The 10th Installment
"Digital Research by an Analog Human"
by Katsutoshi Otsubo,
the Master Program of Innovation for Design and Engineering
My expertise, in broad terms, is shape modeling and computer graphics (CG). This is how it is expressed in words, but these are both three-dimensional studies, which is to say these fields handle stereoscopic and spatial information and the deliverables can generally be seen in society as CAD for the former and simulation, games and movies for the latter.
These days I am sure many of you unknowingly come into contact with CG, and even in manufacturing (monozukuri), handling of shapes on the computer (CAD, reverse engineering) is becoming commonplace and now known as “digital engineering.”
However, use of digital engineering in its current form requires expensive software and specialized equipment, along with professional knowledge and acquisition of skills on the part of the user. For the general public that benefits from digital engineering, the barriers to becoming a user are high indeed.
Therefore, we have developed a support system to remove these obstacles as much as possible when handling shapes or motion on a computer, in CAD or CG, and to enable the creation of new things with broad thinking, whether possessing expertise or not.
Some of the themes I have been involved in are:
- Development of an instinctive and smooth shape-transfiguration method based on triangular mesh
- Development of a method using a pseudo-physical model as a transfiguration structure for triangular mesh
- Development of a product assessment simulation system using virtual models of hands and fingers
- A study related to the generation of mirage images based on three-dimensional refraction light simulation
- Development of a computer-based virtual clay modeling method
- Real-time transfiguration simulation of human shapes
- Generation of exaggerated motion and obstacle-evading motion within CG character motion
- Posture transfiguration simulation of human shapes
- Generation of an interference-evading shape based on triangular mesh
- Pattern synthesis of triangular mesh
All the themes, from system algorithm to deliverables, take place basically within the computer, and although no astounding results have been made to date, one product nearing commercialization is a proposal for a system to view the effects of custom-ordered corrective underwear for women.
Specifically, the wearer’s body shape is expressed using an elastic physical model. The restraint made by the model shape of the underwear transforms the body shape, and the resulting corrective effect is displayed as a visual image. With so many individual differences in human shapes, the human-related costs to create custom-ordered clothing are high and it is difficult for the customer to confirm the performance until the actual product is finished. With this system consumers will be able to visually confirm the effects of the product’s use before purchasing, based on three-dimensional data taken from their own body shape, which will increase the motivation to buy.
I would like to add that, in conducting studies in a university, the social meaning and significance is extremely important. Realizing this, I am fully committed in my efforts to obtain and return the results of our studies to society, no matter how small. Having said that, in conducting studies, self-motivation (incentive) is absolutely necessary, and I believe this can take the form of something quite selfish, with an attitude such as “I’m doing this because it interests me” or “I want someone specific to enjoy this.” These could be swapped out for generalized operations and respectively become something like “interests of one’s own organization” and “worth doing.” Both are necessary, but generally speaking, the latter generally seems to be taken more lightly.
In any case, I do not consider these to be in conflict. I will do my best to have the two coexist into the future, so please contact me if you have interest in my activities.