‘qumarion’ lets users manipulate CGI models by interacting with a physical doll

qumarion‘ is a mannequin input device that lets users pose and manipulate CGI models simply by interacting with the doll itself. the system uses custom ‘quma’ technology, wherein 32 sensors located on the joints of the 30 centimeter tall mannequin automatically transfer information in realtime to the 3D modeling application, at 120 fps. the use of 16 different joints offer human-like flexibility to the doll.

the project represents the collaborative efforts of softether (associated with the computer software department of the university of tsukuba) and vivienne at the university of electro-communications, both in japan.

illustration software producers celsys is currently developing production-ready software for ‘qumarion’, with the intention to release the device and software together by late 2012, at an estimated cost of 750 USD.

‘qumarion’ and ‘quma’ technology demo (japanese text only; no audio)

diginfo’s coverage and demo of ‘qumarion’ video © diginfo

qumarion   3D CGI animation using physical mannequin 32 sensors, 16 joints, and human-skeleton-like design let the mannequin adopt realistic poses

qumarion   3D CGI animation using physical mannequin sample view of the posed doll with CGI rendition in the background

via diginfo