A virtual modeling system for intuitive 3D shape conceptualization

We propose an approach to build a 3D modeling environment for aiding new shape conceptualization. The proposed system consists of the following four functional components: (a) a freehand sketch Interface to allow the user to easily bring his/her rough design idea into a 2D geometric model, (b) a shape approximation module (SAM) to automatically convert the sketched 2D image into a 3D deformable model, (c) a 3D shape exploration tool to generate variety of 3D models by evolving the converted 3D model, and (d) a parametric 3D modeler to sophisticate the evolved shapes. The freehand sketch Interface employs a fuzzy Inference technique to flexibly Identify a user´s handwritten image as one of seven geometric primitives commonly used in many CAD tools. After the freehand sketch Is automatically converted to a 3D model by the SAM, the model Is evolved by using a technique called Interactive Evolutionary Computation (IEC). IEC automatically generates and deforms the model according to the user´s rating and allows even beginners to easily produce interesting shapes. Advanced users and experts are encouraged to use parametric modeler to finish the model with elaboration.