Dynamic Rotation Axis Calculation for 3D Object Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display processing systems for three-dimensional objects lack intuitive and flexible rotation capabilities, as they often restrict rotation axes to fixed axes (x, y, z) in a virtual three-dimensional space, making it difficult for users to perform comfortable and flexible rotations.

Innovation Solution

A program that calculates a rotation axis based on a swipe operation using a pointing device, determining a vector on a predetermined plane and selecting a straight line orthogonal to it as the rotation axis, allowing for dynamic axis selection and rotation amount calculation, enabling intuitive and flexible rotation of three-dimensional objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed axes (x, y, z) are used as rotation axes in virtual three-dimensional space, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and intuitiveness of rotation operation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitiveness of rotation operationVSAvoidcomplexity of rotation axis selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation axis is no longer fixed but dynamically determined based on the user's swipe operation. The system calculates a rotation axis vector from the swipe direction, allowing the rotation axis to adapt flexibly to user intent rather than being constrained to predetermined fixed axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical dial-type input device with fixed rotation axes is replaced by a touch-based swipe operation system. The new system uses vector calculation from touch input to determine rotation axes, substituting mechanical constraints with computational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If multiple operations are required to select rotation axes, then the rotation control is precise, but the operability and user comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of rotation operationVSAvoidtime for rotation axis selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The selection of rotation axis and determination of rotation direction are merged into a single swipe operation. The user's swipe gesture simultaneously defines both the rotation axis (perpendicular to swipe direction) and the rotation direction, eliminating the need for separate selection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates the rotation axis vector from the swipe operation before executing the rotation. This preliminary calculation of the rotation axis from the user's gesture allows the system to prepare the rotation parameters in advance, reducing operational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotation is performed only about fixed axes, then the coordinate system is simple, but the adaptability to different object orientations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to object attitudeVSAvoidcomplexity of coordinate system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation operation is adapted to the local orientation of the three-dimensional object rather than applying global fixed axes. The rotation axis is calculated relative to the object's current attitude, allowing different parts of the object to be rotated appropriately based on their local orientation and the user's intent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation axis parameters are dynamically changed based on the object's current orientation and the user's swipe gesture. Instead of using fixed axis parameters, the system calculates variable rotation axis parameters that adapt to the object's attitude, enabling versatile rotation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3211604B1Information processing program, information processing system, information processing method, and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3211604B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3211604B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3211604B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An image of a virtual three-dimensional space in which a three-dimensional object is positioned is displayed. A first straight line is calculated on the basis of predetermined two points in the three-dimensional object, and a second straight line orthogonal to the first straight line is further calculated. Then, either one of the first straight line and the second straight line is selected as a rotation axis on the basis of an input performed with the pointing device, and the three-dimensional object is rotated about the rotation axis.