Methods and apparatus for actuated 3D surface with gestural interactivity

摘要

In exemplary implementations of this invention, an array of linear actuators can be used to form a segmented surface. The surface can resemble a low relief sculpture. A user may control the shape of the surface by direct touch manipulation or by making freehand gestures at a distance from the surface. For example, the freehand gestures may comprise input instructions for selecting, translating, and rotating the shape of an object. A projector may augment the rendered shapes by projecting graphics on the surface.

主权项

1. A method of moving segments of a physical surface, which method comprises, in combination:
(a) one or more sensors gathering sensor data indicative of human input, which human input comprises gestures made while not in contact with the surface; (b) one or more processors
(i) recognizing, based at least in part on the sensor data, the human input, and(ii) generating, based at least in part on the human input, control signals for controlling motion of the segments; and (c) one or more actuators selectively moving, in accordance with the control signals, at least some of the segments, wherein
(A) each of the respective segments is adapted to be moved independently of the remainder of the segments,(B) the surface is adapted to be discontinuous, at least between some of the segments in at least some spatial arrangements of the segments, and(C) the human input further comprises direct physical manipulation of the surface or of a malleable component that is adjacent to the surface.