Real-Time Interaction Techniques for Meshless Deformation Based on Shape Matching

Meshless deformation based on shape matching is a new technique for simulating deformable objects which handles point-based objects and does not need connectivity information. The technique has been first presented in 2005 and is of interest to all fields which require fast, stable simulations which do not need to be physically correct. In particular the technique seems very suitable for use in virtual surgery applications and highly interactive real-time environments such as computer games. However, in contrast to traditional physically simulations, virtual environments require more complex and intuitive real-time interaction paradigms in order to increase the look and feel of the simulation and the immersive experience. We introduce techniques for picking, pushing and cutting objects simulated using meshless deformation based on shape matching. All interactions can be performed in real time, are unconditionally stable, easy to integrate into 3D rendering and game engines, and are easy-to-use and intuitive.