Using a Depth Pen to Generate 3d Models!

Article by Martin Gibson – @embody3d @martingibson – 23.07.2010

It has always been a fantasy of mine for 3D modelling to become more virtual, more tacit. Why does 3D need to be restricted to a 2D computer screen? Why can’t 3D modelling be like playing with play dough? Well we aren’t quite there yet but Jinha Lee and Hiroshi Ishii, a Master’s candidate in the Tangible Media Group at the MIT Media Lab, has created the world’s first depth modelling pen called ‘Beyond’. Beyond is like a normal pen in which you can draw, but it is also telescopic so depth can be measured. Of course the technology is in a real infancy stage and the technology raises more questions than answers. For example, how would one go about modelling objects with substantial depth, beyond the telescopic length of the pen? How would one apply dimensions to these models and the list goes on.

But let not my questioning get in the way of what is an amazing first step in hand drawn 3d models transforming in real 3d space. This is the type of interface that has the potential to overhaul existing rituals and interactions with CAD models and could make the learning curve of 3D realisation less daunting for beginners. Jinha states that the advantages of Beyond as

“allowing 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.”