We shouldn’t be afraid of using technology to enhance traditional handiwork. Thus, to bring craftsmanship into the modern age, I designed a computer interface that actually makes suggestions to the designer while he’s working.
In my version, the computer follows a structure in the making via a webcam and instantly generates other design suggestions based on any special parameters programmed by the designer. It’s like having a colleague in your workshop, giving you direct feedback. The experimental prototype can recognise and respond to basic structures created on-camera by spot-welding thin strips of metal together. In due time, any technique might be linked to digital technology. The Computer Augmented Crafts program accomplishes two things. First, for the designer it can point out new ways of dealing with the design process. Second, it makes the most of modern technology without sacrificing the advantages of craftsmanship.
In the pictures below an exemplary sequence of a process which uses the Computer Augmented Crafts Setup is shown.
The exemplary algorithm could look like this:
• Draw (
Mesh {
shape: hemisphere
max-edge-length: 5cm
min-connection-angle: 15°
max-connection-per-point: 6
connection-amount: 25
}
)
Resulting in a program screen like following:
2. Step – First spotwelding connection
2. Step – Program screen
3-6. Step – Selection of a few process steps
7. Step – Welding 4/3 of the bowl
7. Step – The Program Screen with captures of the last 5 process steps on the bottom
8. Step – One of the last steps
8. Step – Program screen with bottom point in focus
9. Step – The last spot welding connection
9. Step – The simulation of the mesh is completely high lighted, which means all connections are fixed now
The working prototyp of this exemplary process was realized with great help of Roman Grasy .