Non-Instrumented Object 3D Virtual Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical human-computer interfaces, such as WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointers), are inadequate for three-dimensional (3-D) environments as they fail to utilize users' spatial interaction capabilities and the affordances of physical objects, leading to cognitively demanding and non-intuitive shape modeling tasks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using non-instrumented physical objects to manipulate virtual objects in a 3-D environment, where image information from these objects, including movement information, is obtained and used to cause virtual movement, shape determination, or surface alteration of virtual objects, allowing for intuitive and expressive interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional WIMP interfaces are used for 3-D virtual environment interaction, then the interface structure is simple and familiar, but the user cognitive load increases and spatial interaction capabilities are not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces physical objects as intermediary mediators between the user and the virtual 3-D environment. These physical objects serve as tangible interfaces that translate natural hand movements into virtual manipulation actions, reducing cognitive load by leveraging users' existing spatial reasoning and manual dexterity rather than requiring them to learn abstract WIMP interface conventions for 3-D interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical WIMP interface system (mouse, keyboard, menu structures) with a physics-based interaction system where physical objects with real-world properties (mass, friction, gravity) mediate user interactions. This substitution allows users to interact with virtual environments using natural physical gestures rather than learning artificial interface mechanics
2Ease of operation
If minimalistic user motions are used to accomplish large scale 3-D interactive tasks, then the input device complexity is reduced, but the expressiveness of spatial inputs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-D minimalistic mouse movements to 3-D physical object manipulations, adding spatial dimensionality to the input modality. Physical objects provide six degrees of freedom for manipulation, enabling expressive spatial inputs that match the dimensionality of the virtual environment rather than compressing 3-D interactions into 2-D planar movements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes physical objects universal controllers that can perform multiple 3-D interaction functions simultaneously. A single physical object can provide translation, rotation, scaling, and other spatial transformations through its various degrees of freedom, eliminating the need for specialized control widgets for each type of spatial input
3Measurement precision
If extensive control widgets are provided for spatial inputs, then the input precision is improved, but the learning difficulty and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables physical objects to serve themselves as controllers by naturally providing precise spatial input through their physical properties. The objects' mass, shape, and movement characteristics automatically generate accurate spatial data without requiring users to learn how to operate complex control widgets. The system extracts spatial information directly from the physical object's state and motion
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manipulating a three-dimensional image file including a virtual object includes obtaining image information in a processing device of a non-instrumented physical object manipulated by a user, such image information including movement information; and causing virtual movement of the virtual object based on the movement information. A method of shaping a virtual object includes obtaining image information including movement information; and determining a shape of the virtual object based on the movement information. A method of modifying a virtual object includes obtaining image information including movement information; and altering a virtual surface appearance of at least a part of the virtual object based on the movement information. Systems and computer-readable media are also described.