Abstract: A machine-readable definition of a three-dimensional scene is represented. A list of relationships between elements of the scene is generated, wherein each entry on said list identifies two elements and the nature of a relationship between the two elements. A displayable schematic representation of the scene is created in which elements of the scene are defined by nodes and relationships between the nodes are represented by links. Input data is received in response to displaying the list of relationships that identifies one of the relationships. A portion of the schematic representation is displayed showing the elements related by the relationship identified by the input data.

Abstract: A machine-readable definition of a scene including three dimensional objects is represented. A schematic representation of the scene displays an object in which elements of the object are defined by nodes and relationships between these nodes are represented by links. Several unique relationship types are used to define specific functions applying to a node or between nodes. Selection data is received in response to user input that selects one of the relationship types. Appearance of the displayed links is modified so as to identify occurrences of the selected type to the user. Furthermore, a link may be added to display a relationship type defining a specific function for two or more nodes.