Objectives
The Blocksmith Project focuses on the use of virtual interface technology
in the conceptual design process as well as the construction of
software interfaces appropriate to interactions with objects' virtual
environments.
Project members are developing a set of software tools that will enable
rapid prototyping of virtual environments across all applications by
immersive participants. Such tools will facilitate the conceptual
design of three-dimensional content with virtual interface technology.
The Blocksmith team will collobarate with local architecture
and multi-media firms interested in directing our efforts to develop
immersive design tools for three-dimensional content as well as
large hardware and software companies interested in our efforts to
develop interface ideas for immersive world-building tools.
Elements
Identify the tools critical to immersive design in the context of other software efforts.
Specify and design the software interface to the tools.
Specify and design the user interface to the toolkit.
Implement and test the tools.
Integrate the toolkit with the existing GreenSpace software environment.
Promote the toolkit to local architecture and multi-media firms interested in three-dimensional content, hardware and software companies at large, and other research laboratories.
Seek collaboration and support from external funding sources to continue development of such a toolkit.
Deliverables
Basic tools that facilitate immersive design of three-dimensional content,
including:
Create hexahedral primitive ("squish box")
Select primitive(s) or their elements (vertex, edge, face)
Move or resize primitive(s)
Delete primitive(s)
Reshape primitive(s)
Copy primitive(s)
Color primitive(s) or their elements
Aggregate primitive(s)
Snap to grid or angle
Constrain translation or rotation
Scale (zoom) participant
Load, import, and save inventor files
Future Directions
Development and testing of the toolkit
Promotion/demonstration of the toolkit
Integration with other HIT Lab ideas and initiatives, including the GreenSpace project, the Working Surfaces Input System, and the Virtual Motion Controller