Past Event: Oden Institute Seminar

Feature Based Modeling: A Transfinite Interpolation Approach

Alyn Rockwood, CTO, LiteViz Inc.

Abstract

For purposes of this presentation features are defined to be the salient attributes of an object that characterize its shape. They include distinguishing curves, slopes at those curves, ridges, corners, material or construction boundaries, and so forth. In traditional modeling many curves in a model exist only to satisfy mathematical requirements; they are not features. We develop a new interpolation approach, in which the surface passes through curves, and in which the curves with specified tangency almost always have a design purpose. We characterize the method mathematically and describe a number of applications from mechanical engineering to organic shape creation. The technique allows multisided patching with G2 continuity, disconnected topology with dangling curves and watertight intersections. Two functional modeling systems based on the new method will be demonstrated; one for conceptual design and the other for terrain.