuitiveness and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional control functionalities are added to enable 3D manipulation, then control capability improves, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal 3D control system where a single inertial input device with IMU sensors can perform multiple 3D manipulation functions (translation, rotation, zooming, slicing) through different movement gestures. This multi-functional approach improves 3D control capability without requiring separate specialized controls for each function, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional 2D input devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency in 3D manipulation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces inefficient 2D input methods with inertial-based 3D gesture recognition, enabling direct and intuitive manipulation of 3D objects. This substitution significantly improves 3D manipulation efficiency by allowing users to perform complex operations (rotation, translation, zooming) through natural gestures rather than sequences of button presses, thereby reducing operational burden while enhancing productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables intuitive and natural control of 3D objects on a display screen by correlating the input device's movement with the object's manipulation, enhancing user interaction in 3D environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic speaker disposed in the internal volume... the ultrasonic speaker is configured to output sound waves greater than about 20 kHz
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor disposed in the internal volume
Implementation Method 3
three ultrasonic microphones fixed to the computing device, the three ultrasonic microphones configured to receive ultrasonic waves output by the ultrasonic speaker
Implementation Method 4
determine a three-dimensional (3D) position of the input device... based at least in part on the ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional control system includes an input device, a computing device, and a tracking assembly. The input device can include an input sensor, an inertial measurement unit sensor, and an ultrasonic speaker. The tracking assembly can include a plurality of ultrasonic microphones and an inertial measurement unit disposed on or with the computing device. The plurality of ultrasonic microphones can include three microphones in a first plane and at least one other ultrasonic microphone disposed out of the first plane. The ultrasonic microphones can be configured to detect ultrasonic waves output by the speaker of the input device and the computing device can triangulate the position of the input device relative to the computing device in space.