Development of a transformable 3D input device

可变形3D输入设备的开发

• 批准号: 349313-2007
• 负责人: MacGregor, Carolyn
• 金额: $ 9.11万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Idea to Innovation
• 财政年份: 2007
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2007-01-01 至 2008-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=365194
• 关键词: Development; transformable; 3D; input; device

The objective of this I2I - Phase I project is to enhance the ergonomic design and the interactive features of a first-generation transformable 3D input device in order to broaden our patent claims and licensing opportunities (PCT/CA05/001954, with a priority filing date of Dec. 22, 2004), as well as to pursue potential investors and partners for commercialization.  The 3D input device, known as VeBall, is the result of research funded through an NSERC Discovery Grant held by C. MacGregor. The innovation of the VeBall is the transformable form factor that links change in the shape of the device housing to change in functionality. When VeBall is in the form of a truncated sphere, the user can perform basic 2D mouse actions. When VeBall is changed to a full sphere, the user can move and rotate a virtual object in 3D space. In addition, the VeBall can be used for two handed computer tasks by using the VeBall in the non-dominant hand and  another input device in the dominant hand.  Our first version of the VeBall is an early proof-of-concept prototype input device that is tethered to a computer through cables and allows for basic functionality of selecting, panning, zooming, and rotating of virtual 3D objects.  Preliminary comparative analysis and usability testing found VeBall to out perform a leading commercially available 3D input device. We believe that we can significantly improve upon the potential commercial markets for VeBall by carrying out research activities that will lead to 1) a low-cost wireless version of VeBall to allow for unencumbered manipulation of virtual 3D objects; 2) the inclusion of haptic feedback functionality to improve human performance and experience through sense of virtual "touch"; and 3) the creation of application-based interactive demonstrations to attract investors and partners in the target markets of computer-aided design, interactive entertainment, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and education. Success in (1) and/or (2) that result in a predicted price point of $US 100 or less, along with (3) will lead to a "Go Ahead" decision for pursuing an I2I - Phase 2 proposal.

I2I - 第一阶段项目的目标是增强第一代可变形 3D 输入设备的人体工程学设计和交互功能，以扩大我们的专利主张和许可机会（PCT/CA05/001954，优先申请日为 2004 年 12 月 22 日），并寻求潜在的投资者和合作伙伴进行商业化。  这款名为 VeBall 的 3D 输入设备是由 C. MacGregor 持有的 NSERC 发现基金资助的研究成果。 VeBall 的创新之处在于可变形的外形，将设备外壳形状的变化与功能的变化联系起来。当 VeBall 为截断球体形式时，用户可以执行基本的 2D 鼠标操作。当 VeBall 变为完整球体时，用户可以在 3D 空间中移动和旋转虚拟对象。此外，通过在非惯用手中使用 VeBall 并在惯用手中使用另一个输入设备，VeBall 还可用于双手计算机任务。  我们的第一个版本的 VeBall 是一种早期的概念验证原型输入设备，它通过电缆连接到计算机，并允许选择、平移、缩放和旋转虚拟 3D 对象的基本功能。  初步比较分析和可用性测试发现 VeBall 的性能优于领先的商用 3D 输入设备。我们相信，通过开展研究活动，我们可以显着改善 VeBall 的潜在商业市场，这些研究活动将导致 1) 低成本无线版本的 VeBall，允许不受阻碍地操纵虚拟 3D 对象； 2）纳入触觉反馈功能，通过虚拟“触摸”感来改善人类表现和体验； 3) 创建基于应用程序的交互式演示，以吸引计算机辅助设计、交互式娱乐、身体和认知康复以及教育等目标市场的投资者和合作伙伴。 (1) 和/或 (2) 的成功导致预计价格点为 100 美元或更低，并且 (3) 的成功将导致“继续”决定实施 I2I - 第 2 阶段提案。