This project is to build a physical device with which to interface with Maya in order to create an animation. We are using infra red proximity sensors which give an analogue output reading between the values of 4cm and 30cm. 

A short video demonstrating the sensor values being successfuly read in Maya. A simple curve is defined by 3 cluster points, and the X-translation of each cluster point is mapped to a corresponding sensor value. The sensor output values can be re-mapped as desired within Maya to enhance or limit the degree of movement of the cluster points:

Video 1. Simple Curve Movement from Richard Almond on Vimeo.

After experimentation, we found that the sensors work best in a dark, enclosed environment, and so the concept of using a series of piston-like devices was born. This will hopefully enable us to create a user-friendly, intuitive, and accurate interfacing system between the user and Maya. We built a rough mock up:

A shot of the first version of the device during assembly. The device accomodates 3 sensors and here the battens are visible which seperate each compartment containing a sensor:

In action:

The next stage is to refine the device, both physically and in terms of what it controls within Maya.