A minimal and complete set of operators for the development of robust manifold mesh modelers
Academic Article
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
Other
View All
Overview
abstract
In this paper, we identify a minimal and complete set of fundamental operators, which is necessary and sufficient for performing all homeomorphic and topological operations on 2-manifold mesh structures. Efficient algorithms are developed for the implementation of these operators. We also developed a set of powerful, user-friendly, and effective operators at the level of user-interface. Using these operators, we have developed a prototype system for robust, interactive, and user-friendly modeling of orientable 2-manifold meshes. Users of our system can perform a large set of homeomorphic and topological changes with these user-interface level operators. Our system is topologically robust in the sense that users will never create invalid 2-manifold mesh structure with these operators. In our system, the homeomorphic and topological surgery operations can be applied alternatively on 2-manifold meshes. With our system, users can blend surfaces, construct rinds, and open holes on these rind shapes. With our system, the shapes that look like solid, non-manifold, or 2-manifold with boundary can be manipulated. The system also provides automatic texture mapping during topology changes. 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.