Graphics Research

"Graspable" Object Design System
University of Toronto - CSC2521H: Topics in Computer Animation

Abstract: The objective of the proposed method is to create a design environment in which a user can receive real time feedback about the ergonomic qualities of the object they are creating. Within this tool, the user models their object, using a surface of revolution based on a Bezier curve, and positions a model of a human hand into a grasping pose on the object. The use of a Bezier curve allows the method to make simplifying assumptions about contact intersections and tangent planes at contact points, which are then used to solve the force optimization problem. The solution to this force optimization problem indicates the amount of force necessary for the object to resist external forces, such as gravity or additional forces indicated by the user. This information can then be use to infer the strain on joints of the hand, to determine how strenuous the grasp is.
Keywords: grasp, ergonomic design and modeling, bezier curve based object design

Top row: Examples of the joint rig of the hand and diagrams of how the point of intersection between the surface and hand can be computed as a rotation around the axis of revolution of the point of 2D intersection on the target Bezier Curve (described in greater detail in the report).

Bottom Row: The project demo-application's user interface.

Sample Videos

Example of grasp closing on object

Example of reshaping the object to improve grasp stablity of object through contact forces (approx 30s computation)

Example of reshaping a more complex object to improve grasp stablity of object through contact forces, largerly at base of the palm and at ring/pinky finger (approx 30s computation)

References: Please see the project report for a complete list of references

graspReport.pdf

Phong Shading Model Ray Tracer
University of Toronto - CSC418: Computer Graphics (January 2012 - August 2012)

Abstract: Implemented a ray tracer using the phong shading model. Capable of antialiasing, area lighting, depth of field, glossy reflection, soft shadow and several compound geometric shapes.
Keywords: Ray tracer, Phong shading model, depth of field, antialiasing, area lighting, glossy reflection, soft shadow, compound objects