Abstract

This paper presents a novel surface modelling approach by utilizing a threedimensional motion capture system. For designing a large-sized surface, a network of splines is initially set up. Artists or designers wearing motion markers on their hands can then change the shapes of the splines with their hands. Literally they can move their bodies freely to any positions to perform their tasks. They can also move their hands in three-dimensional free space to detail surface characteristics by their gestures. All their design motions are recorded in the motion-capturing system and transferred into three-dimensional curves and surfaces correspondingly. This paper reports this novel surface design method and some case studies. © IMechE 2006.