Squeezable interface technology shows potential for 3D CAD

The low cost device has been developed in response to figures that suggests a high proportion of households are predicted to own 3D displays within five years. The device – known as Suma –is initially intended to offer highly sensitive 3D control for gamers, but 3D CAD users – who expect a high degree of interaction – could also benefit. The patent-pending sensor system translates the three dimensional deformation of a squeezed object into software readable forms. This enables highly sensitive control by finger movements and whole hand grip in this way means that the device can capture far more of the degrees of freedom of the hand than conventional controller technologies, without the need for cumbersome gloves or sensors. Duncan Smith, head of consumer product development at Cambridge Consultants: "Our hands are extraordinary instruments for control and communication. "Yet current input devices for computers and games do not fully exploit these capabilities. Although gesture based control is a huge step, even this does not convey the subtlety and flexibility of what our hands can do. By capturing that complexity, Suma enables product developers in a range of industries to greatly enhance the experience of their users, adding multidimensional interaction to both existing and new applications."