Parametric modeling software is a powerful design tool for defining complex geometries, controlling precise dimensions, and maintaining design intent during iterative modifications. However, such software challenges novice users due to the complex user interfaces, steep learning curve, and the need for strong spatial understanding to manipulate 3D models. To overcome these barriers, we introduce pARametric, an augmented reality (AR) system that provides an effortless parametric modeling experience in situ. Our system features an immersive sketching platform for freehand sketching, a transformer-based parametric sketch construction algorithm, and an AR interface that offers intuitive hand-to-virtual geometry interaction for 3D modeling operations. In pARametric, a novice user without experience in 3D modeling can create parametric models for personal fabrication. Our system uses environmental context as design references to make decisions about structure, dimension, and shape. The system allows users to express their design intents by sketching freehand rather than mastering the sophisticated operations in current modeling software. We also incorporate widely used 3D modeling features such as extrusion, revolution, sweep, and mirror to create a wide variety of models. In a user study with eight participants, we discovered that novice designers see great potential in pARametric to enhance their capabilities and willingness to engage in parametric modeling. We further discuss how our system can be integrated into traditional parametric modeling workflows to benefit a wider range of designers in terms of visualization and collaboration on challenging design tasks.
pARametric: Empowering In Situ Parametric Modeling in Augmented Reality for Personal Fabrication
Karthik Ramani
Karthik Ramani is the Donald W. Feddersen Professor of School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, with courtesy appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and College of Education. He earned his B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in 1985, an MS from Ohio State University, in 1987, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1991, all in Mechanical Engineering. He has received many awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other organizations. He has served in the editorial board of Elsevier Journal of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design (JMD). In 2008 he was a visiting Professor at Stanford University (computer sciences), research fellow at PARC (formerly Xerox PARC). In 2016 summer he was visiting professor Oxford University Institute of Mathematical Sciences. He also serves on the Engineering Advisory sub-committee for SBIR/STTR for the NSF. In 2006 and 2007, he won the Most Cited Journal Paper award from CAD and the Research Excellence award in the College of Engineering at Purdue University. In 2009, he won the Outstanding Commercialization award from Purdue University. He was the co-founder of the world’s first commercial shape-based parts search engine (VizSeek) and more recently co-founded ZeroUI whose product (Ziro) won the Best of Consumer Electronics Show Finalist (CES 2016). His research interests are in the internet-of-things, augmented reality, modular and flexible robotic platforms, and human-machine interactions. His current projects include computer vision for object detection and grasp planning, modular robotic platform design, shape recognition using geometric deep learning, and physical reality simulation platform. His current research emphasis is to develop a Physical-Simulation Platform that will allow one to realistically simulate interactions between workers, robots, and machines in future workplaces such as factories and warehouses.