Abstract:
A system and method for visualizing a 3D scene using a flexible display are disclosed. The 3D scene reflects a model of graphics objects, where each graphics object is represented by 3D primitives such as vertices, lines, or surfaces. A display processor generates a 2D image of the 3D scene using various graphics rendering techniques such as non-linear ray-tracing algorithms. A sensor associated with the flexible display detects that a surface profile of the display has been altered, which causes the display processor to generate a new 2D image of the 3D scene. The effect is that flexing the display allows the user to view the 3D scene from a different perspective. In one embodiment, the different perspective is viewing the object from a different camera position. In another embodiment, the different perspective is provided by generating an exploded view of an assembly of graphics objects.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system that positions an interface for a pen-based computer at an end of a natural user motion arc, such as an arc a hand travels when an elbow is pivoted. Positioning of the interface in a lower corner of a display or window (left corner for a right-handed person and right corner for a left-handed person) allows easy approach when the user is working in the center of the display, such as when drawing on the pen-based computer display. An arc or curved interface improves approach zones and reduces unintended selections of controls or buttons within the interface. The arc allows the natural motion to be extended by wrist or finger motions to access all the controls in the corner command interface. Controls on the arc are placed to allow any underlying pop-up menus to be completely accessible when an activated. Overflow menu items of activated controls of the interface are located in conformity to the natural arc.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a two-handed input control system that dynamically changes an input-to-object mapping for mapping movement of a graphical object on a display of a virtual scene as the viewpoint of the virtual scene changes. As input to the system for changing the position of the graphical object occurs, the mapping is revised to reflect changes in the viewpoint so that the object moves as inherently expected. That is, changes to the viewpoint change the mapping so that a correspondence between the viewpoint and the input space is always maintained. During movement of the object a screen cursor is visually suppressed so that the movement of the graphical object and the screen cursor do not split the attention of the user. The screen cursor is always maintained within the visual display region of the virtual scene even when the object moves out of the visual display region by moving the cursor to a center of the screen when it reaches an edge of the screen.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system that creates a volumetric display and a user controllable volumetric pointer within the volumetric display. The user can point by aiming a beam which is vector, planar or tangent based, positioning a device in three-dimensions in association with the display, touching a digitizing surface of the display enclosure or otherwise inputting position coordinates. The cursor can take a number of different forms including a ray, a point, a volume and a plane. The ray can include a ring, a bead, a segmented wand, a cone and a cylinder. The user designates an input position and the system maps the input position to a 3D cursor position within the volumetric display. The system also determines whether any object has been designated by the cursor by determining whether the object is within a region of influence of the cursor. The system also performs any function activated in association with the designation.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system that provides a pen based computer user with a graphical user interface tool, a pen-mouse, that looks like and functions like a mouse but that is controlled by a limited input device such as a pen or stylus of the pen based computer. The pen-mouse is a tracking menu that tracks the position of the pen. A pen cursor that corresponds to the pen is allowed to be moved about within the pen-mouse graphic by the pen and the pen-mouse remains stationary. The pen-mouse is moved when the location of the pen encounters a tracking boundary of the pen-mouse. The tracking boundary typically coincides with the graphic representing the mouse. While moving within the pen-mouse, the pen can select objects within the pen-mouse body, such as buttons, wheels, etc. The selection of a button or other virtual control causes a corresponding computer mouse button function to be executed. The execution focus is directed at any object designated by a pen-mouse tracking symbol, such as an arrow, that is part of the pen mouse graphic. The pen-mouse can emulate functions or operations of a mouse including single button clicks, double button clicks, finger wheels, track balls, etc.
Abstract:
The present invention is a system that provides a pen based computer user with a graphical user interface tool, a pen-mouse, that looks like and functions like a mouse but that is controlled by a limited input device such as a pen or stylus of the pen based computer. The pen-mouse is a tracking menu that tracks the position of the pen. A pen cursor that corresponds to the pen is allowed to be moved about within the pen-mouse graphic by the pen and the pen-mouse remains stationary. The pen-mouse is moved when the location of the pen encounters a tracking boundary of the pen-mouse. The tracking boundary typically coincides with the graphic representing the mouse. While moving within the pen-mouse, the pen can select objects within the pen-mouse body, such as buttons, wheels, etc. The selection of a button or other virtual control causes a corresponding computer mouse button function to be executed. The execution focus is directed at any object designated by a pen-mouse tracking symbol, such as an arrow, that is part of the pen mouse graphic. The pen-mouse can emulate functions or operations of a mouse including single button clicks, double button clicks, finger wheels, track balls, etc.
Abstract:
The present invention is a widget display system for a volumetric or true three-dimensional (3D) display that provides a volumetric or omni-viewable widget that can be viewed and interacted with from any location around the volumetric display. The widget can be viewed from any location by duplicating the widget such that all locations around the display are within the viewing range of the widget. A widget can be provided with multiple viewing surfaces or faces making the widget omni-directional. A widget can be continuously rotated to face all of the possible locations of users over a period of time. User locations can be determined and the widget can be oriented to face the users when selected.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for animating editing changes on a display device is provided. The invention is designed to operate preferably with a graphical editing system that permits both handwritten and typewritten data entry. Both the primary changes made by the user and the contextual changes resulting from the primary changes are animated at a visually apparent rate in multiple steps to permit a user and other viewers of the display device to understand the effects of an editing change on surrounding objects. The number of steps in which the changes are animated depends on the number of changes which must be made and the operation performed.
Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.
Abstract:
A system and method for visualizing a 3D scene using a flexible display are disclosed. The 3D scene reflects a model of graphics objects, where each graphics object is represented by 3D primitives such as vertices, lines, or surfaces. A display processor generates a 2D image of the 3D scene using various graphics rendering techniques such as non-linear ray-tracing algorithms. A sensor associated with the flexible display detects that a surface profile of the display has been altered, which causes the display processor to generate a new 2D image of the 3D scene. The effect is that flexing the display allows the user to view the 3D scene from a different perspective. In one embodiment, the different perspective is viewing the object from a different camera position. In another embodiment, the different perspective is provided by generating an exploded view of an assembly of graphics objects.