Point-based geometric models are gaining popularity in both the computer graphics and CAD fields. A related design/modelling problem is the focus of the reported research: drawing curves onto digital surfaces represented by clouds of points. The problem is analyzed and solved, and a set of `design tools' are proposed which allow the user/designer to efficiently perform `product development' (alternative name: `detail design') tasks which require efficient processing of a `digital surface'. The primary tool is a robust and efficient point projection algorithm combined with a smoothing technique for producing smooth `digital curves' lying onto the cloud surface. The new design tools are tested on a real-life industrial example with very satisfactory results, which are thoroughly presented in the paper. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Phillip N. Azariadis, Nickolas S. Sapidis