Sketching in 3D : towards a fluid space for mind and body

Abstract

This thesis explores a new type of computer-aided sketching tool for 3-dimensional designs. Sketching, as a process, has been used as an effective way to explore and develop ideas in the design process. However, when designers deal with volumetric designs in 3-dimensional space, current sketching means, including traditional free-hand sketching and contemporary computer-aided design (CAD) modeling have limitations such as dimensional inconsistency, and non-intuitive interactions. By observing the roles of sketching in the design process and reviewing the history of design tools, this thesis investigates and proposes new digital methods of 3-dimensional sketching that take advantage of motion detecting and computer-vision technology that is widely available today. In this thesis, two prototype tools were developed and compared. The first prototype uses a motion detecting sensor, projection screen, and gesture tracking software. The movement of the user's hands becomes the intuitive interface to shape 3-dimensional objects in the virtual space. The second prototype, developed in collaboration with Nagakura, uses a hand-held tablet computer with marker-based augmented reality technique. The hand-held device displays the virtual object from desired angles and works as a virtual tool like a chisel, plane, drill, and glue gun to shape virtual objects in 3-dimensional space. Testing these two prototypes for use, and comparing the resulting objects and user responses revealed the strengths and weaknesses of these different 3-dimensional sketching environments. The proposed systems provide a possible foundation for novel computer-aided sketching application that takes advantages of both the physical and virtual worlds.