CMSC 838G - Spring 2004
Prof Guimbretiere

Advanced usability: New Devices for New Interactions

Homework #1 (due 02/24/04):
Familiarization with Rhino 3D modeling software

The goal of this homework is to become familiar with the Rhino 3D modeling software. Rhinoceros is a NURB based system, well adapted to the creation of organic surface one might found in design of new devices. It also includes a nice interface to the MicroScribe 2GX, the 3D digitalizer we will be using in the class.

Software and manuals

The Rhino software has been installed on Vellum the Windows machine in my lab (#3252) which is connected to the MicroScribe. Two copies will also be installed on bugles and poprocks in the junkfood lab (#3457). You might also download an evaluation version from Rhinoceros but it will only allow you to save 25 times.

A paper copy of the Rhino manual and of the training manual level 1 and 2 are available in my lab (Please leave them there). You might also use the acrobat version of the tutorials installed on each computers on which Rhino is installed (The digital versions of the training manuals are in the same directory as the file required for the exercises: C:\Program Files\Rhinoceros 3.0\English\Tutorials\Level 1 Training Models).

I set up a Yahoo calendar so that you can reserve a machine in my lab or check if a machine is available (including Vellum, the 3D printer, and the MicroScribe) . If not reserved, machines are on a first come first served basis. If you made a reservation and you are more than 15min late, the reservation is canceled. The account name for our calendar is RPatHCIL. The password will be given in class. Please note that the MicroScribe is connected to Vellum.

Assignment

It is recommended that you work in team of two, but you might elect to work by yourself if you wish.

For this homework, you are asked to become familiar with the material presented in the Training Manual Level 1. You should not try to memorize everything described in the manual, but instead get familiar with the techniques used to create more and more complex models.

Required exercises

The following exercises are required. You should go through them and send me a zip file containing the resulting model for each exercise.

• exercise #17

• exercise #43

• exercise #44

• exercise #49

• exercise #52

• exercise #53

Recommended exercises

The following exercises are recommended. You don't need to send me the resulting models

• exercise #27

• exercise #41

• exercise #42

• exercise #47

• exercise #48

• exercise #50