Veball: a Multiple Degree-of-freedom Computer Input Device

Virtual 3D manipulation of computer generated representations (eg. required in CAD software applications) or robotic control (eg. surgical devices) is a challenging task in computing or control environments that rely on standard input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc. Many such applications require the use of two input devices where less frequently activated functions are allocated to input from a device controlled by the user's non-dominant hand. Unfortunately, almost all non-dominant hand input devices to date are somewhat cumbersome and require a high degree of user experience in order to master 3D orientation manipulations in a time efficient manner.

The University of Waterloo has developed a new input device, referred to as the VeBall, that may be used in a variety of computer interfaced 3D manipulations. The VeBall has been designed to address user ease of operation for input manipulations by the user's non-dominant hand. The unique VeBall design incorporates a capability allowing the user to easily switch between a set of different manipulation functions (eg. translational x,y manipulations and 3D orientation manipulations).

The VeBall input device will find applications in all types of applications requiring virtual and/or robotic 3D manipulation including CAD design systems, virtual simulators, gaming, interactive TV, and a wide variety of robotic applications (eg. surgical devices).

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT:

A working prototype has been developed and tested. The prototype was tested in a focus group against the market leader input device, SpaceBall® 4000, where participants performed better using the VeBall in all user tasks and where the VeBall was rated by users as easier to use.

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Computer Science Patents

---