Working with 3D objects

Three-dimensional objects can be generated based on two-dimensional objects. A first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface can be detected, and a second user input including a 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs, and the 3D object can be presented in the user interface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This subject matter is generally related to working with 3D objects.

BACKGROUND

Computer assisted design (CAD) software allows users to generate and manipulate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) objects. A user can interact with a CAD program using various peripheral input devices, such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, a touch-sensitive pad, and/or a touch-sensitive display. The CAD program may provide various software tools for generating and manipulating 2D and 3D objects.

The CAD program may provide a drafting area showing 2D or 3D objects being processed by the user, and menus outside the drafting area for allowing the user to choose from various tools in generating or modifying 2D or 3D objects. For example, there may be menus for 2D object templates, 3D object templates, paint brush options, eraser options, line options, color options, texture options, options for rotating or resizing the objects, and so forth. The user may select a tool from one of the menus and use the selected tool to manipulate the 2D or 3D object.

SUMMARY

Techniques and systems that support generating, modifying, and manipulating 3D objects using 3D gesture inputs are disclosed. For example, 3D objects can be generated based on 2D objects. A first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface can be detected, and a second 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs, and the 3D object can be presented in the user interface where the 3D object can be manipulated by the user.

Three-dimensional objects can be modified using 3D gesture inputs. For example, a 3D object shown on a touch-sensitive display can be detected, and a 3D gesture input that includes a movement of a finger or a pointing device in proximity to a surface of the touch-sensitive display can be detected. Detecting the 3D gesture input can include measuring a distance between the finger or the pointing device and a surface of the display. The 3D object can be modified according to the 3D gesture input, and the updated 3D object can be shown on the touch-sensitive display.

For example, a first user input that includes at least one of a touch input or a two-dimensional (2D) gesture input can be detected, and a 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface can be detected. A 3D object can be generated in a user interface based on the 3D gesture input and at least one of the touch input or 2D gesture input.

An apparatus for generating or modifying 3D objects can include a touch sensor to detect touch inputs and 2D gesture inputs that are associated with a surface, and a proximity sensor in combination with the touch sensor to detect 3D gesture inputs, each 3D gesture input including a movement in proximity to the surface. A data processor is provided to receive signals output from the touch sensor and the proximity sensor, the signals representing detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs. The data processor generates or modifies a 3D object in a user interface according to the detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs.

An apparatus for generating or modifying 3D objects can include a sensor to detect touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs that are associated with a surface, and 3D gesture inputs that include a movement perpendicular to the surface. A data processor is provided to receive signals output from the sensor, the signals representing detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs. The data processor generates or modifies a 3D object in a user interface according to the detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs.

These features allow a user to quickly and intuitively generate, modify, and manipulate 3D objects and virtual 3D environments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Device Overview

A device having a touch-sensitive display that enables a user to generate and manipulate 3D objects using 3D gesture inputs is disclosed. The device has touch sensors that can sense positions and movements of objects contacting a surface of the display, and proximity sensors that can sense positions and movements of objects in a three-dimensional space in the vicinity of the display surface (including movements in proximity to, but not actually touching, the display surface). The touch sensors can be sensitive to haptic and/or tactile contact with a user, and map touch positions and finger movements to predefined touch inputs and 2D gesture inputs, respectively. The proximity sensors can sense movements of a user's fingers or pointing devices in three-dimensional space, and map the movements to predefined 3D gesture inputs. In some implementations, the touch sensors and the proximity sensors can be the same sensors that detect touch, 2D, or 3D inputs depending on finger movements and positions relative to the display surface. The touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs, and 3D gesture inputs can be used by application programs to trigger events, such as applying certain transformations to objects, allowing the user to generate and manipulate 3D objects quickly and intuitively.

Referring toFIG. 1, in some implementations, device100can include touch-sensitive display102that is responsive to touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs, and 3D gesture inputs. An application program, such as a CAD program, can be executed on device100to enable a user to generate and manipulate 2D and 3D objects. The CAD program may provide a graphical user interface having drafting area104for showing the objects, and menu area106having user-selectable menus. Device100can be, for example, a computer, a tablet computer, a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a network appliance, a camera, a smart phone, an enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) mobile phone, a network base station, a media player, a navigation device, an email device, a game console, a laptop computer, or a combination of any two or more of these data processing devices or other data processing devices.

In some implementations, the user interface may include input area108that is logically separated from drafting area104, in which each of areas104and108can independently receive touch and gesture inputs. Input area108can be any region on display102that is designated by the operating system or application program to be the input area. By providing input area108, the user may input two or more multi-touch or gesture inputs at the same time. For example, the left hand may provide one gesture input in input area108, and the right hand may provide another gesture input in drafting area104. Some gesture inputs may require inputs from both hands, so having a separate input area108allows the CAD program to determine whether the movements from multiple fingers correspond to two different gesture inputs or a single gesture input. Additional input areas can be provided, for example, to enable multiple users to process objects simultaneously, with each person possibly providing multiple gestures at the same time.

In the description below, the 3D gesture inputs are described in terms of the movements of the user's fingers. The user can also provide 3D gesture inputs using other pointing devices, such as styluses, or a combination of fingers and pointing devices. For example, the user may use the left hand fingers in combination with a stylus held in the right hand to provide 3D gesture inputs.

Device100is intuitive to use because objects can be shown in drafting area104, and the user can touch and manipulate the objects directly on the display (as compared to indirectly interacting with a separate touch-pad). In some implementations, the CAD program allows the user to generate 3D objects from 2D objects. For example, a user can generate a 2D object using a multi-touch input, then lift the fingers simultaneously to extrude the 2D object to form a 3D object.

The following describes examples of generating 3D objects using touch and gesture inputs. In some implementations, the operating system of device100may have a touch model (which may include, for example, a standard touch and gesture input dictionary) that is used by the application programs executing on device100. Each application program may have its own touch model (which may include, for example, the application's touch and gesture input dictionary), and users may define their own touch models (which may include, for example, the users' custom touch and gesture input dictionaries). Touch and gesture inputs other than those described below can also be used.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, one type of 3D gesture input can include touching display surface118at multiple touch points160and pulling up162the fingers for a distance. Referring to2C, the 3D gesture input shown inFIGS. 2A and 2Bwill be represented by double circles164indicating touch points on display102and dashed lines166indicating movements of the fingers or pointing devices.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, a user can generate triangular prism128based on triangle122.FIG. 3Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating triangular prism128.FIG. 3Bshows graph132that includes triangle122and graph134that includes triangular prism128, which the user sees on display102. The user can generate triangle122by using three fingers to touch display surface118at three touch points120a,120b, and120c. The user lifts or pulls up124the three fingers substantially perpendicular to the surface at substantially the same time to a distance from display surface118, and pauses126for at least a predetermined time (for example, one second). These movements indicate a 3D gesture input that is associated with extrusion of triangle122, resulting in triangular prism128having a cross section that corresponds to triangle122. The height H (or thickness) of triangular prism128is proportional to the amount of movement of the fingertips perpendicular to the surface. In some implementations, an application program (e.g., a CAD program) can configure a touch model in the system to that 3D gestures can be detected. The touch model can have an Application Programming Interface (API) that can be used by the application to receive 2D or 3D touch events and use those touch events to perform actions, such as rendering a 2D object into a 3D object on a display.

When the user pulls up the fingers to extrude triangle122, the user will initially see a top view of triangular prism128, which can be rotated to show a perspective view of triangular prism128, as shown in graph134.

There can be more than one way to indicate the end of a 3D gesture input. For example, rather than pausing for at least the predetermined period of time, the operating system or the CAD program can be configured to recognize the end phase by detecting a short pause followed by spreading out of the fingertips (or moving the fingertips in the horizontal direction), as represented by movements130. In movements130, the fingertips may pause for less than the predetermined period of time and may allow the user to complete the 3D gesture input faster.

In some implementations, the beginning and ending of each 3D gesture input can be defined by certain actions received in input area108. For example, touching the input area108may indicate the start of a 3D gesture input, maintaining the tactile contact with display surface118may indicate continuation of the 3D gesture input, and moving the finger away from the input area108may indicate the end of the 3D gesture input.

If a triangle has already been generated, the user can also touch the triangle to select the triangle, then pull up the fingers to extrude the selected triangle to form a triangular prism. The CAD program can be configured to recognize a 3D gesture input that includes touching a 2D object at two or more touch points followed by pulling up the fingers to indicate extrusion of the 2D object to generate a 3D object. When the user touches an object for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 second), the CAD program can highlight the object to indicate that the object has been selected. The user can de-select the object by, for example, quickly moving the finger(s) away from the display surface at an angle less than a predetermined degree (for example, 60°) relative to display surface118, or using other predefined gesture input associated with de-selection.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, a user can generate a cube or a rectangular prism by extruding a square or a rectangle, respectively.FIG. 4Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a rectangular prism.FIG. 4Bshows graph148that includes rectangle144and graph149that includes rectangular prism146, which the user sees on display102. The user can generate rectangle144by providing four touch inputs, for example, by using four fingertips to touch display surface118at four touch points140a,140b,140c, and140d. The user lifts or pulls up142the four fingertips substantially perpendicular to surface118at substantially the same time to locations at a distance from display surface118, and pauses for at least a predetermined time (or pause and spread out the fingers) to signal the end phase of this 3D gesture input.

Pulling up the four fingertips substantially perpendicular to surface118at substantially the same time and pausing for at least the predetermined time (or pause and spreading the four fingers) representing a 3D gesture input that indicates extrusion of rectangle144and resulting in a 3D rectangular prism146having a cross section that corresponds to rectangle144. The height H (or thickness) of 3D rectangular prism146is proportional to the movement of the fingers perpendicular to surface118.

When the user pulls up the fingers to extrude rectangle144, the user will initially see a top view of rectangular prism146, which can be rotated to obtain a perspective view of rectangular prism146, as shown in graph149.

The user can select a rectangle that has previously been drawn, and extrude the rectangle to form a rectangular prism. The user can also select one side of the rectangle (which consists of a line segment) and extrude the line to form a surface that is perpendicular to the rectangle. For example, the rectangle can represent the floor of a house, and the extruded surface can represent a wall. This way, the user can extrude each of the four sides of the rectangle to generate the four walls of the house.

Referring toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a user can generate a cylinder by extruding a circle.FIG. 5Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a cylinder.FIG. 5Bshows graph158that includes circle150and graph159that includes cylinder156, which the user sees on display102. In some implementations, the user can select a circle option from menus106(FIG. 1) and provide three touch inputs (for example, by using three fingertips to touch display surface118at three touch points152a,152b, and152c). The CAD program can be configured such that when the circle option is selected and three touch inputs are received, the CAD program generates a circle that passes the three touch points. The user pulls up154the three fingertips substantially perpendicular to surface118at substantially the same time, and pauses the fingertips at a distance from the display surface118for at least a predetermined time (or pause and spread out the fingers) to signal the end phase of this 3D gesture input.

When the circle option is selected, pulling up the three fingertips substantially perpendicular to surface118at substantially the same time and pausing for at least the predetermined time (or pause and spreading the three fingers) represent a 3D gesture input that indicates extrusion of circle150, resulting in 3D cylinder156having a cross section that corresponds to circle150. The height H (or thickness) of cylinder156is proportional to the movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

When the user pulls up the fingers to extrude circle150, the user will initially see a top view of cylinder156, which can be rotated to show a perspective view of cylinder156, as shown in graph159.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a user can generate an extruded 3D object from an arbitrary shaped 2D object.FIG. 6Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a 3D object.FIG. 6Bshows graph176that includes a 2D line drawing defining 2D object170, and graph178that includes frustum172extruded from 2D object170, as seen by the user on display102. In some implementations, the user can select a freestyle line drawing option from menus106to draw arbitrary 2D object170. The user touches 2D object170using two or more fingertips and pulls up174the fingertips substantially perpendicular to surface118at substantially the same time, and pauses the fingertips at a distance from the display surface118for at least a predetermined time (or pause and spread out the fingers) to signal the end phase of this 3D gesture input.

Touching 2D object170using two or more fingers, pulling up the fingers at substantially the same time, and pausing for at least the predetermined time (or pause and spreading the fingers) represent a 3D gesture input that indicates extrusion of 2D object170, resulting in frustum172having a cross section that corresponds to 2D object170. The height H (or thickness) of frustum172is proportional to the movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

When the user pulls up the fingers to extrude 2D object170, the user will initially see a top view of frustum172, which can be rotated to show a perspective view of frustum172, as shown in graph178.

The CAD program may have additional functions to allow the user to further modify the frustum172, such as modifying the flat top and/or bottom surface to form a curved surface, making portions of frustum172hollow, attaching other 3D objects to frustum172. For example, frustum172can be the basis of a guitar body.

The CAD program may allow a user to select an object in a photograph and extrude the selected object to form a 3D object. This may allow a user to quickly generate, for example, 3D models of buildings from aerial photographs.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a user can generate a pyramid with a triangular base from a triangle.FIG. 7Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a pyramid.FIG. 7Bshows graph190that includes triangle180, graph192that includes a top view of pyramid182, and graph194that includes a perspective view of pyramid182, as shown on display102. The user can generate triangle180by using three fingers to touch display surface118at three touch points184a,184b, and184c. The user lifts or pulls up186the three fingers at substantially the same time to a distance from display surface118, while also drawing the three fingers together, pauses and spreads out188the fingers (or pauses for at least a predetermined period of time). These movements indicate a 3D gesture input that is associated with generating pyramid182from triangle180, in which pyramid182has a bottom surface that corresponds to triangle180. The height H (or thickness) of tetrahedron182is proportional to the amount of movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, a user can generate a pyramid with a rectangular base from a rectangle.FIG. 8Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a pyramid.FIG. 8Bshows graph200that includes triangle206, graph202that includes a top view of pyramid208, and graph204that includes a perspective view of pyramid208, as shown on display102. The user can generate rectangle206by using four fingers to touch display surface118at four touch points210a,210b,210c, and210d. The user lifts or pulls up212the four fingers at substantially the same time to a distance from display surface118, while also drawing the four fingers together, pauses and spreads out the fingers (or pauses for at least a predetermined period of time). These movements indicate a 3D gesture input that is associated with generating pyramid208from rectangle206, in which pyramid208has a bottom surface that corresponds to rectangle206. The height H (or thickness) of pyramid208is proportional to the amount of movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

Referring toFIGS. 9A and 9B, a user can generate a cone from a circle.FIG. 9Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a cone.FIG. 9Bshows graph220that includes circle224and graph222that includes a perspective view of cone226, as shown on display102. The user can generate circle224by selecting the circle option and providing a touch input having three touch points228a,228b, and228c, similar to the method described inFIGS. 5A and 5B. The user lifts or pulls up230the three fingers at substantially the same time to a distance from display surface118, while also drawing the three fingers together, pauses and spreads out the fingers (or pauses for at least a predetermined period of time). These movements indicate a 3D gesture input that is associated with generating cone226from circle224, in which cone226has a bottom surface that corresponds to circle224. The height H (or thickness) of cone226is proportional to the amount of movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

Referring toFIGS. 10A and 10B, a user can generate a frustum from a 2D object, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a polygon, or a circle.FIG. 10Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a 3D gesture input for generating a frustum having a triangular cross-section.FIG. 10Bshows graph240that includes triangle242, graph244that includes a top view of frustum246, and graph248that includes a perspective view of frustum246, as shown on display102. The user can generate triangle242by providing a touch input having three touch points250a,250b, and250c. The user lifts or pulls up252the three fingers at substantially the same time to a distance from display surface118, in which the movement of the fingers are not entirely perpendicular to surface118, pauses the fingers at locations that are not entirely above the touch points250ato250c, and spreads out254the fingers horizontally (or pauses for at least a predetermined period of time). These movements indicate a 3D gesture input that is associated with generating frustum246from triangle242, in which frustum246has a bottom surface that corresponds to triangle242and a top surface defined by the locations of the three fingertips during pause. The height H (or thickness) of frustum246is proportional to the amount of movement of the fingertips perpendicular to surface118.

Referring toFIGS. 11A and 11B, the CAD program can be configured to accept 3D gesture inputs to modify a 3D object by pulling out or pushing in portions of the 3D object.FIG. 11Ashows a sequence of finger movements that defines a “pinch-and-pull” 3D gesture input for pinching and pulling out a portion of the surface of a 3D object. The user can touch display surface118at two touch points260aand260b, slide262the two fingers toward each other across display surface118as if pinching an object, and pull up264the two fingers substantially perpendicular to surface118.

FIG. 11Bshows a sequence of finger movements that defines a “pinch-and-push” 3D gesture input for pinching and pushing in a portion of the surface of a 3D object. The user can hover the two fingertips270aand270babove display surface118, move272two fingers toward each other in substantially horizontal motions as if pinching an object, and push down274the two fingers substantially perpendicular to surface118.

FIG. 12shows a sequence of gesture inputs for generating a raised portion on a surface. Assume that surface280represented by a mesh has been generated and a top view of surface280is shown on display102. The user can apply pinch-and-pull gesture input282to location284on surface280to cause location284to be “pulled up” to form raised portion286, in which location284becomes the highest point of raised portion286.

Surface280initially can be either a 2D object or a 3D object. If surface280is initially a 2D object, when the pinch-and-pull gesture input is applied to the 2D surface, the 2D surface is transformed into a 3D surface having a raised portion. The width of raised portion286can be defined by a sliding ruler, or by another gesture input. For example, the user can use the left hand to provide a touch input that includes two touch points in the input area108(FIG. 1). The distance between the two touch points defines the width at half height of raised portion286. For example, if the height of raised portion286is H, then the width of raised portion at height H/2 will be equal to the distance between the two touch points in input area108. Raised portion286can have a mathematically defined surface profile, such has having a cross-sectional profile (for example, along the x-z or y-z plane) resembling a Gaussian curve or other curves.

For example, the user can change the distance between the two touch points in input area108while pulling up the fingers in the pinch-and-pull gesture input282to modify the cross sectional profile (along the x-y plane) of raised portion286at various heights.

When the user pulls up the fingers, the user initially sees a top view of surface280, including raised portion286. The user can apply rotation gesture input288(as shown in graph290) to rotate surface280along the axis that is perpendicular to display surface118. Here, the z-axis is perpendicular to display surface118, so rotation gesture input288causes surface280to rotate about the z-axis. Rotation gesture input288includes touching display surface118at two touch points292aand292b, and sliding the fingertips in a circular motion294. The user sees rotated surface280as shown in graph296.

The user can apply a second rotation gesture input298(as shown in graph300) to further rotate surface280. Rotation gesture input298includes two touch points302aand302bthat define an axis (which passes touch points302aand302b), and a swipe motion304that defines the direction of rotation about the axis defined by touch points302aand302b. Here, rotation gesture input298causes surface280to rotate about the axis, allowing the user to see a perspective view of surface280having raised portion286, as shown in graph306.

A surface (for example, of an object or a landscape) can be modified in various ways to generate complicated 3D shapes or landscapes. For example, the user can applying gesture inputs to define the cross-sectional shape of a raised portion. The user can first draw a shape, such as a triangle, rectangle, circle, or an arbitrary shape, then apply the pinch-and-pull gesture input to generate a raised portion having a cross-sectional profile that correspond to the shape previously drawn. The pinch-and-pull motion may have to be applied to the drawn shape within a predetermined period of time (for example, one-half of a second), so that the CAD program understands that the pinch-and-pull motion is to be applied to the shape that was previously drawn. Otherwise, the CAD program may interpret drawing the object and the pinch-and-pull gesture input as two unrelated events.

For example, the user can apply the gesture inputs shown inFIGS. 3A,4A,5A,6A,7A,8A,9A, and10A to generate a raised portion that resembles a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, an arbitrary shaped frustum having equal top and bottom surfaces, a pyramid having a triangular base, a pyramid having a rectangular base, a cone, and a frustum having top and bottom surfaces with different shapes and/or sizes, respectively.

FIG. 13shows a sequence of gesture inputs for generating a raised portion having a rectangular cross section on a surface. Assume that surface350represented by a mesh has been generated and a top view of surface350is shown on display102. The user can apply touch-and-pull gesture input352to surface350with four touch points to pull up a portion of surface350to form raised portion356that has a rectangular cross section. When the user raises the fingers to pull up the rectangular raised portion356, display102initially shows a top view of surface350including raised portion356. The user can rotate surface350to obtain a perspective view of surface350including raised portion356, as shown in graph354. The user can enter a command to change the mesh view to a solid view, as shown in graph358.

The surfaces of raised portion356can be further modified, such forming additional raised portion360on a surface of raised portion356.

The CAD program can provide an “invert” option for generating a recess or impression in a surface, in which the shape of the recess corresponds to the shape of the 3D object associated with a gesture input. For example, a user can provide gesture inputs for raising a circular portion of a surface, followed by selection of the invert option, to form a recessed portion having a circular cross section, such as recessed portion362on a surface of raised portion356, as shown in graph364. For example, the invert option can be selected using menus106or by providing gesture inputs in input area108.

Using the method described above, the user can form raised or recessed portions of any shape on the surface of any 3D object. For example, the user can form raised and recessed portions on the surface of a sphere to represent mountains and valleys on a globe.

In some implementations, the CAD program may provide the option of allowing the user to raise a portion of a surface by first drawing a shape on the surface, then using the pinch-and-pull gesture input to pull up the surface to form a raised portion having a cross section corresponding to the shape previously drawn. Similarly, the user can draw a shape on the surface, then using the pinch-and-push gesture input to push down the surface to form a recessed portion having a cross section corresponding to the shape previously drawn.

The CAD program may allow the user to apply color and texture to surfaces of objects. The proximity sensor of device102may be used to allow the user to conveniently select different mixtures of color or texture components by adjusting the distances of different fingers relative to display surface118.

For example, referring toFIG. 14, the CAD program may designate regions376a,376b, and376cin input area108for controlling red, green, and blue colors, respectively. The user may provide touch input372to surface378of object374shown in draft area104to select surface378, and place three fingers above regions376a,376b, and376cto control the color of surface378. The relative heights of the fingertips370a,370b, and370cabove regions376a,376b, and376c, respectively, indicate the relative weights of the red, green, and blue colors in the color of surface378. For example, pulling up the fingertip370bwill increase the green component in the color of surface378, and pushing down fingertip370cwill decrease the blue component in the color of surface378.

Confirming the selection of the weights of the color components can be achieved in various ways. For example, the user may touch a small portion of area378(so as not to obscure the entire area378while the color of area378is being adjusted) and maintain contact with area378while using 3D gesture inputs to adjust the weights of the color components. When the user finds the desired color, the fingertip may be lifted off area378, and the last values of the red, green, and blue color components while the fingertip still contacted area378are selected. As an alternative, the user may hover fingertips above the regions376a,376b, and376cfor a predetermined amount of time to indicate adjustment of the color components. After adjusting the red, green, and blue color components, the user can tap anywhere in input area108to confirm selection of the weights for the red, green, and blue color components.

Controlling the relative weights or portions of the red, green, and blue colors can also be achieved by using three slide bars, each slide bar controlling one of the red, green, and blue colors. The advantage of using the technique shown inFIG. 14is that the area occupied by regions376a,376b, and376ccan be made smaller than the area needed for three slide bars. This is useful when the screen size is small, such as when display102is part of a portable device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, game console, or digital camera.

FIG. 15Ashows an example in which the CAD program designates regions380aand380bin input area108for use in controlling relative weight of a first texture and a second texture applied to a selected surface of an object. The user can control blending of two textures by adjusting relative heights of fingertips382aand382babove regions380aand380b, respectively. For example, pulling up fingertip382bwill cause the second texture to be given more weight when applied to the selected surface.

FIG. 15Bshows an example in which the CAD program designates regions390aand390bin input area108for use in controlling brightness and contrast, respectively, of a selected region or surface of an object. The user can control brightness and contrast by adjusting heights of fingertips392aand392babove regions390aand390b, respectively. For example, pulling up fingertip392bwill increase contrast, and pushing down fingertip392awill decrease brightness.

FIG. 16shows an example in which the CAD program accepts 3D gesture inputs for controlling hue, saturation, and brightness. Slide bars400a,400b, and400care provided for controlling the red, green, and blue color components, thereby controlling hue. The user can adjust the average height of fingertips402a,402b, and402cto control brightness. The user can adjust the relative heights of fingertips402aand402cto control saturation. For example, if fingertip402ais much higher than fingertip402c, the saturation is low, if fingertip402ais the same height as fingertip402c, the saturation is medium, and if fingertip402ais much lower than fingertip402c, the saturation is high.

The CAD program may provide an option to allow the user to select the position of a light source by moving a fingertip in the vicinity of display surface118. The center of display surface118may correspond to a reference point in a virtual 3D environment, and the position of the fingertip relative to the center of display surface118may control the position of a light source in the virtual 3D environment relative to the reference point. The CAD program may continuously update the shadows and lighting effects on the virtual 3D environment and the 3D objects as the user moves the fingertip relative to display surface118, until the user confirms selection of the position of the light source. The CAD program may allow the user to adjust the positions of multiple light sources by tracking the positions of multiple fingertips relative to the reference point.

The CAD program may allow the user to select a 2D editing mode for generating and modifying 2D objects, and a 3D editing mode for generating and modifying 3D objects. The user can switch between the 2D and 3D editing modes to, for example, modify the shapes of 3D objects (in the 3D editing mode) and draw patterns on the surfaces of the 3D objects (in the 2D editing mode).

FIG. 17shows a sequence of gesture inputs that can be used for generating a 3D dice. Square342shown on display102can be extruded using 3D gesture input300to form cube302, similar to the method shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B. After rotation of cube302, a perspective view of cube302is shown on display102. A touch input304is provided to select surface306of cube302. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface306is shown on display102. The user draws round dot308on surface306. Round dot308can also be a 3D raised or recessed dot.

The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode, such that a perspective view of cube302is shown on display102. Touch input310is provided to select surface312of cube302. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface312is shown on display102. The user draws two round dots314on surface312. The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode.

A touch input316is provided to select surface318of cube302. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface318is shown on display102. The user draws three round dots320on surface318. The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode. Cube302with surfaces306,312, and318are shown on display102. The user provides a rotation gesture input320to rotate cube302to show blank surface322. A touch input324is provided to select surface322. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface322is shown on display102. The user draws four round dots324on surface322. The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode.

A perspective view of cube302with surfaces306,312, and322is shown on display102. The user provides a rotation gesture input324to rotate cube302to show blank surface326. A touch input328is provided to select surface326. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface326is shown on display102. The user draws six round dots330on surface326. The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode.

A perspective view of cube302with surfaces312,322, and326is shown on display102. The user provides a rotation gesture input332to rotate cube302to show blank surface334. A touch input336is provided to select surface334. The user enters a command to switch to 2D editing mode. Surface334is shown on display102. The user draws five round dots338on surface334. The user enters a command to switch back to 3D editing mode, upon which completed 3D dice340is shown on display102.

In some implementations, there may be other 3D gesture inputs. For example, a 3D gesture input can be provided for use in bending an object. Two touch points may define an axis, and pushing down or pull up two fingers on two sides of the axis may represent a gesture input for pushing or pulling an object toward the axis and bending the object about the axis.

For example, 3D gesture inputs may be used to compress or stretch an object. The user may “pinch” an object at two points (for example, a pinching action can be indicated by moving two fingers toward each other in the vicinity of display surface118), such as by using two right-hand fingers to pinch the object at a first location and using two left-hand fingers to pinch the object at a second location. The two left-hand fingers and the two right-hand fingers can move toward each other to compress the object, move away from each other to stretch the object, or move in directions that are not aligned with each other to applying a shearing force to the object. The movements of the fingers can be in the 3D space in the vicinity of display surface118.

2D gesture inputs can be applied to 3D objects. For example, the objects can be moved by touching (and thereby selecting) and dragging the objects. The size of an object can be increased by using two fingers to touch the object and sliding the two fingers away from each other on display surface118. The size of the object can be decreased by sliding the two fingers toward each other (pinching gesture) on display surface118. The 3D object can be vector-based, such that the size and/or shape of the 3D object can be changed without loss of resolution (for example, smooth surfaces and sharp edges can be maintained).

In some implementations, the CAD program may provide a “sculpting” mode in which 3D objects have properties as if made of clay, and finger movements are interpreted as sculpting 3D objects made of clay. The user may adjust properties of the clay, such as softness of the clay, during the sculpting process. Display102may show a reference plane with an object on the plane. The plane corresponds to display surface118, and finger movements relative to display surface118will be applied the object as if the object were placed on display surface118. This way, the frame of reference for interpreting the 3D gesture inputs remains stationary regardless of changes in the orientations of the reference plane shown in display102. For example, an upward finger movement will be interpreted as applying a force in the +Z direction to an object, even though display102may show the object and the reference plane oriented such that the +Z direction points downward in display102.

Depending on the finger movements, indentations may be formed in the object and portions of the object may be squeezed smaller while other portions may be enlarged (as if the clay material were squeezed from one region to another). When the pinch-and-pull gesture input is applied to an object having clay-like properties, pulling a portion of the object for a distance beyond a threshold may cause the portion to break off from the main body, just like pulling a portion off a lump of clay. A “pinch-twist-and-pull” gesture input can also be used to twist and break off a portion from the main body of an object.

In the sculpting mode, the CAD program can provide an option for rotating an object being sculpted, so that finger movements can be interpreted as being applied to a rotating object, similar to sculpting a rotating clay pot placed on a potter's wheel.

The CAD program may provide an “erase” mode, in which waving a finger back and forth about a location on the surface of an object will gradually remove portions of the object near the location, as if rubbing away material from the object. A “growth” mode may be provided, in which waving a finger back and forth about a location on the surface of an object will cause material to gradually grow near the location, as if rubbing material onto the object.

Because display102is two-dimensional, while finger movements are three-dimensional, the CAD program may provide pointers to show which portions of the object are selected or being manipulated. Alternatively, the portions being manipulated can be highlighted, for example, shown with a different brightness or color. For example, when a pinch gesture is applied to a portion of the object, the pinched portion may become highlighted. When a sculpting gesture is applied to an object, the portion of the object receiving the sculpting force can be highlighted. This allows the user to manipulate the objects more accurately.

Various gesture inputs can be used to render complex 3D objects. For example, a product design house can use device100to quickly generate 3D models of consumer products. Video game developers can use device100to quickly generate 3D models of figures in video games. Users can use device100to quickly generate avatars for use in video conferencing applications. User of a virtual 3D environment can quickly generate or modify avatars or objects in the virtual 3D environment. Homeowners can generate 3D models of their houses based on aerial photographs, and add the 3D models to a map application. By providing a convenient and intuitive way to generate and modify 3D objects based on 2D objects in photographs, a 3D model of a community or an entire city can be generated through the cooperation of the residents of the community or city, each individual using device100to modify computer-generated 3D models of buildings or landscapes that the individual is familiar with.

In some implementations, the CAD program can provide an option for drawing mountains. Fingertip movements in the vicinity of display surface118can be interpreted to be tracing the ridge line of a mountain. The CAD program can generate a virtual mountain automatically using mathematical models, in which the virtual mountain has ridge lines that correspond to the fingertip movements. The user can further modify the virtual mountain using various gesture inputs.

When generating or modifying 3D objects or 3D virtual environments, voice commands can be used in parallel to touch and gesture inputs. The user can provide voice commands such as “start” and “end” to indicate the start and end, respectively, of a gesture input. The user can provide voice commands such as “circle mode,” “sculpting mode,” or “erase mode” to select the circle mode, sculpting mode, or erase mode, respectively.

In addition to generating and modifying 3D objects, 3D gesture inputs can be used to manipulate the movements of 3D object in a virtual 3D environment. For example, a 3D gesture input may impart an initial speed to an object according to a force represented by the 3D gesture input. A faster finger movement toward the object may represent a greater force pushing the object. The object may have certain physical properties, such as mass and surface friction coefficients. The object may move about in the virtual 3D environment according to physical properties associated with the 3D object and the environment.

For example, display100may show a ball on a surface. A 3D gesture input that represents pushing the ball may cause the ball to start rolling on the surface. The ball may slow down depending on the friction coefficients assigned to the ball and the surface, and whether the path on the surface slopes upward or downward.

Computer games that require players to move objects may utilize 3D gesture inputs. For example, finger movements in the vicinity of display surface118may be used to guide movements of objects through 3D mazes. For example, in a baseball video game, a user can use finger movements to control movements of a bat, in which swinging a finger forward and away from display surface118causes the bat to swing forward and upwards, and swinging the finger forward and toward display surface118causes the bat to swing forward and downwards.

In some implementations, the shape of a 3D object can be represented by mesh lines that are defined according to movements in 3D gesture inputs. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 12, the mesh lines representing the surface280and raised portion286can be drawn by the user in the 3D space in the vicinity of display surface118. If the fingertip maintains a constant distance to display surface118when drawing the mesh lines, the mesh lines will form a plane surface. If the fingertip moves up and away from display surface118at a location when drawing the mesh lines, there will be a raised portion at the location on the surface represented by the mesh lines. If the fingertip moves down and toward display surface118at the location when drawing the mesh lines, there will be a recessed portion at the location on the surface represented by the mesh lines.

The CAD program may provide a free-style 3D drawing mode in which finger movements in the three-dimensional space in the vicinity of display surface118represent 3D line drawings. For example, moving a fingertip in a spiral motion in the vicinity of display surface118may be used to draw a 3D spiral. The user can generate 3D objects by drawing the contours or edges of the 3D object. For example, the user can generate rectangular prism146inFIG. 4Bby drawing each of the twelve edges of rectangular prism146.

In some implementations, the CAD program may allow the user to define a 3D object that represents a virtual controller or a virtual tool that can be used to control other objects or change the properties of other objects. For example, a virtual trackball can be generated and used to control movement of other objects. The virtual trackball can be placed at a location on display102and can be controlled by the user by applying a hand gesture in the vicinity of the location of display102similar to a gesture used for rotating a physical trackball.

The touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs, and 3D gesture inputs for generating and modifying virtual 3D objects and virtual 3D environments can be used in applications other than CAD programs. For example, a word processing program may provide the functionality to allow a user to select a segment of text and “pull up” the selected text to generate 3D text. The touch and gesture inputs can be applied to 3D widgets.

An operating system may represent windows in a 3D environment, and the gesture inputs can be used to manipulate the 3D windows. For example, a user can generate a cube using the touch-and-pull-up gesture, then drag an application program to a face of the cube so that the face becomes the window for the application program. The user can rotate the cube and drag five additional application programs to the other five faces of the cube so that each face of the cube represents a window to an application program. The user can selectively view an application program by rotating the cube so that the face hosting the application program faces the user.

The operating system may show the desktop as a 3D surface, and the touch and gesture inputs can be used to modify the 3D desktop. For example, the system tray and various icons for application programs may be shown as if lying on a 3D landscape. The operation system may allow the user to apply special effects to a 3D window, such as forming raised or recessed portions. An application program executing in the modified 3D window will have the effect as if the application program is projected onto a screen that has raised or recessed portions.

For example, 3D gesture inputs can be different from those described above. Additional 3D gesture inputs can be defined for generating additional 3D shapes or manipulating 3D objects in additional ways. A 3D object is generated (436) in a user interface based on the 3D gesture input and at least one of the touch input or 2D gesture input. For example, the 3D object can include the 3D object shown inFIG. 3B,4B,5B,6B,7B,8B,9B,10B,12,13, or17.

For example, referring toFIG. 18, 3D gesture input440for generating a sphere may include touching display surface118at touch point446, drawing a first circle442on display surface118, and drawing a second circle444along a plane orthogonal to the plane of display surface118. The diameter of the sphere may correspond to the diameter of first circle442, and the center of the sphere may either be above the center of first circle442or above touch point446.

Alternatively, referring toFIGS. 19A and 19B(which provides different views of the same 3D gesture input), 3D gesture input450for generating a sphere may include touching display surface118at three touch points452a,452b, and452c, with three fingers that are close together. The three fingers spread out and slide454on display surface118for a short distance, then the fingers are lifted off display surface118and move456along arcs as if the fingers are tracing the surface of a sphere. The fingers come close together at a location above the initial touch points452a,452b, and452c, as if pausing at the top of the sphere.

Referring toFIG. 20, 3D gesture input460, which is a variation of 3D gesture input450, can be used to generate 3D objects that resemble chocolate drops. In 3D gesture input460, when the three fingers are lifted off display surface118and come close together, the fingers move along arcs in which the directions of the arc curvatures change near the top of the 3D object to cause a pointed tip to form at the top of the 3D object, similar to the tip of a chocolate drop.

In the description above, the touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs, and 3D gesture inputs are detected by touch sensors and proximity sensors embedded in display102. In some implementations, the touch sensors and proximity sensors can be a single sensor, such as a capacitive touch sensor. In some implementations, the capacitive touch sensor can detect a capacitance that is approximately inversely proportional to (or have some other predetermined relationship with) the distance between the finger and a surface (e.g., display surface118or another surface). The change in capacitance detected can be sent to the touch model configured for 3D mode and the 3D gesture can be determined based on the value of the capacitance, e.g., in addition to other parameters that are used for 2D touch models. The finger capacitance acts as one plate of the capacitor and the surface is the other plate. The capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the finger and the surface, so as the user moves the finger vertically above the touch surface the capacitance decreases. This allows a 3D touch model to interpret the distance d of the finger above the touch surface and select the appropriate 3D touch event based on the value of the capacitance. The capacitance can be detected by the capacitive touch sensor and sent to the touch model. If the capacitance is lower than the capacitance at a reference position, then a 3D touch event has occurred. The reference capacitance can be the capacitance when the finger is touching the surface. Processor can detects the reference capacitance, and a drop in capacitance signals a 3D touch event.

The touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs, and 3D gesture inputs can also be provided to a touch-sensitive surface of device100, such as a trackpad or touchpad, in which touch sensors and proximity sensors are embedded in the trackpad or touchpad. The gesture inputs for generating, modifying, and manipulating 3D objects and virtual 3D environments described above can also be applied to the touch-sensitive surface.

In some implementations, display102can be a 3D display that can show 3D images to the user. The 3D display can be an autostereoscopic display that uses lenticular lenses or parallax barriers. The 3D display can provide images having different polarizations intended for left or right eyes, and can be viewed by users wearing polarized 3D glasses. The 3D display can be a volumetric 3D display. The surface display102can be non-planar, such as dome shaped or cylindrical. The touch sensors and proximity sensors embedded in the display can conform to the exterior shape of the display surface. For example, display102can show 3D images of 3D objects, and the user can apply 3D gesture inputs in which the user's fingers appear as if touching the 3D objects.

Processes for Generating, Modifying, and Manipulating 3D Objects

FIG. 21is a flow diagram of example process410for generating 3D objects. For example, process410can be implemented using device102. In process410, a first user input identifying a 2D object presented in a user interface is detected (412). For example, the user interface can be display102, and the 2D object can be a triangle, a square, or any other 2D shape.

A second user input including a 3D gesture input including a movement in proximity to a surface is detected (414). For example, the 3D gesture input can include pulling up the fingers as shown inFIG. 3A,4A,5A,6A,7A,8A,9A, or10A, the pinch-and-pull gesture input as shown inFIG. 11A, or the pinch-and-push gesture input as shown inFIG. 11B.

A 3D object is generated (416) based on the 2D object according to the first and second user inputs. For example, the 3D object can be a triangular prism (FIG. 3B), a rectangular prism (FIG. 4B), a cylinder (FIG. 5B), an arbitrary shaped frustum having equal top and bottom surfaces (FIG. 6B), a pyramid having a triangular base (FIG. 7B), a pyramid having a rectangular base (FIG. 8B), a cone (FIG. 9B), a frustum having top and bottom surfaces with different shapes and/or sizes (FIG. 10B), or an object having a raised or recessed surface (FIGS. 12 and 13).

The 3D object is presented (418) in the user interface.

FIG. 22is a flow diagram of example process420for modifying 3D objects. For example, process420can be implemented using device102. In process420, a 3D object is shown (422) on a touch-sensitive display. For example, the touch-sensitive display can be display102that includes touch sensors.

A 3D gesture input that includes a movement of a finger or a pointing device in proximity to a surface of the touch-sensitive display is detected (424). Detecting the 3D gesture input can include measuring a distance between the finger or the pointing device and a surface of the display. For example, the touch-sensitive display can include proximity sensors, and the pointing device can be a stylus.

The 3D object is modified (426) according to the 3D gesture input. For example, a raised or recessed portion can be formed on a surface of a 3D object, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. Color, texture, or lighting applied to a surface of the 3D object can be controlled by the 3D gesture input, as shown inFIGS. 14,15A,15B, and16.

The updated 3D object is shown (428) on the touch-sensitive display.

FIG. 23is a flow diagram of example process430for generating 3D objects. For example, process430can be implemented using device102. In process430, a first user input that includes at least one of a touch input or a 2D gesture input is detected (432). For example, the touch input can be touching display surface118at two or more touch points, as shown inFIG. 3A,4A,5A,7A,8A,9A,10A, or11A. The 2D gesture input can include sliding one or more fingers on display surface118, as shown inFIG. 6Aor11A.

A 3D gesture input that includes a movement in proximity to a surface is detected (434). For example, the 3D gesture input can include finger movements such as those shown inFIG. 3A,4A,5A,6A,7A,8A,9A,10A,11A,11B,12,13, or17.

Example Device Architecture

The following provides more details on the implementation of device100and its components. For example, touch-sensitive display102can implement liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting polymer display (LPD) technology, or some other display technology. In addition, device100can include a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a trackpad or touchpad).

In some implementations, touch-sensitive display102can include a multi-touch-sensitive display. A multi-touch-sensitive display can, for example, process multiple simultaneous points of input, including processing data related to the pressure, degree, and/or position of each point of input. Such processing facilitates gestures and interactions with multiple fingers, chording, and other interactions. Other touch-sensitive display technologies can also be used, e.g., a display in which contact is made using a stylus or other pointing device.

A user can interact with device100using various touch inputs, e.g., when a user touches touch sensitive display102. Gesture inputs can also be derived from multiple touch inputs, e.g., where a user moves his or her finger (or other input tool) across touch sensitive display102. An example gesture input is a swipe input, where a user swipes his or her finger (or other input tool) across touch-sensitive display102. In some implementations, the device can detect inputs that are received in direct contact with display102, or that are received within a particular distance of display102(e.g., within one or two inches along a direction perpendicular to surface of display102). Users can simultaneously provide input at multiple locations on display102. For example, inputs simultaneously touching at two or more locations can be received.

In some implementations, device100can display one or more graphical user interfaces on touch-sensitive display102for providing the user access to various system objects and for conveying information to the user. In some implementations, the graphical user interface can include one or more display objects, e.g., display objects122and128.

In some implementations, device100can implement various device functionalities. As part of one or more of these functionalities, device100presents graphical user interfaces on touch-sensitive display102of device100, and also responds to touch input received from a user, for example, through touch-sensitive display102. For example, a user can invoke various functions by launching one or more applications on the device. The applications can include, for example, a CAD program.

FIG. 24is a block diagram of example hardware architecture of device1100for generating, modifying, and manipulating 3D objects using 3D gesture inputs. Device1100can include memory interface1102, one or more data processors, image processors and/or central processing units1104, and peripherals interface1106. Memory interface1102, one or more processors1104and/or peripherals interface1106can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. The various components in device1100can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines.

Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to peripherals interface1106to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, motion sensor1110, light sensor1112, and proximity sensor1114can be coupled to peripherals interface1106to facilitate various orientation, lighting, and proximity functions. For example, in some implementations, light sensor1112can be utilized to facilitate adjusting the brightness of touch screen1146. In some implementations, motion sensor1111(e.g., an accelerometer, velicometer, or gyroscope) can be utilized to detect movement of the device. Accordingly, display objects and/or media can be presented according to a detected orientation, e.g., portrait or landscape.

Other sensors1116can also be connected to peripherals interface1106, such as a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, or other sensing device, to facilitate related functionalities.

Location determination functionality can be facilitated through positioning system1132. Positioning system1132, in various implementations, can be a component internal to device1100, or can be an external component coupled to device1100(e.g., using a wired connection or a wireless connection). In some implementations, positioning system1132can include a GPS receiver and a positioning engine operable to derive positioning information from received GPS satellite signals. In other implementations, positioning system1132can include a compass (e.g., a magnetic compass) and an accelerometer, as well as a positioning engine operable to derive positioning information based on dead reckoning techniques. In still further implementations, positioning system1132can use wireless signals (e.g., cellular signals, IEEE 802.11 signals) to determine location information associated with the device. Hybrid positioning systems using a combination of satellite and television signals, such as those provided by ROSUM CORPORATION of Mountain View, Calif., can also be used. Other positioning systems are possible.

Broadcast reception functions can be facilitated through one or more radio frequency (RF) receiver(s)1118. An RF receiver can receive, for example, AM/FM broadcasts or satellite broadcasts (e.g., XM® or Sirius® radio broadcast). An RF receiver can also be a TV tuner. In some implementations, RF receiver1118is built into wireless communication subsystems1124. In other implementations, RF receiver1118is an independent subsystem coupled to device1100(e.g., using a wired connection or a wireless connection). RF receiver1118can receive simulcasts. In some implementations, RF receiver1118can include a Radio Data System (RDS) processor, which can process broadcast content and simulcast data (e.g., RDS data). In some implementations, RF receiver1118can be digitally tuned to receive broadcasts at various frequencies. In addition, RF receiver1118can include a scanning function which tunes up or down and pauses at a next frequency where broadcast content is available.

Camera subsystem1120and optical sensor1122, e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips.

Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more communication subsystems1124. Communication subsystem(s) can include one or more wireless communication subsystems and one or more wired communication subsystems. Wireless communication subsystems can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. Wired communication system can include a port device, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or some other wired port connection that can be used to establish a wired connection to other computing devices, such as other communication devices, network access devices, a personal computer, a printer, a display screen, or other processing devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting data. The specific design and implementation of communication subsystem1124can depend on the communication network(s) or medium(s) over which device1100is intended to operate. For example, device1100may include wireless communication subsystems designed to operate over a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network, a GPRS network, an enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE) network, 802.x communication networks (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax, or3G networks), code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, and a Bluetooth™ network. Communication subsystems1124may include hosting protocols such that device1100may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices. As another example, the communication subsystems can allow the device to synchronize with a host device using one or more protocols, such as, for example, the TCP/IP protocol, HTTP protocol, UDP protocol, and any other known protocol.

Audio subsystem1126can be coupled to speaker1128and one or more microphones1130. One or more microphones1130can be used, for example, to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions.

I/O subsystem1140can include touch screen controller1142and/or other input controller(s)1144. Touch-screen controller1142can be coupled to touch screen1146. Touch screen1146and touch screen controller1142can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a number of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen1146or proximity to touch screen1146.

Other input controller(s)1144can be coupled to other input/control devices1148, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of speaker1128and/or microphone1130.

In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of touch screen1146; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to device1100on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. Touch screen1146can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard.

In some implementations, device1100can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, device1100can include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPhone™

Memory interface1102can be coupled to memory1150. Memory1150can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). Memory1150can store operating system1152, such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. Operating system1152may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, operating system1152can be a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel).

Memory1150may also store communication instructions1154to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. Communication instructions1154can also be used to select an operational mode or communication medium for use by the device, based on a geographic location (obtained by GPS/Navigation instructions1168) of the device. Memory1150may include graphical user interface instructions1156to facilitate graphic user interface processing; sensor processing instructions1158to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions1160to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions1162to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions1164to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions1166to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions1168to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions, e.g., mapping a target location; camera instructions1170to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; and/or other software instructions1172to facilitate other processes and functions, e.g., security processes and functions, device customization processes and functions (based on predetermined user preferences), and other software functions. Memory1150may also store other software instructions (not shown), such as web video instructions to facilitate web video-related processes and functions; and/or web shopping instructions to facilitate web shopping-related processes and functions. In some implementations, media processing instructions1166are divided into audio processing instructions and video processing instructions to facilitate audio processing-related processes and functions and video processing-related processes and functions, respectively.

Each of the above identified instructions and applications can correspond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These instructions need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules. Memory1150can include additional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, various functions of device1100may be implemented in hardware and/or in software, including in one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Example Network Operating Environment for Devices

FIG. 25is a block diagram of example network operating environment1200for devices for generating, modifying, and manipulating 3D objects using 3D gesture inputs. Devices1202aand1202bcan, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks1210in data communication. For example, wireless network1212, e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)1214, such as the Internet, by use of gateway1216. Likewise, access device1218, such as an 802.11g wireless access device, can provide communication access to wide area network1214. In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over wireless network1212and access device1218. For example, device1202acan place and receive phone calls (e.g., using VoIP protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using POP3 protocol), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over wireless network1212, gateway1216, and wide area network1214(e.g., using TCP/IP or UDP protocols). Likewise, in some implementations, device1202bcan place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over access device1218and wide area network1214. In some implementations, devices1202aor1202bcan be physically connected to access device1218using one or more cables and access device1218can be a personal computer. In this configuration, device1202aor1202bcan be referred to as a “tethered” device.

Devices1202aand1202bcan also establish communications by other means. For example, wireless device1202acan communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other devices1202aor1202b, cell phones, etc., over wireless network1212. Likewise, devices1202aand1202bcan establish peer-to-peer communications1220, e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as a Bluetooth™ communication device. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented.

Device1202aor1202bcan also access other data and content over one or more wired and/or wireless networks1210. For example, content publishers, such as news sites, RSS feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by device1202aor1202b. Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching, for example, a Web object.

The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The features can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. Alternatively or addition, the program instructions can be encoded on a propagated signal that is an artificially generated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal, that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a programmable processor.

One or more features or steps of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented using an Application Programming Interface (API). An API can define on or more parameters that are passed between a calling application and other software code (e.g., an operating system, library routine, function) that provides a service, that provides data, or that performs an operation or a computation.

The API can be implemented as one or more calls in program code that send or receive one or more parameters through a parameter list or other structure based on a call convention defined in an API specification document. A parameter can be a constant, a key, a data structure, an object, an object class, a variable, a data type, a pointer, an array, a list, or another call. API calls and parameters can be implemented in any programming language. The programming language can define the vocabulary and calling convention that a programmer will employ to access functions supporting the API.

In some implementations, an API call can report to an application the capabilities of a device running the application, such as input capability, output capability, processing capability, power capability, communications capability, etc.