From Functions to Shapes
Résumé
CAD/CAM systems must become more and more functional. Features' modelling is only a step towards functions and constraints. Even if the central role of geometry can be discussed, the shape of the object has, in general to be computed or created. We propose to model functions by physical parameters. For instance, fuzzy functions (aesthetics, design...) are transformed in physical parameters (as done in some laboratories in Japan). Then, we automatically deduce the classes of shapes that can be constructed from the parameters. It leads to some discontinuities (we can obtain some classes of objects and get some discontinuities between these classes). Within a family (a class), we describe a kind of morphing in order to show to the user the different solutions. We hope that this approach helps the end user to evaluate new solutions (using the morphing, he will see solutions, he would never think about...). We first present the overall architecture of a system for generating shapes from functions. Then, we show different possible methods to process the shape. Finally, we illustrate our approach with an example.