Ngrain and Cortona have developed an entire set of tools for handling complicated parts hierarchy, for the purpose of creating advanced installation and removal procedures training.
Some examples of what Ngrain/Cortona have created:
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tools for creating multiple sets of assemblies and constraints
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a library of commonly used, pre-programmed and customizable animations and constraints, with walk-thru wizards for applying them to selected parts and their attachments.
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tools and walk-thru wizards for creating parts removal and installation procedure steps
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re-attach button which will automatically pop removed parts back into their default assembly position
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rearranging assemblies
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locking and unlocking assemblies
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screentips
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connected/animated callouts
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floating callouts
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image based callouts
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2D overlay shape and pen drawings
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part labels management
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external links management
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training tasks management
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drag and drop parts removal bin
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part and assembly metadata screentip display
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workspace screen and view angle snapshot gallery
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sophisticated tools for viewing and working with complex machine parts:
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context-view mode
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line-drawing view mode
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x-ray view mode
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cross-sectioning view mode
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selectable user-run-time-parts-hierarchy-tree panel
- asking text-based, short answer and multiple choice questions
- applying weight and score to answers, rerouting or playing different animations based on outcome or critical juncture
- parts catalog integration for ordering replacement parts
- assigning part types
- built in training mode, test mode and exploration mode functionality
- SCORM-based/XML IETM/manual import integration
The functionalities listed above basically describe what Ngrain and/or Cortona do out of the box. Their entire program has been built just for working with parts installation and removal procedures.
I believe Unity can do these things, but I have seen no evidence that this type of sophisticated functionality for parts procedures within Unity already exists.
One could likely create these add-ons as Unity can be programmed and customized. This means that you would essentially be creating our own version of Ngrain/Cortona in the form of a 3rd-party add-on to Unity, but that could be a great deal of work.
The benefit of doing this is that you would have the full functionality of Unity (a powerful gaming engine) with the added functionality of Ngrain/Cortona (sophisticated parts removal/installation tools) which would work on a mobile device like iPad.
Can anyone tell me if such functionality or tools are currently available for Unity?