A Software System for Interactively Creating Three-Dimensional Free Form Surfaces

Abstract

<p>A system for the interactive design of free form surfaces is presented. The system is best suited for creative design based on aesthetics, experience, or a number of empirical rules. The system provides the designer with a carefully integrated set of tools which permit a rapid and convenient creation of a curved 3-D surface of any type.</p> <p>In addition to the uniqueness of the overall concept, there are several innovative features. These include definition of a patch by 16 surface points only; surface modification by dragging nodes to any desired location with the light pen; and a powerful technique for defining patches using plane curves on sections.</p> <p>A new method for determining NC cutter path location is suggested using the developed system.</p>