A model kit : a system for constructing three-dimensional interactive graphic models

Abstract

The following project introduces an interactive graphic environment in which one can build and explore three-dimensional models. One can reach directly into this image space to construct a model from a database of components. A stereoscopic video display is combined with a real space by means of a semi-transparent mirror to create this three-dimensional workspace. The model's imagery is perceptible to both the visual and kinaesthetic senses as one directly places and moves it in space with his hand. An electromagnetic six degree-of-freedom digitizer mounted on a small wooden "wand", with a pushbutton mounted in the handle, tracks the user's hand in space to allow direct interaction with a computer mediated graphic operation. Models have been built out of images of cities, robots. the human eye, microscopic views of a metal powder, and cross-sections of a brain. The interactive models made with this kit can be saved, redisplayed and rebuilt