Apparatus and method for integrating a physical molecular model with a computer-based visualization and simulation model

Abstract

Modeling systems are enhanced by combining physical and virtual modeling techniques to create a hybrid modeling system. Manipulation of physical models results in updated real-time physical characteristics being provided to a virtual model. User manipulation of virtual model characteristics can also be provided and implemented on the physical model using actuators and control devices. The invention also enables multiple users to simultaneously construct and manipulate different portions of a physical model, e.g., of an atom or a molecule, and to have the results of these manipulations provided to a computer system for computational analysis. The results of such analyses can be electronically returned to the physical model, e.g., wirelessly.

1 . A node element for use in assembling a plurality of structural elements comprising:
 a body;   one or more connection ports disposed relative to the body, at least one connection port capable of being coupled to an adjacent structural element; and   a computational unit disposed within the body, wherein the computational unit receives information of physical characteristics of the node element from the connection port.   
   
   
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