Patent ID: 6630923
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A three-dimensional input apparatus comprising:an instructing means for instructing three-dimensional position and posture; supporting points provided at least seven locations surrounding said instructing means, for supporting said instructing means so as to be freely moved in three-dimensional directions and freely rotated around an arbitrary axis; a string extending from each of said supporting points and connected to a connected point on said instructing means; a measuring means for measuring the length of said string from each of said supporting points to the connected point; a string tension controlling means; and a three-dimensional position calculating means, wherein said three-dimensional position calculating means computes for said instructing means at least one of three-dimensional coordinates and rotational angles about respective axes in a predetermined three-dimensional coordinate system according to the length measured by said measuring means; wherein said apparatus generates translational force and rotational force through said string tension control means for said instructing means based on the three-dimensional coordinates and rotational angles.