Tesla Blocks: Magnetism-Based Tangible 3D Modeling System using Block-Shaped Objects

We herein demonstrate Tesla Blocks, a magnetism-based tangible 3D modeling system using block-shaped objects. The system recognizes the structure assembled by the user and draws the 3D model in real time. Each block of the system has a simple structure; we embed only a permanent magnet in a block. Because the electronic circuit used for recognizing the structure exists outside the blocks, the system is simple. Furthermore, occlusion by the user’s hand does not occur in recognizing the structure.

In Proceedings of the 30th Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (OzCHI 2018)