Representation and management of feature information in a cellular model

• Published in: Computer aided design 1998-04, Vol.30 (4), p.301-313
• Main Authors: Bidarra, Rafael, de Kraker, Klaas Jan, Bronsvoort, Willem F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cellular model; feature conversion; feature interactions; feature representation; feature validity maintenance; feature visualization
• ISSN: 0010-4485; 1879-2685
• DOI: 10.1016/S0010-4485(97)00070-5

Many limitations in current feature modelling systems are inherited from the geometric representation they use for the product model. Both a very rigid and a very extensive representation are unsuitable for feature applications, at least if no convenient support is provided to manage the data. This paper describes a cellular representation for feature models that contains all the relevant information to effectively solve a variety of current problems in feature modelling. Much benefit is gained from a coherent integration between shapes of a feature model and cells in the cellular model. Every feature shape has an explicit volumetric representation in terms of cells. Specific subsets of its boundary are also distinguished in terms of cell faces and edges. Feature interactions are maintained in attributes of cells, cell faces and cell edges. Methods for modifying and querying the cellular model are presented, and their application is illustrated for feature validity maintenance, feature interaction management, feature conversion between multiple views, and feature visualization.