Elastic connections: separating and observation methods for complex virtual objects

Today's technology enables users to manipulate complex, multi-part 3D virtual objects such as industrial products, structures designed by CAD, and models of the human body in large 3D space. In general modeling software, parts of such a complex 3D virtual objects are grouped and manipulated together, but not individually, for efficient operation. Therefore, a separating operation is necessary when the user wants to observe or manipulate only a part of a complex object. We have developed a system that realizes gesture-based separation and observation of a group of parts within complex virtual objects in 3D space. One of the practical applications of our system is in training, such as learning the structure of the human body or industrial products. In our system, users can separate a group of parts freely by pulling and cutting a virtual rubber band. The widths of these virtual rubber bands are relative to the connection strength between each part. This allows the user to easily understand relationships between parts. Additionally, this feedback provides a comfortable operational familiarity.