CoBlocks: An Improved Voxel-Based Design Tool by Object Structuring of Voxel Models

Abstract

This paper introduces a voxel-based collaborative modelling system called CoBlocks which was developed to support designers in building models together in a synchronized virtual environment. This is due to the fact that voxel models are gaining more attention in computer-aided design (CAD) systems as they support simple and intuitive modelling for the early design phases. However, due to the discrete nature of voxels, it is common practice in most voxel-based design systems that the voxel modelling methods have limited users to manipulate models at the level of individual voxels. From the literature, however, we might expect that voxel modelling would benefit from higher-level interaction as supported by the object structuring of such models. In light of these, a controlled lab study was therefore carried out to examine the benefits of the structuring of these models in voxel-based design systems. The results show that users prefer working with structured voxels and that they can interact better with them.