Researchers have developed an innovative sketching technology that enables designers to quickly create three-dimensional shapes through pen drawing and touch gestures using digital pens and tablets. The new technology can be used to create various 3D images in content and manufacturing sectors where creators should consider sophisticated structures and postures.
Complicated products consisting of moving parts and joints, such as folding drones, transformative cars, and multi-legged walking robots, have to consider shape, structure, posture, and movement at the same time. Designers have used 3D CAD software, a computer-aided design tool to design 3D models, structures, blueprints, and remodeling plans.
As it takes a lot of time and effort to create a single moving model with 3D CAD software, researchers have tried to develop a 3D sketching technology that can create 3D shapes from 2D sketches freely expressed by designers with digital pens on digital tablets.
A research team led by Bae Seok-hyung, a professor of industrial design at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), has completed a moving 3D sketching technology to create a 3D shape that can move live in an instant by designing and implementing an intuitive multi-touch gesture that can be manipulated with two hands.
"The closer you get to the way designers think and work, the more effective design tools can be created," Bae said in a statement on August 18. "The key is to integrate several different algorithms into one harmonious system through intuitive interaction methods."
KAIST said Bae's technology would contribute to innovation in design practice in content, manufacturing, and metaverse industries as it can generate high-quality creative results easier and faster than traditional methods.
