There have been a lot of new technologies built around the third-dimension (3D), but no one has really stopped to think about developing a 3D cursor that can allow us to expand our set of tools to use within a virtual space. Sure, with a VR headset, users are able to utilize their hands to perform functions, but what if you’re working in a 3D environment that still exists within a computer monitor? A research team at the University of Montreal in Canada has developed software that will allow a user’s smartphone or tablet to become a revolutionary way to interact with a computer.
THE PROBLEM
Although the 3D cursor has not been named, it was revealed at the SIGGRAPH 2015 Conference, held from Aug. 9 to 13 in Los Angeles. The team spoke with NowItsLive about what it was hoping to accomplish with the device.
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According to the team lead, Tomas Dorta, professor at the University of Montreal’s School of Design, current mouse cursors are trapped within the confines of a screen.
“It’s the kind of interaction that has to evolve,” Dorta said in an interview with NowItsLive.
A 3D SOLUTION
Most people are well versed in how well a traditional mouse cursor can navigate 2D planes, but what if you’re a designer that’s trying to work inside a 3D space within a 2D display? Right now, there aren’t a lot of cost effective options for most people, especially if you aren’t a designer or architect by trade.
The 3D cursor uses the screen of a smartphone or tablet to become the new trackpad for the 3D cursor software. The “new” trackpad produces a plane on the screen that users can then interact with within a 3D space.
“I have this cup. When it’s selected, it’s like I have it in my hand,” said Dorta.
USING THE 3D CURSOR
The development team from University of Montreal made the 3D cursor really familiar for users to interact with. The new trackpad almost feels like you’re using it like a camera. Users can pinch to zoom in or expand their fingers to zoom out, and they can rotate the view by rotating the trackpad.
According to NowItsLive, the 3D cursor only works with Hyve3D technology, a design system that allows users to interact with a 3D representation of a sketch.
The 3D cursor software also allows teams to work together collaboratively on the same project. Members on a team can view the same space from various angles using their trackpad devices, and can all manipulate the project individually from each other.
“You can navigate together … working together in the same computer,” said Dorta. “Everything 3D, everything collaborative, because the 3D cursor becomes our avatar.”
You can check out the 3D cursor in action here!
