Low-Cost 6DoF Input Device

Abstract

Users of three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD), computer simulations and gaming applications need to manipulate 3D objects in up to six degrees of rotational and translation freedom (6DoF). To date, no 3D controller provides one-handed 6DoF inputwith miniature size and low cost, all existing 6DoF controllers compute 3D object’s position and orientation using high materials and multiple sensors that make it relatively expensive and complicated in use. The aim of this project is to construct a low-cost 6DoF input device system, this system allowsboth expert and nonexpert users to intuitively control 3D objects in up to 6DoF using low-cost input device. We addressed the issue of controlling 3D objects in 6DoF by using outside-in optical tracking technique that is based on one low-cost infrared camera connected toATMega1284P AVR microcontroller, the camera tracks a well-designed pattern of four active markers mounted at the front of an input controller. On the microcontroller, 3D pose estimation algorithms would be applied on the positional information of the tracked markers that comes from the camera. a device driver was developed to receive the calculated pose data of the input controller and apply it to the controlled 3D object in 3D application. The system communicates with a 3D application via Serial/USB connection between the microcontroller and the device driver hosted on the PC.