Abstract
Surface feature design is not well supported by contemporary free form surface modelers. For one type of surface feature, the displacement feature, it is shown that intuitive controls can be defined for its design.
A method is described that, given a surface model, allows a designer to create and manipulate displacement features. The method uses numerically stable calculations, and feedback can be obtained within tenths of a second, allowing the designer to employ the different controls with unprecedented flexibility.
The algorithm does not use refinement techniques, that generally lead to data explosion. The transition geometry, connecting a base surface to a displaced region, is found explicitly. Cross-boundary smoothness is dealt with automatically, leaving the designer to concentrate on the design, instead of having to deal with mathematical boundary conditions.
Early test results indicate that interactive support is possible, thus making this a useful tool for conceptual shape design.