Motion-Sensing Controller With Axis-Constrained 3D Audio Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D audio design tools face challenges in navigating complex 3D sound environments due to the limitations of two-dimensional interfaces, making it difficult for sound designers to efficiently manipulate sound sources and listener orientations.
Innovation Solution
A motion-sensing controller system with a handheld body and orientation-sensing component that constrains rotation in specific directions, allowing intuitive control of audio parameters in a 3D audio environment, using a base structure to prevent unwanted rotations and a wireless output signal to control 3D audio programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional 2D interface is used to control 3D audio environments, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in navigating 3D spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional graphical interface to a three-dimensional physical controller that directly maps to the 3D audio environment. The spherical controller body with orientation sensors allows users to manipulate sound sources and listener positions by physically rotating the device in three-dimensional space, creating a direct spatial correspondence between the controller's orientation and the virtual audio environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical input devices (keyboard and mouse) with a motion-sensing controller that uses orientation sensors (such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, or magnetometers) to detect the controller's spatial orientation. This mechanical-to-sensory substitution enables more intuitive and efficient navigation of 3D audio spaces.
2Reliability
If the controller body is freely rotatable about all axes, then the adaptability is high, but the reliability deteriorates due to unwanted rotations and positional drift
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves as an intermediary mechanical constraint between the controller body and the user's hand. By providing a stationary reference frame with engagement features (such as a cradle or mounting structure), the base prevents unwanted rotations about certain axes while allowing controlled rotation about others, thereby stabilizing the controller's orientation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies differential rotational freedom to different axes of the controller. The base structure constrains rotation about one or more axes (providing stability) while permitting rotation about other axes (maintaining control flexibility). This localized differentiation of rotational properties allows the controller to simultaneously achieve stability and adaptability.
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
Enhances the ease and efficiency of 3D audio design by enabling precise manipulation of sound sources and listener positions, reducing positional drift and allowing intuitive, visual feedback for orientation control.
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
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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.