Motion-Sensing Controller With Axis Constraint for 3D Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer peripherals, such as keyboards and mice, are limited in their ability to facilitate efficient navigation and control of 3D audio environments, leading to slow and difficult sound design processes in video games and other audio-visual industries.
Innovation Solution
A motion-sensing controller system with a handheld body, orientation-sensing component, and base structure that constrains rotation in specific directions, allowing intuitive control of audio orientation parameters in 3D audio programs, using a wireless output signal and visual indicia for orientation confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional computer peripherals (keyboard and mouse) are used to control orientation and position in 3D audio environments, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the navigation and control process becomes slow and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical computer peripherals (keyboard and mouse) with a motion-sensing controller that uses orientation-sensing components (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to detect spatial orientation. This substitution enables intuitive 3D audio environment navigation by directly mapping physical controller orientation to virtual sound source and listener positions, dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing design time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional interface navigation to three-dimensional spatial control by allowing the controller body to sense and transmit orientation data across multiple rotational axes (pitch, roll, yaw). This dimensional expansion enables natural manipulation of 3D audio parameters through physical controller orientation, making the design process both faster and more intuitive
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller body is permitted to rotate freely about all rotational axes, then the controller is versatile and adaptable, but it becomes difficult to constrain rotation in specific directions when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rotation constraints through a base structure with groove-protrusion mechanisms that can adaptively restrict controller rotation to specific axes based on operational needs. The base structure includes grooves that receive protrusions on the controller, mechanically constraining rotation about certain axes while permitting rotation about others. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between different rotational degrees of freedom as required by different 3D audio design tasks
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 efficient and intuitive control of sound sources and listener positions in 3D audio environments, reducing positional drift and enhancing the ease of 3D audio design.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation-sensing component configured to sense the orientation of the controller body
Implementation Method 2
an orientation-sensing component configured to sense the orientation of the controller body
Data Source
AI summary
A motion-sensing controller system comprises: a motion-sensing controller. The motion-sensing controller comprises a handheld controller body; an orientation-sensing component configured to sense the orientation of the controller body; and an output component configured to generate an output signal based on the sensed orientation of the controller body. The motion-sensing controller system also further comprises a base structure configured to engage with the controller body such that, when the controller body and the base structure are engaged with one another, rotation of the controller body about at least one rotational axis thereof is prevented and the controller body is permitted to rotate at least part-way about another rotational axis thereof.