Sketching out a freeform surface Online publication date: Mon, 14-Jul-2008
by Shengfeng Qin, David K. Wright
International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT), Vol. 32, No. 1, 2008
Abstract: This paper presents an intelligent algorithm on freeform surface interpretation based on four boundary curves, which are initially input with a 2D online sketch interface. The 2D strokes are filtered first and then the two pairs of curves are tidied up for compatibility and parameterisation. Detection of the principal dimensions of boundary curves and their configuration leads to 3D conversion of the 2D strokes. From the 3D curves, a bicubically blended Coons patch (base surface) is constructed. After that, design features such as cuts and offsets can be drawn directly on the 3D surface with gesture sketches. Finally, conceptual design surfaces can be output as exchange surfaces into commercial CAD packages for detailed design. This algorithm does not use explicit construction planes or reference surfaces for converting 2D strokes into 3D curves. Examples have shown that the proposed 3D interpretation algorithm is practical and useful.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology (IJCAT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com