Computer Science Department Public Lecture: Natural User Interfaces for 3D Modeling, Design, and Fabrication

Please join us for the following research presentation by a candidate for the faculty position in the Department of Computer Science.

Presenter: Dr. Manfred Lau
Research Talk: Natural User Interfaces for 3D Modeling, Design, and Fabrication

Abstract: Despite years of research in developing tools for modeling and designing 3D shapes, it is still difficult for novice users to create their own virtual 3D shapes. This is even more so from the fabrication point of view. While there has been an increasing trend of rapid prototyping technologies such as 3D printers and laser cutters, easy-to-use interfaces for creating 3D shapes to be fabricated with these technologies are lacking. Modeling 3D shapes is difficult because the human user input is typically low dimensional while the output (i.e. a 3D shape) can have much higher dimensions. Furthermore, for fabrication purposes, the 3D objects need to fit well with other objects that they may directly interact with, humans who use them, and the real-world physical environment. I will present my work in building natural user interfaces to address these challenges.

In addition, I will discuss my recent work in the human perception of sketches and 3D shapes. I will describe the novel concept of Tactile Mesh Saliency, and the problems of sketch beautification and 3D shape beautification. Finally, I will describe potential directions for future research.


For the Zoom link, please contact grad.compsci@lakeheadu.ca