Mingze Xu MSc Dissertation 2015/16

Creating Animated 3D Line Drawings in Virtual Space

Supervised by S.Maddock

Abstract

With the technology innovation of input device, we can accomplish painting by pinching fingers in the air. It is pretty similar to light painting with sparklers in our childhood memory. The used module Pinch Draw is based on Leap Motion and Oculus  Rift VR headset. However,  existing VR Apps  can only simulate 3D painting in virtual space, but not creating animation.

Generally, main aim of this project is to develop a painting tool for animating 3D line drawings. Users are able to paint in virtual space by pinching, and then use tools to animate objects in the scene. Key issue of this project is how to create animations, which is the most attractive feature distinguished from other Apps .

As a result, this project has implemented a tool for animating line drawings, and it has been submitted to Leap Motion official website. Users can paint and control animation parameters to generate vivid 3D scene. Most of the users are satisfied with it, even improvement is still necessary. It has not only enriched the feature of Leap Motion Apps , but also provided experience for more advanced VR App  development.