Magnetic Pointer Interface for 3D Object Viewpoint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for constructing a two-dimensional image from a three-dimensional object encoded in a digital file are cumbersome for users, as they struggle to intuitively specify the viewpoint position and optical axis direction.
Innovation Solution
A graphical interface control method using a permanent magnet as a pointer, allowing users to easily indicate the viewpoint and optical axis direction, with an array of magnetometers to determine the magnet's position and orientation, and a processing unit to construct a two-dimensional image based on these inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mouse with a movable ball is used to modify viewpoint coordinates and optical axis direction, then the device can control the two-dimensional image construction, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is not easy for the user to indicate precisely and simply the position of the viewpoint or the direction of the optical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse interface with a magnetic field-based detection system. A permanent magnet attached to a pointer replaces the mechanical ball, and magnetometers detect the magnet's position and orientation through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for mechanical movement components and providing more intuitive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a permanent magnet as an intermediary between the user's manual manipulation and the digital interface. The magnet serves as a mediator that translates physical pointer movements and orientations into detectable magnetic field changes, which are then converted into viewpoint position and optical axis direction data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the angles of view and viewpoint position are taken as constants to simplify interactions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the user cannot easily navigate around the three-dimensional object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, constant viewpoint and optical axis parameters into dynamic parameters that change continuously based on the real-time position and orientation of the magnetic pointer. The system automatically updates the viewpoint position and optical axis direction as the user moves the pointer, enabling flexible navigation around the three-dimensional object.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic pointer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates the viewpoint position, defines the optical axis direction, and can potentially control other viewing parameters. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate controls with a single unified interface element.
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 users to intuitively control the display of three-dimensional objects by simplifying the specification of viewpoint and optical axis, allowing seamless navigation and interactive manipulation of the three-dimensional object, while automatically determining scale coefficients to maintain image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a pointer (10) comprising a permanent magnet (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
This method for controlling a graphical interface comprises: - calculating (68) the coordinates of a permanent magnet and the direction of the magnetic moment of the permanent magnet from magnetometer measurements, - matching (70) the dimensions of a three-dimensional object with the previously calculated coordinates by multiplying each dimension of the three-dimensional object by a coefficient CV in order to obtain a three-dimensional object brought to scale and by multiplying the calculated coordinates by the inverse of a coefficient CR in order to obtain scaled coordinates, - constructing (72) a two-dimensional image corresponding to the image of the object brought to scale observed from a viewpoint and along an optical axis deduced from the scaled coordinates and from the direction of the magnetic moment of the permanent magnet, and - controlling (74) the graphical interface to display the constructed image on this graphical interface.