Digital Pen 3D Plane Selection via Orientation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices, such as mice, require complex operations and scarce resources to manipulate three-dimensional objects in CAD programs, limiting user interaction efficiency due to the need for multiple viewports or mode switching.
Innovation Solution
A digital pen equipped with orientation sensors and a 3D coordinate plane selection module allows users to select and adjust 3D planes by tilting the pen within a threshold degree, eliminating the need for additional input devices and mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices like mice are used to manipulate 3D objects, then 3D object manipulation is possible, but operational complexity increases and user interaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to 2D touchscreen interaction by introducing frame-by-frame manipulation. Users can navigate through different time frames of a 3D object's animation or transformation sequence, allowing complex 3D manipulations to be broken down into simple sequential 2D touches. This resolves the contradiction by enabling powerful 3D control through simplified temporal sequencing rather than complex spatial gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments 3D object manipulation into discrete frame-based operations. Instead of requiring continuous complex mouse gestures, the 3D manipulation process is divided into individual frames that can be touched and controlled separately on the 2D screen. Each frame represents a discrete state or step in the 3D manipulation, making the overall complex operation manageable through simple segmented interactions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple viewports or mode switching is used to manipulate 3D objects, then comprehensive 3D control is achieved, but user learning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the 2D touchscreen universally functional for both 2D and 3D manipulation tasks through frame-based interaction. The same touchscreen interface handles both traditional 2D drawing and complex 3D object manipulation without requiring mode switching. By representing 3D states as sequential 2D frames, the system achieves multi-functionality in a single unified interface, eliminating the need for separate viewports or operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of presenting 3D objects through traditional multi-viewport projections that require mode switching, the patent inverts the approach by displaying multiple temporal frames of the 3D object sequentially on a single 2D screen. This inversion from spatial multi-viewport to temporal single-viewport representation simplifies the interface while maintaining comprehensive 3D control capability.
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 efficient manipulation of 3D objects on a 2D surface without additional input devices, reducing operational complexity and user learning time while maintaining precise control over 3D object manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
A digital pen including a number of orientation sensors and a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate plane selection module
Data Source
AI summary
A digital pen may include an orientation sensors and a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate plane selection module wherein, via input from the orientation sensors describing a position and orientation of the digital pen with respect to a two-dimensional (2D) display, the 3D coordinate plane selection module selects at least one coordinate plane in which an element of a 3D image is to be adjusted.