3D POINTING DEVICES WITH ORIENTATION COMPENSATION AND IMPROVED USABILITY

摘要

Systems and methods according to the present invention describe 3D pointing devices which enhance usability by transforming sensed motion data from a first frame of reference (e.g., the body of the 3D pointing device) into a second frame of reference (e.g., a user's frame of reference). One exemplary embodiment of the present invention removes effects associated with a tilt orientation in which the 3D pointing device is held by a user.

主权项

1. A handheld pointing device comprising:
a first rotational sensor for determining rotation of said handheld pointing device about a first axis and generating a first rotational output associated therewith; a second rotational sensor for determining rotation of said handheld pointing device about a second axis and generating a second rotational output associated therewith; a three-axis accelerometer for determining an acceleration of said handheld pointing device and outputting an acceleration output associated therewith; and a processing unit for receiving said first and second rotational outputs and said acceleration output and for: (a) determining a tilt relative to gravity associated with an orientation in which said handheld pointing device is held, wherein said tilt is determined based upon the acceleration output, (b) converting said first and second rotational outputs from a body frame of reference associated with said handheld pointing device into a user's frame of reference in order to remove the effects of said determined tilt; and (c) determining data associated with x and y coordinates which are in turn associated with movement of a screen cursor said data based on said converted first and second rotational outputs, wherein said step of converting renders said movement of said screen cursor independent of said tilt.