Three dimensional tangible interface for interacting with spatial-temporal data using infrared light sources and infrared detectors
US7181362B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V2201/12
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An interface that allows a user to model and analyze the properties of three dimensional surface and the regions surrounding such surfaces. The user manipulates a deformable bed of translucent glass beads that defines the geometry of a surface. An array of light emitting diodes underneath the beads transmits infrared light upwardly through the beads such that the intensity of radiation from each position on the surface of the beads is related to the depth of the beads at that position. A digital camera captures radiation image data which is then processed to create elevation data specifying the geometry of the surface. A processor processes the elevation data using a selected analysis function to produce result data representing computed characteristics of the surface or its surrounding region. The result data is projected as an image onto the surface of the beads. The interface permits the user to modify a surface geometry and directly visualize the characteristics of the modified geometry in real time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.