Tatu Harviainen is currently working as a researcher and a project manager at Helsinki University of Technology. Currently his main focus is on researching 3D user interfaces in the context of computer-aided design and on developing a novel bimanual 3D interface for modelling tasks. Alongside with the project work, he is finishing his thesis for Master of Science degree on computer science at University of Helsinki and beginning post graduate studies. Prior to joining the current project, he has worked on number of research oriented projects focusing on various aspects of virtual reality, worked as a game designer and a lead designer on two internationally published console game productions, done graphic design and 3D modelling as a freelancer and also earned Master of Arts degree from University of Art and Design Helsinki in year 2003.
handson.uiah.fi
Helsinki University of Technology along with several research and industry partners in Finland has an on-going research project focusing on studying three dimensional user interfaces in the context of computer-aided design and animation. Project aims at building alternative interfaces that allow users to perform modelling and animation tasks more intuitively by using only their hands as input “devices”.
One of the first steps in this research has been to modify an existing 3D modelling application so that it can be used in virtual environment. Currently we are able to use Blender with our cave –like virtual reality system. Immersive stereographic rendering of Blender’s 3D view is provided along with basic 3D geometry manipulation controls with a 3D pointing device.
Currently our focus is on developing a novel bimanual user interface for diverse polygonal modelling and animation tasks. We are building this new interface by modifying Blender source code and interfacing it with an optical tracking system developed during the project. Optical tracking is used for detecting the position and orientation of both hands of the user. In addition to the location of hands, user controls the tools with gestures composed of finger postures and movements.
This presentation describes the design, implementation and usability aspects, as well
as current results, related with our research and Blender development.
First video about using Blender in VR in Windows media format (13.4 MB and smaller version 3.3 MB)
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Intuition2007.wmv
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Intuition2007_small.wmv
and in DivX format (21 MB and smaller version 13 MB)
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Intuition2007.avi
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Intuition2007_small.avi
And second video about the bimanual 3D UI for Blender in Windows media format (21 MB and smaller version 8.8 MB)
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Blender_bimanual_3DUI.wmv
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Blender_bimanual_3DUI_small.wmv
and in DivX format (71 MB & 25 MB)
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Blender_bimanual_3DUI.avi
www.tml.tkk.fi/Research/HandsOn/Video/Blender_bimanual_3DUI_small.avi