Interactive Input Techniques

Interactive Input Techniques Basic positioning methods Constraints Grids Gravity fields Rubber-band methods Sketching Dragging

Positioning techniques

There are various techniques used for positioning. Positioning means location, which is one of the basic graphical input techniques.

For geometrical modelling, positioning is very important, as the user frequently designs a new element of the model or repositioning an existing one.
While working on the screen the position is used to insert a symbol or to indicate the end point of a line or three points on a curve.

Continue

For positioning the desired spot on the screen , the cursor or tracking cross is moved to that location and then the information is passed to the computer memory by pressing a button or key.

There are positioning constraints which can be overcome by using symbols guidelines, feedback and the use of rubber band techniques.

Basic positioning techniques

Used to specify a location for an object or a character string The cursor is moved to the desired location. A button is pressed to fix the object at this location.

Continue

Used to draw lines

Continue

Used to place the cursor at a predetermined position

Constraints

Used to achieve predetermined orientations and alignments Common constraints Horizontal alignment

Continue

Vertical alignment

Grids

Used to round coordinates positions to the nearest grid intersection

Continue

Useful for positioning and aligning objects and text Grids can be displayed or invisible

Gravity field

Used to connect a new line to a previously drawn line

Normally the gravity field is not displayed

Rubber band Methods

Used to construct and position straight lines

Continue

Used to construct circular arcs

Continue

Used to scale objects

Continue

Used to distort objects by allowing only the line segments attached to a single vertex to change

Sketching

Uses rubber-band methods to create objects consisting of connected line segments

Continue

Uses stroke techniques to create curved figures

Continue

A variety of brushes can be provided Different thicknesses Different textures Different colors (including background) Even patterns

Dragging

Used to reposition objects Select an object from the menu Position the object Release the objects

Thank you