Systems and methods for manipulating a 3D object in a 3D model using a software widget and surface constraints

One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to display a software widget within a graphical user interface, the software widget including a plurality of controls that are used to manipulate a three-dimensional (3D) object, and to perform the steps of:

• receiving user input associated with at least one control included in the plurality of controls, wherein the plurality of controls includes an orientation control that, when adjusted, causes a new orientation vector to be determined that is implemented to change the orientation of the 3D object, wherein, prior to being adjusted, the orientation control has an orientation that matches an orientation of an axis of the 3D object;
• determining a manipulation operation corresponding to the at least one control;
• and
• executing the manipulation operation to adjust the 3D object.

A system for manipulating a three-dimensional (3D) object, the system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to:
• receive user input associated with at least one control included in a plurality of controls, wherein the plurality of controls includes an orientation control that, when adjusted, causes a new orientation vector to be determined that is implemented to change the orientation of the 3D object, wherein, prior to being adjusted, the orientation control has an orientation that matches an orientation of an axis of the 3D object;
• determine a manipulation operation corresponding to the at least one control;
• and
• execute the manipulation operation to adjust the 3D object.

A method for manipulating a three-dimensional (3D) object, the method comprising:

• receiving user input associated with at least one control included in a plurality of controls that are used to manipulate the 3D object, wherein the plurality of controls includes an orientation control that, when adjusted, causes a new orientation vector to be determined that is implemented to change the orientation of the 3D object, and a twist control that, when adjusted, causes a new angle parameter to be determined that is implemented to deform the 3D object along an axis;
• determining a manipulation operation corresponding to the at least one control;
• and
• executing the manipulation operation to adjust the 3D object.