The biggest problem with 3D, creating it, viewing it, and eating it, is the 2D screen. You ruin plenty of screens trying to reach through to crush the model with your hand. Soon, you may not have to do that. Instead you’ll just use a collapsible pen-like gadget to jab that geometry into submission.

Jinha Lee in her research with the MIT Media Lab has been developing the idea of manipulating digital objects in 3D space. However, instead of bringing the virtual into the physical, she’s smashing the two together and reaching right through the screen with a device she calls Beyond.

“Beyond allows users to directly interact with 3D media, avoiding inconsistencies of input and output without having to wear special glasses. Users can select, draw, and sculpt in 3D virtual space and seam-lessly transition between 2D and 3D manipulation.”

It’s a great idea for sculpting programs like Zbrush, Blender, modo and the like, but check out the end of the video. If solid geometry is you gig, it’s possible to use a glove… YES, a glove, along with the collapsible pen to create your basic 3-dimensional shapes.

Beyond – Collapsible Input Device for Direct 3D Manipulation beyond the Screen from Jinha Lee on Vimeo.

Via Gizmodo

Author

Josh is founder and editor at SolidSmack.com, founder at Aimsift Inc., and co-founder of EvD Media. He is involved in engineering, design, visualization, the technology making it happen, and the content developed around it. He is a SolidWorks Certified Professional and excels at falling awkwardly.