Metaparts: A Simple Method for Modeling of Mechanical Parts

摘要

Metaballs have been used extensively in computer graphics as a method of modeling shapes with orgranic appearance. Metaballs are easy to use, because all you have to do is to place them in the proper position of the model. In this paper, we extend and redefine metaballs in the distance computations and density functions. Next, we define sequences of base point sets from with we compute distances. These base point sets become the building blocks called "Metaparts", which are grouped together into geometric primitives with which the user will model. The most useful of the typical Metaparts are Metaballs, Meta-LineSegments, Meta-Polygons, and Meta-Curves. These Metaparts are do not represent individual points sets just by themselves. Several Metaparts must be combined to form user friendly modeling primitives such as cubes and cylinders. These Metaparts consist of flat faces as well as rounded corners. Rounded corners will automatically be generated by just placing these combined geometric primitives in an intesecting position. It is shown that these geometric primitives can be used to model a large variety of mechanical parts.