Patent Publication Number: US-2023143456-A1

Title: Systems and methods for dynamic shape sketching

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to specifying dimensions of multidimensional objects represented in digital data, and more particularly to systems and methods for dynamically sketching shapes of such multidimensional objects based on intuitive user operations performed with a position indicator as an input device. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, a user must perform a complex set of operations with multiple input devices in order to specify dimensions of multidimensional objects represented in digital data. For example, a conventional system that enables users to specify shapes of multidimensional objects represented in digital data may require a user to operate one or more keys of a keyboard with one of the user&#39;s hands while simultaneously moving and operating a button of a computer mouse with the other of the user&#39;s hands in order to specify shapes, orientations, dimensions, etc. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods that enable users to intuitively specify shapes, orientations, dimensions, etc. of multidimensional objects represented in digital data with a single input device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure teaches systems and methods that enable users to intuitively and dynamically specify shapes, orientations, dimensions, etc. of multidimensional objects represented in digital data with a single input device. 
     A system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may be summarized as including a position indicator that includes: a case having a plurality of reference tags disposed on an exterior surface of the case; a core body disposed within the case and having a tip that protrudes from the case through an opening in the case; a pressure detector which, in operation, detects a pressure applied to the tip of the core body; and a transmitter coupled to the pressure detector, wherein the transmitter, in operation, transmits one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body; and a processing device that includes: at least one receiver which, in operation, receives the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator and one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of the one or more of the reference tags; at least one processor coupled to the at least one receiver; at least one memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processing device to generate visualization data based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator and the one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of the one or more of the reference tags, wherein the visualization data describe an object that extends from a predetermined position in a direction that is based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, and wherein the visualization data are provided for display by a visualization device. 
     When the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicate that the pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data such that the object, when displayed by the visualization device, extends from the predetermined position in a first predetermined direction. 
     When the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicate that the pressure is less than the predetermined threshold value, the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data such that the object, when displayed by the visualization device, extends from the predetermined position in a second predetermined direction, the second predetermined direction being opposite the first predetermined direction. 
     The processing device may include a sensor having an input surface, the sensor, in operation, may detect the position indicator and output a signal indicative of a position on the input surface of the position indicator as sensed by the sensor, and the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, the one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of the one or more of the reference tags, and the signal indicative of the position on the input surface of the position indicator as sensed by the sensor. 
     The position indicator may include a switch that, in operation, is in one of a plurality of positions; the one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter may be indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body and a position of the switch; and the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator and the position of the switch, and the one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of the one or more of the reference tags. 
     The position indicator may include an accelerometer that, in operation, outputs a signal indicative of an acceleration of the position indicator; the one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter may be indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body and the acceleration of the position indicator; and the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator and the acceleration of the processing device, and the one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of the one or more of the reference tags. 
     A system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure may be summarized as including a position indicator that includes: a case having a core body disposed within the case and having a tip that protrudes from the case through an opening in the case; a pressure detector which, in operation, detects a pressure applied to the tip of the core body; and a transmitter coupled to the pressure detector, wherein the transmitter, in operation, transmits one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body that is detected by the pressure detector; and a processing device that includes: a sensor having an input surface, wherein the sensor, in operation, detects the position indicator and outputs a signal indicative of a position of the tip of the core body with respect to the input surface of the sensor; at least one receiver which, in operation, receives the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator; at least one processor coupled to the sensor and the at least one receiver; at least one memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the processing device to the generate visualization data based on the signal indicative of the position on the input surface of the tip of the core body of the position indicator, and the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, wherein the visualization data describe an object that extends from a predetermined position in a direction that is based on the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, and wherein the visualization data are provided for display by a visualization device. 
     When the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicate that the pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data such that the object, when displayed by the visualization device, extends from the predetermined position in a first predetermined direction. 
     When the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicate that the pressure is less than the predetermined threshold value, the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing to generate the visualization data such that the object, when displayed by the visualization device, extends from the predetermined position in a second predetermined direction, the second predetermined direction being opposite the first predetermined direction. 
     The processing device may include a switch that, in operation, is in one of a plurality of positions; the one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter may be indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body and a position of the switch; and the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data based on the signal indicative of the position of the tip of the core body with respect to the input surface of the sensor, and the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator and the position of the switch. 
     The processing device may include an accelerometer that, in operation, outputs a signal indicative of an acceleration of the processing device; the one or more signals transmitted by the transmitter may be indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body and the acceleration of the processing device; and the instructions stored by the at least one memory device, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the processing device to generate the visualization data based on the signal indicative of the position of the tip of the core body with respect to the input surface of the sensor, the one or more signals indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, and the acceleration of the processing device. 
     A method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure may be summarized as including: receiving one or more signals indicative of one or more spatial positions of a position indicator in a three-dimensional space relative to a surface of a sensor; receiving a signal indicative of a pressure applied to a tip of a core body of the position indicator; generating visualization data based on the one or more signals indicative of one or more positions of the position indicator and the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, wherein the visualization data describe an object that, when displayed, extends in a direction away from a plane of the surface of the sensor based on the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator; and providing the visualization data for display. 
     When the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicates that the pressure is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the object may extend from a predetermined position in a first predetermined direction. 
     When the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator indicates that the pressure is less than the predetermined threshold value, the object may extend from the predetermined position in a second predetermined direction, the second predetermined direction being opposite the first predetermined direction. 
     The method may further include: receiving a signal indicative of a position of a switch of the position indicator, wherein the generating of the visualization data includes generating the visualization data based on (i) the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, (ii) the one or more signals indicative of one or more spatial positions of the position indicator, and (iii) the signal indicative of the position of the switch of the position indicator. 
     The method may further include: receiving a signal indicative of an acceleration of the position indicator, wherein the generating of the visualization data includes generating the visualization data based on (i) the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body of the position indicator, (ii) the one or more signals indicative of one or more spatial positions of the position indicator, and (iii) the signal indicative of the acceleration of the position indicator. 
     The one or more signals indicative of one or more spatial positions of the position indicator may include one or more signals indicative of one or more respective positions of one or more of a plurality of reference tags disposed on the position indicator. 
     The one or more signals indicative of one or more spatial positions of the position may indicator include a signal indicative of a position of the tip of the position indicator with respect to the surface of the sensor. 
     The method may further include: displaying a representation of the object based on the visualization data. The representation of the object may be displayed, at least in part, by a head-mounted display. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a block diagram of a visualization system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    shows a block diagram of a position indicator that is used as an input device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    shows a block diagram of a processing device that receives input via the position indicator shown in  FIG.  2   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    shows a flowchart of a method that may be performed by the visualization system shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    shows a flowchart of a method that may be performed by the visualization system shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6 A  shows a perspective view of an object that may be displayed by the visualization system shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6 B  shows a side view of the object shown in  FIG.  6 A , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a perspective view of an object that may be displayed by the visualization system shown in  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a side view of the object shown in  FIG.  7 A , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    shows a block diagram of a visualization system  100 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The visualization system  100  includes a position indicator  102 , a processing device  104 , a plurality of tracking devices  106   a  and  106   b,  a visualization device  108 , and a sensor  109 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the position indicator  102  includes a hollow, generally cylindrical case  110  having an opening  112  formed at one end thereof, though the case of the position indicator  102  may have other, different forms. A tip of a core body  114  protrudes from the case  110  through the opening  112 . In one or more embodiments, the core body  114  is a rod-shaped member that transmits pressure corresponding to a pressure applied to a part of the position indicator (e.g., tip of a core body  114 ), to a pressure detector  118 , which will be described below with reference to  FIG.  2   . In one or more embodiments, the core body  114  is formed of an electrically-conductive material. In one or more embodiments, the core body  114  is non-conductive and is formed from resin. 
     Alternatively or in combination, in one or more embodiments, the opening  112  is formed in a side surface of the case  110 , and the core body  114  extends through the opening  112  thereby enabling a finger of a user to apply pressure to the core body in order to provide input to the processing device  104 . As will be explained below with reference to  FIG.  2   , the position indicator  102  transmits to the processing device  104  a signal that is indicative of an amount of pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114 . The position indicator  102  can be used as an input device for the processing device  104 . 
     The processing device  104  includes an input surface  116 , for example, which is formed from a transparent material such as glass. In one or more embodiments, the processing device  104  is a tablet computer. As will be explained below with reference to  FIG.  3   , a sensor  140  that tracks the current position of the position indicator  102  and a display device  138  may be disposed below the input surface  116 . The processing device  104  generates visualization data based on operation of the position indicator  102  by a user, and transmits the visualization data to the visualization device  108 , which displays images based on the visualization data. Additionally or alternatively, the display device  138  of the processing device  104  may display images based on the visualization data. 
     In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  and the display device  138  each process portions of the visualization data generated by the processing device  104  and simultaneously display images. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  and the display device  138  operate with different screen refresh rates. Accordingly, it may be desirable offload processing of the device operating at the higher screen refresh rate to the device operating at the lower screen refresh rate. For example, the visualization device  108  may operate with a screen refresh rate of 90 Hz and the display device  138  may operate with a screen refresh rate of 60 Hz, and in such case it may be desirable to offload some or all of the processing of visualization data by the visualization device  108  to the display device  138 . Thus, the processing device  104  may partition the visualization data such that a processing load of the visualization device  108  is offloaded to the display device  138 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the processing device  104  receives from the visualization device  108  a signal indicative of a current processing load of the visualization device  108 , and the processing device  104  dynamically adjusts the amount of visualization data transmitted to the visualization device  108  and the display device  138  based on the current processing load. In one or more embodiments, the processing device  104  estimates the current processing load of the visualization device  108 , and dynamically adjusts the amount of visualization data transmitted to the visualization device  108  and the display device  138  based on the estimated current processing load. For example, if the indicated or estimated current processing load of the visualization device  108  is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the processing device  104  decreases the amount of visualization data that is transmitted to the visualization device  108  and increases the amount of visualization data that is transmitted to the display device  138 . Additionally or alternatively, the processing device  104  may offload processing from the display device  138  to the visualization device  108  in a similar manner. 
     The tracking devices  106   a  and  106   b  track the position and/or orientation of the position indicator  102 , and particularly, in some embodiments, the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102 . The tracking devices  106   a  and  106   b  are collectively referred to herein as tracking devices  106 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1    includes two tracking devices  106 , the visualization system  100  may include a different number of tracking devices  106  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the visualization system  100  may include three, four, or more tracking devices  106  according to the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, the visualization system  100  does not include any tracking devices  106 , and the position of the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102  is tracked using only the sensor  140  of the processing device  104 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the tracking devices  106  employ known optical motion tracking technologies in order to track the position and/or orientation of the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102 . In one or more embodiments, the position indicator  102  has reference tags in the form of optical markers mounted on an exterior surface of the case  110 , wherein the optical markers are passive devices each having a unique, visually distinct color or pattern formed thereon that can be optically sensed. Each of the tracking devices  106  may include a camera that obtains images of one or more of the optical markers and transmits corresponding image data to the processing device  104 . The processing device  104  stores data indicative of a spatial relationship between each of the optical markers and the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102 , and determines a current position and/or orientation of the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102  by processing the image data according to known techniques. In one or more embodiments, the optical markers are active devices each having a light emitting device (e.g., light emitting diode) that emits light having a different wavelength. In one or more embodiments, the tracking devices  106  are Constellation sensors, which are part of the Oculus Rift system available from Oculus VR. In one or more embodiments, the tracking devices  106  are laser-based tracking devices. For example, the tracking devices  106  are SteamVR 2.0 Base Stations, which are part of the HTC Vive system available from HTC Corporation. 
     The visualization device  108  processes the visualization data that is generated by the processing device  104 , and displays corresponding images. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  is a head-mounted display device. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  is an HTC Vive Pro virtual reality headset, which is part of the HTC Vive system available from HTC Corporation. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  is an Oculus Rift virtual reality headset, which is part of the Oculus Rift system available from Oculus VR. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  is a HoloLens augmented reality headset available from Microsoft Corporation. 
     In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  includes the sensor  109 , which is used to track the location of physical objects within a field of view of the sensor  109 . For example, the visualization device  108  is a head-mounted display and the sensor  109  includes a pair of cameras, wherein each camera is located near one eye of a user of the visualization device  108  and has a field of view that is substantially the same as that eye. Additionally, the visualization device  108  includes a transmitter that transmits image data corresponding to the images captured by the cameras to the processing device  104 , which processes the image data and determines coordinates for objects imaged by the cameras, for example, using conventional image processing techniques. For example, in one or more embodiments, the processing device  104  includes object recognition software that is configured in a manner similar to the object recognition engine described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0206452, see e.g., paragraph 87, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Alternatively, the visualization device  108  includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the visualization device  108  to determine coordinates for objects imaged by the cameras and transmit those coordinates to the processing device  104 . 
     Having provided an overview of the visualization system  100 , the position indicator  102  will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG.  2   , which shows a block diagram of the position indicator  102 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The position indicator  102  includes a pressure detector  118  which, in operation, detects a pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114 , for example, when a user presses the tip of the core body  114  against the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 . In one or more embodiments, the pressure detector  118  is configured in a manner similar to the pressure sensing component described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,939,931, see e.g., column 13, line 49, to column 22, line 13, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In one or more embodiments, the position indicator  102  includes a switch  120  which in operation, is in one of a plurality of positions. A user can actuate the switch  120  to change the position of the switch  120  in order to provide input to the processing device  104 . For example, the switch  120  is in a “closed” or “on” position while a user depresses it, and is in an “open” or “off” position while the user does not depress it. In one or more embodiments, the switch  120  is configured in a manner similar to the side switch described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,939,931, see e.g., column 11, lines 24-49. In one or more embodiments, the position indicator  102  includes two switches  120  that a user can operate to provide input similar to the input provided by operating a left button and a right button of a computer mouse. 
     In one or more embodiments, the position indicator  102  includes an accelerometer  122  which, in operation, outputs a signal indicative of an acceleration of the position indicator  102 . In one or more embodiments, the accelerometer  122  is configured as a micro-machined microelectromechanical system (MEMS). 
     The position indicator  102  also includes a transmitter  124  coupled to the pressure detector  118 , and the transmitter  124 , in operation, transmits a signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  that is detected by the pressure detector  118 . In one or more embodiments, the transmitter  124  operates in accordance with one or more of the Bluetooth communication standards. In one or more embodiments, the transmitter  124  operates in accordance with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 family of communication standards. In one or more embodiments, the transmitter  124  electromagnetically induces the signal via the tip of the core body  114  and the sensor  140  of the processing device  104 . In one or more embodiments, the transmitter  124  is coupled to the switch  120 , and the transmitter  124 , in operation, transmits a signal indicative of the position of the switch  120 . In one or more embodiments, the transmitter  124  is coupled to the accelerometer  122 , and the transmitter  124 , in operation, transmits a signal indicative of the acceleration of the processing device  102  that is detected by the accelerometer  122 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the position indicator  102  includes a plurality of reference tags  126   a,    126   b,  and  126   c.  The reference tags  126   a,    126   b , and  126   c  are collectively referred to herein as reference tags  126 . The reference tags  126  are tracked by the tracking devices  106 . In one or more embodiments, the reference tags  126  are passive optical markers that are secured to an exterior surface of the case  110  of the position indicator  102 , as described above in connection with  FIG.  1   . Alternatively or in addition, in one or more embodiments, the reference tags  126  actively emit light or radio waves that are detected by the tracking devices  106 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2    includes three reference tags  126 , the position indicator  102  may include a different number of reference tags  126 . For example, the position indicator  102  may include four, five, six, or more reference tags  126  according to the present disclosure. 
     Having described the position indicator  102  in greater detail, the processing device  104  will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG.  3   , which shows a block diagram of the processing device  104 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The processing device  104  includes a microprocessor  128  having a memory  130  and a central processing unit (CPU)  132 , a memory  134 , input/output (I/O) circuitry  136 , a display device  138 , a sensor  140 , a transmitter  142 , and a receiver  144 . 
     The memory  134  stores processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the CPU  132 , cause the processing device  104  to perform the acts of the processing device  104  described in connection with  FIGS.  4 ,  6 A,  6 B, and  7   . The CPU  132  uses the memory  130  as a working memory while executing the instructions. In one or more embodiments, the memory  130  is comprised of one or more random access memory (RAM) modules and/or one or more non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) modules, such as electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or Flash memory modules, for example. 
     In one or more embodiments, the I/O circuitry  136  may include buttons, switches, dials, knobs, microphones, or other user-interface elements for inputting commands to the processing device  104 . The I/O circuitry  136  also may include one or more speakers, one or more light emitting devices, or other user-interface elements for outputting information or indications from the processing device  104 . 
     The display device  138  graphically displays information to an operator. The microprocessor  128  controls the display device  138  to display information based on visualization data generated by the processing device  104 . In one or more embodiments, the display device  138  is a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. In one or more embodiments, the display device  138  simultaneously displays two images so that users wearing appropriate eyewear can perceive a multidimensional image, for example, in a manner similar to viewing three-dimensional (3D) images via 3D capable televisions. 
     The sensor  140  detects the position indicator  102  and outputs a signal indicative of a position of the position indicator  102  with respect to an input surface (e.g., surface  116 ) of the sensor  140 . In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor  128  processes signals received from the sensor  140  and obtains (X, Y) coordinates on the input surface of the sensor  140  corresponding to the position indicated by the position indicator  102 . In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor  128  processes signals received from the sensor  140  and obtains (X, Y) coordinates on the input surface of the sensor  140  corresponding to the position indicated by the position indicator  102  in addition to a height (e.g., Z coordinate) above the input surface of the sensor  140  at which the position indicator  102  is located. In one or more embodiments, the sensor  140  is an induction type of sensor that is configured in a manner similar to the position detection sensor described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,964,395, see e.g., column 7, line 35, to column 10, line 27, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In one or more embodiments, the sensor  140  is a capacitive type of sensor that is configured in a manner similar to the position detecting sensor described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,600,096, see e.g., column 6, line 5, to column 8, line 17, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The transmitter  142  is coupled to the microprocessor  128 , and the transmitter  142 , in operation, transmits visualization data generated by the microprocessor  128  to the visualization device  108 . For example, in one or more embodiments, the transmitter  142  operates in accordance with one or more of the Bluetooth and/or IEEE 802.11 family of communication standards. The receiver  144  is coupled to the microprocessor  128 , and the receiver  144 , in operation, receives signals from the tracking devices  106  and the visualization device  108 . For example, in one or more embodiments, the receiver  144  operates in accordance with one or more of the Bluetooth and/or IEEE 802.11 family of communication standards. In one or more embodiments, the receiver  144  receives signals from the position indicator  102 . In one or more embodiments, the receiver  144  is included in the sensor  140  and receives one or more signals from the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102  by electromagnetic induction. 
     Having described the structure of the visualization system  100 , an example of a method  200  performed by the visualization system  100  will now be described in connection with  FIG.  4   , which shows a flowchart of the method  200 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method  200  begins at  202 , for example, upon powering on the processing device  104 . 
     At  202 , one or more signals indicative of one or more positions of the position indicator  102  are received. For example, the receiver  144  of the processing device  104  receives one or more signals from the tracking devices  106 . Additionally or alternatively, the microprocessor  128  receives one or more signals from the sensor  140  of the processing device  104 . The method  200  then proceeds to  204 . 
     At  204 , a signal indicative of the position of the switch  120  of the position indicator  102  is received. For example, the receiver  144  of the processing device  104  receives the signal indicative of the position of the switch  120  from the transmitter  124  of the position indicator  102 . The method  200  then proceeds to  206 . 
     Optionally, at  206 , a signal indicative of the acceleration of the position indicator  102  is received. For example, the receiver  144  of the processing device  104  receives the signal indicative of the acceleration of the position indicator  102  from the transmitter  124  of the position indicator  102 . The method  200  then proceeds to  208 . 
     At  208 , a signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is received. For example, the receiver  144  of the processing device  104  receives the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  from the transmitter  124  of the position indicator  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the sensor  140  of the processing device  104  receives the signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  from the tip of the core body  114  of the position indicator  102  by electromagnetic induction. The method  200  then proceeds to  210 . 
     At  210 , one or more signals indicative of one or more physical objects that are located in the vicinity of a user of the visualization system  100  are received. In one or more embodiments, the receiver  144  of the processing device  104  receives the signals indicative of the one or more physical objects that are located in the vicinity of the user from the sensor  109  of the visualization device  108 . For example, the receiver  144  receives image data generated by a pair of cameras of the sensor  109 , and the microprocessor  128  processes the image data and obtains coordinates corresponding to exterior surfaces of objects imaged by the cameras. The method  200  then proceeds to  212 . 
     At  212 , the signals received at  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 , and  210  are processed. In one or more embodiments, data transmitted by those signals are timestamped and stored in the memory  130  of the processing device  104 , and the CPU  132  processes the data in chronological order based on timestamps associated with the data. Processing corresponding to the flowchart shown in  FIG.  5    may be performed at  212 , as will be explained below. The method  200  then proceeds to  214 . 
     At  214 , a determination is made whether an end processing instruction has been received. For example, the microprocessor  128  determines whether the position indicator  102  has been used to select a predetermined icon or object that is displayed by the display device  138  of the processing device  104 . By way of another example, the microprocessor  128  determines whether a voice command corresponding to the end operation has been received at  214 . If a determination is made that the end operation has been received at  214 , the method  200  ends. If not, the method  200  returns to  202 . 
       FIG.  5    shows a flowchart of a method  300  that may be performed by the visualization system  100  at  212  of the method  200  described above, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method  300  provides a “extrusion” operation that results in a particular visual display, as will be described. The method  300  begins at  302  in response to the microprocessor  128  determining that an instruction to perform an extrusion operation has been received. For example, the microprocessor  128  determines that the position indicator  102  has been used to select a predetermined icon or object that is displayed by the display device  138  of the processing device  104 . By way of another example, the method  300  begins at  302  in response to the microprocessor  128  determining that a voice command corresponding to the instruction to perform the extrusion operation has been received. 
     At  302 , the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is compared to a threshold pressure value. In the illustrated embodiment, a determination is made whether the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is greater than or equal to a threshold pressure value. For example, the memory  134  stores a predetermined threshold pressure value, and the microprocessor  128  determines whether the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  indicated by the signal received at  208  of the method  200  described above is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure value. If the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold pressure value at  302 , the method  300  proceeds to  304 . If not, the method  300  proceeds to  306 . 
     In one or more embodiments, a user may indicate to the processing device  104  that the extrusion operation is to be performed by relatively slowly lifting the tip of the core body  114  away from the from input surface  116  of the processing device  104 , as opposed to relatively quickly lifting the position indication  102  from the input surface  116  in order to perform an another input operation on a different part of the input surface  106 . Accordingly, at  302  of the method  300 , an additional determination may be made regarding whether the acceleration of the position indicator  102  is less than a threshold acceleration value. For example, the memory  134  stores a predetermined threshold acceleration value, and the microprocessor  128  determines whether the acceleration of the position indicator  102  indicated by the signal received at  206  of the method  200  described above is greater than zero and less than or equal to the threshold acceleration value. If the acceleration of the position indicator  102  is not determined to be greater than zero and less than or equal to the threshold acceleration value at  302  (and the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold pressure value), the method  300  proceeds to  304 . If not, the method  300  proceeds to  306 . 
     At  304 , visualization data are generated describing an object that extends away from a predetermined position in a first direction. For example, the predetermined position corresponds to a plane having a Z coordinate of zero such as the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 , and the first direction corresponds to increasing negative Z coordinate values orthogonal to the plane of the input surface  116 . The method  300  then proceeds to  308 . 
     At  306 , visualization data are generated describing an object that extends away from a predetermined position in a second direction. For example, the predetermined position corresponds to a plane having a Z coordinate of zero such as the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 , and the second direction corresponds to increasing positive Z coordinate values orthogonal to the plane of the input surface  116 . The method  300  then proceeds to  308 . 
     At  308 , the visualization data generated at  304  or  306  are stored. For example, the microprocessor  128  of the processing device  104  causes the visualization data to be stored in the memory  134 . The method  300  then proceeds to  310 . 
     At  310 , the visualization data generated at  304  or  306  are transmitted. In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor  128  of the processing device  104  causes the transmitter  142  to transmit the visualization data to the visualization device  108 . In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor  128  transmits the visualization data to the display device  138  of the processing device  104 . The method  300  then proceeds to  312 . 
     At  312 , the visualization data are processed and the object is displayed based on the visualization data. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  performs rendering of two-dimensional images to obtain a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the object described by the visualization data. In one or more embodiments, the visualization device  108  performs rendering of two-dimensional images to obtain a two-and-one-half-dimensional (2.5D) representation of the object described by the visualization data, wherein a 3D environment of an observer viewing the output of the visualization device  108  is projected onto 2D planes of the retinas of the observer. In one or more embodiments, the microprocessor  128  causes the display device  138  of the processing device  104  to render the visualization data and display the object. The method  300  then ends. 
       FIG.  6 A  shows a perspective view of an object  146  that may be displayed at  312  of the method  300 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG.  6 B  shows a side view of the object  146  shown in  FIG.  6 A . 
     In the illustrated example, assume a hand  148  of a user of the visualization system  100  holds the position indicator  102  and traces an outline of a square shape  150  on the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  using the tip of the core body  114 . The processing device  104  receives one or more signals indicative of the corresponding positions of the position indicator  102  at  202  of the method  200  described above. Also, assume the user indicates to the processing device  104  that an extrusion operation is to be performed based on the shape  150  by keeping the position indicator  102  disposed over the outline of the shape  150  while moving the switch  120  of the position indicator  102  to the closed or on position. The processing device  104  receives a signal indicative of the position of the switch  120  at  204  of the method  200  described above. Additionally, assume the user indicates a direction in which the extrusion operation is to be performed by pressing the tip of the core body  114  downwardly against the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 . The processing device  104  receives a signal indicative of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  at  208  of the method  200  described above. 
     In addition, assume that, because the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value at  302  of the method  300  described above, the processing device  104  generates visualization data with the object  146  extending downwardly from a plane corresponding to the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  in a direction that is away from the user at  304  of the method  300  described above. The extent to which the object  146  extends downwardly is based on the magnitude of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  and/or the amount of time the user causes pressure to be applied to the tip of the core body  114 . That is, the more pressure the user causes to be applied to the tip of the core body  114 , the greater the distance the object  146  extends downwardly. Similarly, the longer the user causes the pressure to be applied to the tip of the core body  114 , the greater the distance the object  146  extends downwardly. 
     For example, assume the input surface  116  corresponds to a Z coordinate of zero, Z coordinates increase with increasing distance above the input surface  116 , and the Z coordinates decrease with increasing distance below the input surface. Also, assume the microprocessor  128  generates coordinates for the object  146  such that the X and Y coordinates of the object  146  correspond to respective X and Y coordinates of the shape  150 , and the Z coordinates of the object  146  range from zero to a negative value corresponding to the magnitude of the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114 . Accordingly, when the visualization data generated by the processing device  104  at  304  of the method  300  described above are displayed by the visualization device  108  at  312  of the method  300  described above, the object  146  is displayed extending downwardly from a surface corresponding to the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  in the direction that is away from the user, as shown in  FIG.  6 B . 
       FIG.  7 A  shows a perspective view of an object  152  that may be displayed at  312  of the method  300  described above, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG.  7 B  shows a side view of the object  152  shown in  FIG.  7 A . 
     In the illustrated example, assume the hand  148  of the user of the visualization system  100  holds the position indicator  102  and traces an outline of a square shape  154  on the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  using the tip of the core body  114 . The processing device  104  receives one or more signals indicative of the corresponding positions of the position indicator  102  at  202  of the method  200  described above. Further, assume the user indicates to the processing device  104  that an extrusion operation is to be performed based on the shape  154  by keeping the position indicator  102  disposed over the outline of the shape  154  while moving the switch  120  of the position indicator  102  from the open or off position to the closed or on position. The processing device  104  receives a signal indicative of the position of the switch  120  at  204  of the method  200  described above. 
     Additionally or alternatively, assume the user indicates to the processing device  104  that the extrusion operation is to be performed by relatively slowly moving the tip of the core body  114  upwardly away from the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 . The processing device  104  receives a signal indicative of the acceleration of the position indication  102  at  206  of the method  200  described above. In addition, assume that, because the acceleration of the position indication  102  is determined to be greater than zero and less than or equal to the threshold acceleration value and the pressure applied to the tip of the core body  114  is not determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold pressure value at  302  of the method  300  described above, the processing device  104  generates visualization data with the object  152  extending upwardly from a plane corresponding to the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  in a direction that is toward the user at  306  of the method  300  described above. The extent to which the object  152  extends upwardly is based on the magnitude of the distance between the tip of the core body  114  and the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 . That is, the greater the distance between the tip of the core body  114  and the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 , the greater the distance the object  152  extends upwardly. 
     For example, once again assume the input surface  116  corresponds to a Z coordinate of zero, the Z coordinates increase with increasing distance above the input surface  116 , and the Z coordinates decrease with increasing distance below the input surface. Also, assume the microprocessor  128  generates coordinates for the object  152  such that the X and Y coordinates of the object  152  correspond to respective X and Y coordinates of the shape  154 , and the Z coordinates of the object  152  range from zero to a positive value corresponding to the distance between the tip of the core body  114  and the input surface  116  of the processing device  104 . Accordingly, when the visualization data generated by the processing device  104  at  306  of the method  300  described above are displayed by the visualization device  108  at  312  of the method  300  described above, the object  152  is displayed extending upwardly from a surface corresponding to the input surface  116  of the processing device  104  in the direction that is toward the user, as shown in  FIG.  7 B . 
     With the present invention, the user is able to intuitively specify shapes, orientations, dimensions, etc. of an object in digital data, and render the object with a multidimensional appearance, above or below the plane of an input surface, using a single input device as described. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents referred to this this specification to provide yet further embodiments. 
     These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.