A generalized God-object method for plausible finger-based interactions in virtual environments

We generalize the six degree-of-freedom God-object approach to enable its use for multi-finger interactions in virtual environments. The connected finger phalanxes are modeled as multiple constrained God objects. The mutual interdependencies between multiple God objects are resolved using Gauss´ principle of least constraint. This generalization of the God-object method allows us to avoid the penetration of multiple fingers and their phalanxes with objects within a physically simulated virtual world. Our observations indicate that the generalized God-object approach leads to plausible collision-free positions and motions of the phalanxes of the user´s fingers during complex six degree-of-freedom manipulations, while artifacts such as artificial friction or a stuck hand are avoided.