Bumptop - What's the relations with physics

Question

Along with all buzz talks about the wonderful Bumptop desktop environment, Im getting this question now. What is the relation with Physics and Bumptop techniques. Basically, I am interested in learning the techniques/algorithms followed in this desktop environment. For example,

1. Collision Detection -- is used when one icon is about to collide on other one.

Any other known techniques?

Answer 1

I'd say that it uses mechanics (the branch of physics that describes motion) to determine/calculate the outcome of object interaction.

I remember seeing a very early demo of this months ago - it looks very impressive!

Answer 2

Well, it looks as though it's using friction and velocity as well. The friction slows the animations down - if it didn't then things would just fly out of the way. Velocity is used to have things move at speed in certain directions.

Answer 3

More info here

BumpTop

Extensive use of physics effects like bumping and tossing is applied to documents when they interact, for a more realistic experience.

Answer 4

It probably uses a quite common rigid body dynamics simulator as used in (simple/older) computer games. If you want to play with one yourself, have a look at Open Dynamics Engine.