Virtual Handcrafting: Building Virtual Wood Models Using ToolDevice

Most 3-D modeling software are difficult for beginners to learn. The operations are often complicated, and the user is required to have prior mathematical knowledge. Therefore, we developed a simple modeling system using ToolDevice to simplify such operations. ToolDevice consists of a set of interaction devices, which use metaphors of real-life hand tools to help users recognize each device´s unique functions. Using TweezersDevice, KnifeDevice, and HammerDevice, we developed a mixed reality (MR) 3-D modeling system that imitates real-life woodworking. In the system, TweezersDevice is used to pick up and move objects, while KnifeDevice and HammerDevice are, respectively, used to cut and join virtual objects represented as wood materials. In this study, we describe the motivation for developing the system, the available interactions, and the procedures for creating 3-D models in the system. We also present the results of a user study in which we compare user performance in our system and a common 3-D modeling software. Finally, we discuss the contributions and limitations of this study and future work.