Freespace controller
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A freespace controller is an input device, which detects the user's movement of the device in free space. These manipulations are then typically translated into control inputs for some interactive system, such as a personal computer, television, or game console.
Many of these fall into the category of pointing devices, eliminating the need for a computer mouse or trackball in situations where these devices are difficult to deploy or use. Freespace controller devices are typically handheld, although devices designed for accessibility can be mounted on another mobile part of the body, such as the head.
Inputs are processed according to a variety of different techniques by different examples of this approach, including...
- line of sight intersection with a screen, analogous to a laser pointer
- relative yaw and pitch, detecting twisting motions
- example; gyromouse
- gesture recognition systems, distinguishing complex movements
- example; data glove
- optic flow, detecting the movement of high contrast features across the visual field of a detector
- examples; Head pointer
The recently announced uWand from Philips is a form of freespace controller, although it has not been released what the operational principles are.
See also: input device.
