Design of semi-automatic modeler for highway scenes

摘要

Virtual realistic highway networks consist of many road segments that are subject to link constraints between them. These constraints ensure the road segments to link together seamlessly and smoothly. This leads to the geometric data of the highway networks reliable for driving simulation. A difficult task in computer generation of such realistic 3D highway networks is linking the road segments by trial and error. In this paper we present a 3D modeler that allows semi-automatic generation of realistic highway scene based upon parameterized modeling technology. Here "semiautomatic generation" means that a user can interactively create or modify any individual road segment and other scene component, and then the modeler automatically links or adjusts the road segments to satisfy the link constraints. We have developed a prototype of the modeler with Java3D. The modeler enables a user to quickly generate a highway scene for immersive simulation of driving of automobiles. The semi-automatic generation of highway networks facilitates design creativity and is more reliable and faster than putting together of road segments via trial and error.