Paper Info
Title
A series of tubes: adding interactivity to 3D prints using internal pipes
Abstract
3D printers offer extraordinary flexibility for prototyping the shape and mechanical function of objects. We investigate how 3D models can be modified to facilitate the creation of interactive objects that offer dynamic input and output. We introduce a general technique for supporting the rapid prototyping of interactivity by removing interior material from 3D models to form internal pipes. We describe this new design space of pipes for interaction design, where variables include openings, path constraints, topologies, and inserted media. We then present PipeDream, a tool for routing such pipes through the interior of 3D models, integrated within a 3D modeling program. We use two distinct routing algorithms. The first has users define pipes' terminals, and uses path routing and physics-based simulation to minimize pipe bending energy, allowing easy insertion of media post-print. The second allows users to supply a desired internal shape to which we fit a pipe route: for this we describe a graph-routing algorithm. We present several prototypes created using our tool to show its flexibility and potential.
Year
DOI
Venue
2014
10.1145/2642918.2647374
UIST
Keywords
Field
DocType
fabrication,3d printing,design tools,interactive objects,prototyping
Design space,Rapid prototyping,Interactivity,Engineering drawing,Interaction design,Simulation,Computer science,Input/output,Network topology,Human–computer interaction,3D printing,3D modeling
Conference
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
35
1.07
28
Authors
5
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Valkyrie Savage11848.86
Ryan Schmidt256726.74
Tovi Grossman32689147.40
George W. Fitzmaurice43423512.31
Bjorn-Oliver Hartmann53151177.43