Low-cost 3D input device for next-generation user interface

Many application areas that rely on truly interactive 3D computer graphics, need a 6 degree-of-freedom (DoF) input device for object manipulation and for navigation. Although there are methods for utilising devices with less DoF, they are less than ideal. Such devices with more than 2 DoF that exist are often expensive and do not satisfy the need to closely match the user´s mental model. Our development, 3DGyro, is for a low-cost 3D input device with as close to 6 DoF as we can get; and that can readily be used in 3D user interface applications. We intend it to be used by the non-dominant hand allowing the other to be used in fine grain control of another input device such as 2D mouse or keyboard. This would better match the cognitive dimension of the user´s mental model