
Ben Gramann is a Designer at Fat Pencil Studio
Human figure posing is something we often do at Fat Pencil Studio, typically using SketchUp 3d modeling software.
For human figures, SketchUp does not have the capability to associate a virtual skeleton, also known as "rigging", with each of the limbs. Instead we use a series of "handles" to rotate joints, one-by-one. While it's possible to do this in real time, responding to client feedback, it's a cumbersome process, and we've been looking for other options.
Gravity Sketch offers an immersive 3d environment using a virtual reality headset and controllers to rapidly adjust human figures in real time.
All parts of the rigged body are connected, which allows for natural body movement between the hinge points.
Using a system of points at 2 different scales, users can rapidly and seamlessly manipulate the positioning of 3d figures and objects in real time.
It is also a unique experience to be navigating a model in virtual reality and positioning oneself inside a scene.
In Gravity Sketch, the user can manipulate 8 rigged control points (green dots) at the macro level, in order to reposition the mannequin. This is a very rapid process as the control points are connected.
At the micro level, Gravity Sketch users can access a higher level of precision by enabling a larger number of control points (blue dots).
At this level of detail, each joint of the hand (blue dot) can be carefully tuned to mimic a specific position.
The Gravity Sketch user interface consists of a menu tablet, which controls layer states and basic action items to control and navigate the model. The user can easily zoom in for full immersion or zoom out to get a larger vantage point.
Using a collaborative interface, adjunct users can remotely monitor the interior environment of Gravity Sketch (right viewport), while the 'active' user is adjusting the scene (left viewport).
Ben Gramann is a Designer at Fat Pencil Studio