Abstract: A method and assembly for processing, viewing and installing command information transmitted via a peripheral device for manipulating 3D modelling image(s). The peripheral device is a gripping element manipulated by a user and has sensors which detect forces and/or displacements on the gripping element and, as a result of detected forces and/or displacements, generate command information, some corresponding to translation or zoom components, and others to rotation components for the movement to be conferred to a spatial representation of the 3D modelling. In a first operating mode a set of command information is processed to modify the displayed image(s) by imparting thereto only movements of rotation in space and in that in a second operating mode a set of command information is processed to modify the displayed image(s) by imparting thereto only movements of translation or a zoom effect. The method is applicable to a surgical theater and/or examination room.

Abstract: A peripheral device for manipulating 3D images comprising a gripping element to be manipulated by user, a transmission of command information to a processor as a function of shift and/or efforts applied by the user on the 3D device. An actuator is controlled by the user to control the processor to switch from one operating mode where the gripping element is used for manipulating 3D images to another operating mode where the device is used as a pointer or selection device and vice versa. The peripheral device is placed in a surgical theater and/or examination room, on the side of a table for patients.