Tetrahedron

1 Objective

The objective was to explore aspects of a speculative interface superimposed onto a parameterized physical space by means of a wireless LCD eyewear system (head-up display). Information thus obtained might facilitate correlations and 'geographic inferences' regarding the [tagged] book collection as a whole. At the same time, the graphic transformations resulting from a given user interaction could provide fresh interface components during subsequent states of the system.
The project aims for a subtle equilibrium between visual design solutions and alphanumeric intelligence.

2 Concept

The Tetrahedron datagraphic system is informed by generative geometry, as well as form-finding techniques used in digital architecture (e.g. parametric design). It might be considered self-sufficient, or cybernetic, because it can alternate indefinitely between: i. generating new geometric shapes and ii. generating fresh constellations of positional- and catalogue data. The Prototype is based on:

• A parameterized physical space;
• Coordinate and relational data;
• A 3-D model;
• Rules and algorithms;
• A 2-D Graphic User Interface.

As already indicated, users access information on titles and subjects using a 2-D interface built with Macromedia Flash 8. This interface is divided into: (1) a window to display datagraphics, user buttons, status information and, (2) a text area for catalogue information and [pseudocode] algorithms.

A parametric Shape Generator was conceived to show how Subvolume 658-709 [of the library] might be scanned: Sampler 1 thereby defined eight point-accurate resource locations, while Sampler 2 takes a large sample from a number of [30cm-radius] areas.
The algorithms [envisaged] to 'drive' the Samplers as they 'collect' titles and XYZ triplets, {query the catalogue for relational data}, and respond by changing shape, are also displayed. A completed iteration prompts users to access catalogue information by clicking a set of links. More advanced versions should incorporate direct user input.

3 Method

a) The Proposal outlined the following Scope of Work:

• Conduct primary and secondary research;
• Idea, Concept, Methodology; Analysis, Meditation, Brainstorming;
• Establish basic project components [User, Space, Interaction, Transformation];
• Determine media outcome of final submission; Select 3-D modeling software;
• Measure individual rows and shelves of the physical space; Produce sketches on paper;
• Convert analogue dimensions; Construct Cartesian frame; Build model using Autodesk 3ds Max 8;
• Test 3-D model; Render example views;
• Analyse library catalogue to establish potential parameters;
• Select books; Compile positional- and parameterized catalogue data;
• Write pseudocode algorithms; Execute each iteration of the prototype in 3ds Max;
• Record steps in 3ds Max using the timeline; Store emerging co-ordinates of new titles;
• Conduct user testing;
• Assemble datagraphics; Compile component deliverables; Construct HTML/CSS webpage.

b) Shelving of Subvolume 658-709 was measured and a 3-D model constructed using Autodesk software. The transfer of positional data was facilitated by "[discretizing] each slice on a given grid, the stack of the successive slices providing an array of elementary volumes." (Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, 1984)

c) The transformation constituting our first iteration [Sampler 1] was determined by the following parameterized catalogue data:

Sampler_1_Iteration_1
IF NOT (CALL NO. < '658.45'2), (CALL NO. > '709.54/3') THEN
Clone triangle_01
AND Rename triangle_02
AND Rotate triangle_02 180 degrees
AND Display
ELSE Display 'Input is out of range'

IF STATUS = ('FOR LOAN') THEN Clone triangle_01 AND Clone triangle_02 AND Rotate shape_03 90 degrees AND Display AND Display XYZ co-ordinates of new titles AND Store XYZ co-ordinates of new titles ELSE Display 'Title unavailable'

Get book_01_subject, book_02_subject IF book_01_subject = 'art', book_02_subject = 'art' THEN Scale diamond 600 percent AND Display ELSE Display 'Subjects do not match' ENDIF ENDIF ENDIF

4 Datagraphic Animation

5 Outcome

"In a sequence of psychological experiments, we showed that human vision represents a square generatively in the following way. It begins with the top side. Perceptually the top side is generated by starting with a corner point, and applying translations to trace out the side; next this translational structure is transferred from one side to the next - rotationally around the square." (A Generative Theory of Shape, 2001)

Within a wider context of Augmented Reality, tagged objects, and sensor technology, the Tetrahedron project explored aspects of a speculative interface superimposed onto a parameterized physical space. The timeframe and scope, however, have resulted in much stubbed-out and/or simulated functionality ...
The actual prototype enabled users interacting with a 3-D model (via a 2-D Flash interface) to 'reconnoitre' a given virtualised space [Subvolume 658-709 of the UTS Library] by applying a Sampler to access summary catalogue information; the underlying parametric engine additionally refers to various form-finding techniques.

Author: Marcel Ritschel, Date: 29 October, 2006 (revised: 2013)
Project for Visual Information Systems 88911; University of Technology, Sydney