NIIT4CAD Project: Objectives

WP 1 GEOMETRIC ENGINE AND CAD INTEGRATION

In WP1 We aim at defining a set of solutions with the common goal of overcoming the current deficiencies of subdivision schemes in the CAD context. These deficiencies are identified both in the absence of subdivision schemes specifically designed to fit the requirements of CAD modeling (in particular able of generating high quality regular surfaces) and in the lack, in these systems, of patching and evaluation techniques for subdivision surfaces. To make subdivision surfaces usable in the CAD context, it is of vital importance to focus the research both toward the proposal of novel schemes and toward the definition of all the evaluation tools necessary to integrate these primitives into current systems. In WP1 we will define new subdivision surface representations for CAD models and tools and CAD commands to create a shape and then to modify it. Rectangular and triangular based surface models will be considered.

WP 2 FAST REVERSE ENGINEERING & INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

In WP2 we introduce a Fast Reverse Engineering (FRE) technology with two primary goals. The former concerns the development of a low cost, wireless pen-like device able to provide an intuitive and easy 3D input/editing experience, while the latter focuses on realizing a set of algorithms that, exploiting low-cost technologies, will provide a real-time acquisition of 3D shapes available alongside the CAD system, using the subdivision surface technology developed in WP1. Moreover, in order to improve interactivity and enhance the acquisition and editing of the 3D model, multi-modal feedback is considered . We will explore devices equipped with sensors and micro controllers that will actively cooperate with the CAD system and the user providing contextual multi-modal feedback or any information useful for error correction.

WP 3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND RESULT ASSESSMENT

The goal of WP3 will be the analysis of the real industrial process in the field of new product development areas inside the company participating in the project. The results of the analysis must be used to understand where the product resulting from the research could be implemented in the industry process. The consortium must pay attention to where the subdivision surface can give an added value in terms of easiness to understand the 3D shape modeling, analyzing through benchmarks the effectiveness of the use of this approach versus the classical curve based approach in order to focus the research where the subdivision surfaces can make a real gap versus the standard CAD approach. Another field of the analysis should be the use of the subdivision surfaces in the acquisition of the shape of prototypes (Reverse- Engineering). WP3, beside contributing to understand and focalize the system requirements and functionalities, will also contribute in the analysis of the results, providing real case test where the Subdivision Surface project is indicated to give added value in the product development, starting form the concept, modeling, rapid prototyping, re-acquisition, digital modification to the final engineered product.

WP 4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION

The goal of WP4 is to supervise the administrative and scientific management of the project and coordinate the partners activities.