Patent ID: 6483499
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A sculpturing input device for computerized 3D sculpturing comprising:a base for connection to a computer loaded with a virtual engraving program; a magnetic stylus used with the base for controlling a virtual engraving tool to cut a virtual object established by the program; an optical position measuring system located at the base for measuring position and direction of the stylus relative to the base, and position and direction of the tool relative to the object; and a magnetic force feedback system located at the base for exerting a magnetic resistive force upon the stylus when the tool cuts into the object, thereby simulating a counteracting resistive force of the object being cut, wherein the base has a generally flat body having a recess in which the stylus is used, the optical position measuring system and the magnetic force feedback system are located on at least one side of the recess, the optical position measuring system includes at least two image sensing units facing the recess at intersecting angles and covering substantially all of the recess, and each image sensing unit includes a camera and an adjacent infra red signal emitter.