Introducing a Real-Time Tangible User Interface to Convert Modular Multi-story Physical Models to Digital Format

The significant role of physical modeling processes in the initial architectural design stage, in addition to the widespread adoption of computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing alternatives, emphasizes the necessity of platforms capable of generating feedbacks between physical and digital models. Previous research utilized complex additional hardware devices to achieve this purpose. However, the proposed platform, depending on the minimum accessible equipment, is applicable for general use. In this method, following the workspace configuration, the user must mark each cube with a central red point. After the arrangement of each floor, pressing the button embedded in the code results in capturing an image whose visible red spots would be identified by the Firefly plugin. Based on the points’ relative location, the digital model is generated. The validity of the platform has been demonstrated, and could directly serve architects with no prior knowledge of programming.