TechFest 2011: Mirage Blocks

This research demonstrates the use of 3-D projection, combined with a Kinect depth camera to capture and display 3-D objects. Any physical object brought into the demo can be instantaneously digitized and viewed in 3-D. For example, we show a simple modeling application in which complex 3-D models can be constructed with just a few wooden blocks by digitizing and adding one block at the time. This setup also can be used in telepresence scenarios, in which what is real on your collaborator’s table is virtual—3-D projected—on yours, and vice versa. This shows how simulating real-world physics behaviors can be used to manipulate virtual 3-D objects. The research uses a 3-D projector with active shutter glasses.