Iterative Design and Fabrication of Tangible Objects

Abstract

The objective of this research is to create a prototype system for the iterative design and fabrication of physical 3D models using tangible controls. Current approaches to 3D modelling can be difficult to use. To construct 3D models, complex software is used that requires a long training time to use effectively. In addition, mouse and keyboard interaction is unnatural and is inconsistent with how we interact with the 3D real world. Tangible User Interfaces provide physical controls for input into the computer. These physical 3D objects known as tangibles allow the use of natural interaction with the virtual system, which assists in making the software easier to use. This research seeks to emulate the natural interaction between humans and building blocks such as Lego, while still providing the benefits of a virtual environment. We construct a prototype system, Tangible Tango, to achieve the research objective. This system uses a table-top computer with tangible and multi-touch interaction to create 3D models for a 3D printer. New models are constructed by placing the physical models next to each other on the table-top and prompting the system to meld the virtual representation. The virtual models can then be fabricated using the 3D printer and are assigned an identification tag which is attached to the physical model. When the tagged tangible is placed on the table-top the tag is used to retrieve the matching virtual model. The ability to use the results from the system as new tangibles creates a dynamic set of tangibles available to the system. The tangible modelling interaction is supported by software features such as snapping and the functionality to import new models into the system. To evaluate the potential of the prototype and this style of interaction, a user study was performed. The study found that all participants efficiently produced the desired results, regardless of background. Participants found the tasks easy to understand and the system easy to use. Every participant had an opportunity to design, fabricate and reuse their own model. Every participant managed to successfully complete this task and reported a high level of satisfaction with the results. This indicates that the system is easy to learn and takes us one step closer to melding tangible and virtual 3D models.