Magnetometer-Tracked Launcher Control for Virtual Projectile Launching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling graphic interfaces to interact with virtual environments lack dynamic interaction capabilities using real, three-dimensional objects, particularly for launching projectiles on defined trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a launcher with a non-magnetic structure and a fixed magnet, tracked by an array of magnetometers, to determine the launcher's position and orientation in both real and virtual reference frames, enabling dynamic interaction and projectile launching in a virtual environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pointer with a magnet is used to control a virtual three-dimensional object, then the locating precision is improved, but the interaction capability with the virtual environment remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical launcher in the virtual environment. The launcher is captured in real space using magnetometers, and a corresponding digital representation is created in the virtual environment. This copy allows the user to interact with virtual projectiles as if they were physical objects, thereby enhancing interaction capability while maintaining locating precision through the magnet-based tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computation unit as an intermediary that processes the magnetic field data from the magnetometers and translates the physical launcher's position and orientation into virtual environment coordinates. This intermediary enables the bridge between the physical pointer control system and the virtual environment interaction, allowing dynamic manipulation of virtual objects while maintaining precise locating capability.
2Device complexity
If a digital file codes the virtual environment with predefined mapping, then the system structure is simplified, but dynamic interaction with real objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static digital file mapping into a dynamic system by continuously tracking the magnet's position and orientation through real-time magnetic field measurements. The computation unit dynamically updates the launcher's state vector and recalculates projectile positions based on current magnetometer readings, enabling the system to adapt to user manipulations while maintaining the underlying simplified mapping structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the magnetometers continuously measure the magnetic field generated by the magnet on the launcher, the computation unit processes this data to determine position and orientation, and the system updates the virtual environment representation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic interaction while preserving the simplified digital file structure through continuous real-time updates.
3Measurement precision
If the launcher structure is made of non-magnetic material, then the magnetic field measurement accuracy is improved, but the structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the launcher, combining non-magnetic materials (such as plastics or aluminum alloys) for the main structure to ensure magnetic field measurement accuracy, with strategic reinforcement elements to maintain structural strength. The non-magnetic material ensures clean magnetic field readings from the attached magnet, while the composite design provides necessary mechanical strength for handling and launching operations.
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 dynamic interaction with virtual environments by allowing users to manipulate real launchers to launch projectiles on defined trajectories, enhancing user engagement and interaction with virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
measurement, by the array of magnetometers, of a magnetic field generated by the magnet at different successive measurement instants tn
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a graphic interface involving images of a digital representation of a launcher, where the launcher including a launching arm equipped with a magnet. An array of magnetometers Mi measures the magnetic field generated by the magnet, a state vector of the launching arm in a virtual reference frame Rv is determined, and a phase of arming then firing a projectile in the virtual reference frame Rv are identified. An image is then constructed and displayed on the graphic interface.