Institute of 4D Technologies

PATHFINDER presents a dynamic interaction tool which allows navigation through and interaction with complex models and data spaces. Paths can be recorded and edited, they can be used for presentations and augmented with annotations. It is part of a user interface which opens up new interaction possibilities for various types of data.

PATHFINDER is based on the path based interaction concept 4Record which has been developed at the i4Ds. It expands the original idea by allowing not only for navigation in spatiotemporal models but also for an intuitive interaction with databases connected to those models. Our research is focused on solutions that can be used for desktop, immersive virtual reality (VR) systems and multi-display environments (combined 2D and 3D) alike.

The main innovation potential of PATHFINDER lies in a model-based user interface approach that combines the potential of 3D user interfaces with the possibilities of path-based interaction concepts.
• Paths becomes interface: They allow exploring and navigation in data spaces but also provide guidance and orientation.
• Path becomes documentation system: Recorded during a meeting it can be reused as a guideline through a collection of documents, be it chronological, spatial or thematic.
• Path becomes pre-processing tool for 3D animations: Live recording and editing of spatio-temporal exploration allow for intuitive rendering of high-quality (stereoscopic) 3D and 4D animations.