Development of a transformable 3D input device

该I2 I-第一阶段项目的目标是增强第一代可变换3D输入设备的人体工程学设计和交互功能，以扩大我们的专利要求和许可机会（PCT/CA 05/001954，优先权申请日期为2004年12月22日），并寻求潜在的投资者和商业合作伙伴。 这款名为VeBall的3D输入设备是由美国国家电力研究委员会（NSERC）资助的一项研究成果。麦格雷戈VeBall的创新之处在于可变换的外形，它将设备外壳形状的变化与功能的变化联系起来。当VeBall是一个截断的球体时，用户可以执行基本的2D鼠标操作。当将VeBall更改为完整球体时，用户可以在3D空间中移动和旋转虚拟对象。此外，通过在非优势手中使用VeBall和在优势手中使用另一个输入设备，VeBall可以用于双手计算机任务。 我们的第一个版本的VeBall是一个早期的概念验证原型输入设备，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。 初步的比较分析和可用性测试发现，VeBall的性能超过了领先的商用3D输入设备。我们相信，通过开展研究活动，我们可以显著提高VeBall的潜在商业市场，这些研究活动将导致1）低成本的无线版本的VeBall，以允许不受阻碍地操纵虚拟3D对象; 2）包括触觉反馈功能，以通过虚拟“触摸”的感觉来改善人类的表现和体验; 3）创建基于应用的交互式演示，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。如果（1）和/或（2）中的成功导致预测的价格点为100美元或更低，则沿着（3）将导致做出“继续”决策，以寻求I2 I-第2阶段提案。

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.