A survey of CAD model simplification techniques for physics-based simulation applications

Automated CAD model simplification plays an important role in effectively utilizing physics-based simulation during the product realization process. Currently a rich body of literature exists that describe many successful techniques for fully-automatic or semi-automatic simplification of CAD models for a wide variety of applications. The purpose of this paper is to compile a list of the techniques that are relevant for physics-based simulations problems and to characterize them based on their attributes. We have classified them into the following four categories: techniques based on surface entity based operators, volume entity based operators, explicit feature based operators, and dimension reduction operators. This paper also presents the necessary background information in the CAD model representation to assist the new readers. We conclude the paper by outlining open research directions in this field.     

CAD mesh model simplification with assembly features preservation

This paper aims to investigate a CAD mesh model simplification method with assembly features preservation, in order to satisfy the requirement of assembly field for the information of 3D model. The proposed method simplifies a CAD mesh model as follows. Firstly, the notion of ＂conjugation＂ is incorporated into the definition of assembly features, with the purpose of benefitting the downstream applications such as assembly features recognition and preservation. Subsequently, the attributed adjacency graphs （AAGs） of the region- level-represented parts are established. The assembly features are automatically recognized by searching for conjugated subgraphs of every two AAGs based on subgraph isomorphism algorithm. In order to improve the efficiency of assembly features recognition, the characteristics of conjugated subgraphs are adopted to initialize the mapping matrix, and the ＂verifying while matching strategy＂ is used to verify the validity of every two newly founded vertices which are correspondingly matched. Then, simplified CAD mesh model with assembly features preserved is constructed after suppressing the common form features. The method is applied successfully to simplify the CAD mesh model with assembly features well preserved. Moreover, the tradeoff between the cost of time for conjugated subgraphs matching and the complexity of the to-be-matched parts is proven to be almost linear.     

Efficient surface reconstruction method for distributed CAD

This paper describes a new fast Reverse Engineering (RE) method for creating a 3D computerized model from an unorganized cloud of points. The proposed method is derived directly from the problems and difficulties currently associated with remote design over the Internet, such as accuracy, transmission time and representation at different levels of abstraction. With the proposed method, 3D models suitable for distributed design systems can be reconstructed in real time. The mesh reconstruction approach is based on aggregating very large scale 3D scanned data into a Hierarchical Space Decomposition Model (HSDM), realized by the Octree data structure. Then, a Connectivity Graph (CG) is extracted and filled with facets. The HSDM can represent both the boundary surface and the interior volume of an object. Based on the proposed volumetric model, the surface reconstruction process becomes robust and stable with respect to sampling noise. Moreover, the data received from different surface/volume sampling devices can be handled naturally. The hierarchical structure of the proposed volumetric model enables data reduction, while preserving significant geometrical features and object topology. As a result, reconstruction and transmission over the network are efficient. Furthermore, the hierarchical representation provides a capability for extracting models at desired levels of detail, thus enabling designers to collaborate at any product development stage: draft or detailed design.     

Carving for topology simplification of polygonal meshes

The topological complexity of polygonal meshes has a large impact on the performance of various geometric processing algorithms, such as rendering and collision detection algorithms. Several approaches for simplifying topology have been discussed in the literature. These methods operate locally on models, which makes their effect on the topology hard to predict and analyze. Most existing methods tend to exhibit several disturbing artifacts, such as shrinking of the input and splitting of its components. We propose a novel top-down approach for topology simplification that avoids most problems that are common in existing methods. We start with a simple, genus-zero mesh that bounds the input and gradually introduce topologic features by a series of carving operations. This process yields a multiresolution stream of meshes with increasing topologic level of detail. We further present a carving algorithm that is based on constrained Delaunay tetrahedralization. The algorithm first constructs the tetrahedral mesh of the complement of the input with respect to its convex hull. It then proceeds to eliminate tetrahedra in a prioritized manner. We present quality results for two families of meshes that are difficult to simplify by all existing methods known to us: topologically complex meshes and highly clustered meshes.     

保持外观的CAD模型轻量化技术

随着CAD/CAM技术的发展,整个产品的设计、虚拟制造和数字化样机都可在计算机中完成,使得包含大量数据的复杂装配体(即大装配体)的设计成为产品设计过程中的必需元素。由于大装配体模型数据量庞大,在普通PC机中处理极为不便,为了提高处理速度,需要对大装配体模型进行简化。在不改变装配模型格式和整体外观的前提下,提出了两种装配体模型的轻量化方案：1)从装配体中删除隐藏的零部件;2)从装配体中删除隐藏的特征。零件和特征的可见性是通过从多个视点预渲染装配模型,然后读取渲染缓冲区的结果并进行分析而得到。实验结果证实该算法能在不改变CAD模型格式和外观的前提下准确地删除装配体中的隐藏零件和特征。     

User-assisted simplification method for triangle meshes preserving boundaries

This paper proposes a user-assisted mesh simplification method applied to CAD models converted to triangle meshes. This work offers the possibility of simplifying each subobject independently and at different levels of detail. This way, the user can simplify the whole model and then modify some parts, by simplifying more or by refining the desired subobjects. This can be performed while the total number of triangles in the simplified model is maintained. In this method any error metric based on an edge collapse operation can be used. Boundaries between subobjects are preserved and important attributes in the final aspect of simplified models, like normals and texture coordinates, are also considered.     

面向具有重复结构的大规模CAD模型的快速渲染

目的 基于普通个人计算机快速渲染大规模计算机辅助设计（CAD）模型仍然是个挑战。针对由少量基本对象按一定规律排布而成的大规模CAD模型——重复结构CAD模型,提出一种快速渲染方法,能够在个人计算机上的快速渲染大规模重复结构CAD模型。方法 该方法首先利用重复结构CAD模型的层次结构特征,结合现代GPU的Render-To-Texture的功能进行快速视锥裁剪,节约视锥裁剪时间;然后利用重复结构CAD模型中对象按规律布置的特点,仅对少量基本对象进行面片化,其他对象的面片模型在渲染时根据对象排布规律由基本对象的面片模型实时变换生成,解决大规模CAD模型内存需求过多的问题。结果 基于超级蒙卡核模拟软件系统SuperMC,使用典型重复结构模型——HM（hoogenboom-martin）、ADS（accelerator driven sub-critical system）、DCA（deuterium critical assembly）全堆芯CAD模型进行测试,HM、ADS、DCA模型分别由1 114 384,113 952和20 808个实体组成。测试结果表明,裁剪算法能大幅减少待渲染对象数量,渲染速度明显提高,且模型规模越大,本文方法优势越明显,在远视角的情况下提升效果最为突出,能提升3倍左右;结论 针对任意大规模CAD模型的快速渲染仍然是一个挑战,但本文针对重复结构CAD模型的特点,针对性地提出一套专用渲染策略,在个人计算机上实现大规模重复结构CAD模型的快速渲染。使用多个典型重复结构模型——反应堆全堆芯模型进行测试,测试结果表明了本文方法的有效性。     

Perception-based model simplification for motion blur rendering

Motion blur effects are important to motion perception in visual arts, interactive games and animation applications. Usually, such motion blur rendering is quite time consuming, thus blocking the online/interactive use of the effects. Motivated by the human perception in relation to moving objects, this paper presents simplified geometric models that enable to speedup motion blur rendering, which has not been tracked in motion blur rendering specifically. We develop a novel algorithm to simplify models with motion-aware, to preserve the features whose characteristics are perceivable in motion. We deduce the formula to outline the level of detail simplification by the object moving velocity. Using our simplified models, methods for motion blur rendering can achieve the rendering quality as using the original models, and obtain the processing acceleration mostly. The experimental results have shown the effectiveness of our approach, more acceleration with the larger models or faster motion (e.g. for the dragon model with over a million facets, the motion-blur rendering via hierarchical stochastic rasterization is sped up by over 27 times).     

A framework for a distributed CAD system

The DIJA project is a web-based CAD system accessible to any user (from neophyte to expert) and from a simple desktop computer. Its modeling approach is based on a top-down methodology and takes into account trade information. In this paper, we propose a network architecture based on a replication process and a multi-level language to manage the consistency between the client model and the server model. The whole CAD system is based on a modular architecture communicating with messages exchanges and provides a general architecture for all trade CAD applications.     

Adaptive CAD model (re-)construction with THB-splines

Computer Aided Design (CAD) software libraries rely on the tensor-product NURBS model as standard spline technology. However, in applications of industrial complexity, this mathematical model does not provide sufficient flexibility as an effective geometric modeling option. In particular, the multivariate tensor-product construction precludes the design of adaptive spline representations that support local refinements. Consequently, many patches and trimming operations are needed in challenging applications. The investigation of generalizations of tensor-product splines that support adaptive refinement has recently gained significant momentum due to the advent of Isogeometric Analysis (IgA) [2], where adaptivity is needed for performing local refinement in numerical simulations. Moreover, traditional CAD models containing many small (and possibly trimmed) patches are not directly usable for IgA. Truncated hierarchical B-splines (THB-splines) provide the possibility of introducing different levels of resolution in an adaptive framework, while simultaneously preserving the main properties of standard B-splines. We demonstrate that surface fitting schemes based on THB-spline representations may lead to significant improvements for the geometric (re-)construction of critical turbine blade parts. Furthermore, the local THB-spline evaluation in terms of B-spline patches can be properly combined with commercial geometric modeling kernels in order to convert the multilevel spline representation into an equivalent – namely, exact – CAD geometry. This software interface fully integrates the adaptive modeling tool into CAD systems that comply with the current NURBS standard. It also paves the way for the introduction of isogeometric simulations into complex real world applications.     

A digital mock-up visualization system capable of processing giga-scale CAD models

In the automotive, aerospace and naval industries, digital mock-up tools are always used for assembly examination, layout examination and interference checking. Generally, a digital mock-up is assembled from giga-scale CAD models. Because of limitations of computer hardware resources, a digital mock-up represented by traditional planar facets is too large to load into a computer’s memory for rendering. This article proposes a new geometric compression representation to represent given CAD models with curved triangular patches. Based on the compression representation, our digital mock-up visualization system can import several giga-scale CAD models into a computer’s memory simultaneously. A high performance rendering strategy to display the curved triangular patches is also presented. In the rendering strategy, a dynamic subdivision algorithm is introduced which is different from conventional LOD techniques in order to reduce memory consumption. In addition, an algorithm to convert CAD models to the curved triangular patches is introduced.     

Geometric Hermite interpolation for space curves

This paper considers the geometric Hermite interpolation for spacial curves by parametric quartic Bézier curve. In additon to position and tangent direction, the curvature vector is prescribed at each knot. We prove that under appropriate assumptions the interpolant exists locally with one degree of freedom. Moreover, we prove the interpolant is 6th order accurate.     

曲线弯曲多叉树模型及其在地图综合中的应用

针对曲线弯曲二叉树在曲线形态表达上的不足,以弯曲作为曲线形态的单元,探讨了曲线的多尺度表达与弯曲树状结构间的关系,提出了曲线的弯曲多叉树模型以及探测方法,并利用曲线弯曲多叉树模型制定了基于弯曲的曲线综合化简策略。该模型在等高线化简上的应用表明,其无论在线要素的整体形态保持上,还是在地理特征的一致性保持上都非常有效。     

An iterative scheme for distributed model predictive control using Fenchel's duality

We present an iterative distributed version of Han's parallel method for convex optimization that can be used for distributed model predictive control (DMPC) of industrial processes described by dynamically coupled linear systems. The underlying decomposition technique relies on Fenchel's duality and allows subproblems to be solved using local communications only. We investigate two techniques aimed at improving the convergence rate of the iterative approach and illustrate the results using a numerical example. We conclude by discussing open issues of the proposed method and by providing an outlook on research in the field.     

网络环境下道路三维整体建模与简化方法

为实现网络环境下道路工程的三维可视化,对其中的关键技术：顾及约束的整体模型构建及模型简化方法进行了研究。基于约束Delaunay三角网构建理论,建立了外形与内部拓扑关系均为整体的道路三维模型。提出了顾及道路约束边界的半边折叠误差度量方法,采用半边折叠操作,在服务器端对道路模型进行整体简化,并建立操作层次树存储操作记录;提出了约束边优先细化,延迟简化的视相关策略,结合视相关重构准则,减少网络可视化所需传输的数据量,在客户端实现了道路三维模型的快速重构。基于上述原理方法开发了相关系统,已在高速公路的网络建设管理中成功应用。      

UM-RTCOM: An analyzable component model for real-time distributed systems

Component-based development is a key technology in the development of software for modern real-time systems. However, standard component models and tools are not suitable for this type of system, since they do not explicitly address real time, memory or cost constraints. This paper presents a new predictable component model for real-time systems (UM-RTCOM) together with a set of tools to support it. The environment allows new components to be developed which can then be assembled to build complete applications, including hardware interaction. The model includes support for real-time analysis at the component and application level. The analysis is achieved by combining component meta-information in the form of an abstract behaviour model and a method to measure worst-case execution times in the final platform. Additionally, we propose an implementation model based on RT-CORBA where the developer uses the UM-RTCOM components and a set of tools to map these elements to elements of the desired platform. In order to apply our proposals, we have used the model and tools in real applications specifically in the context of nuclear power plant simulators.     

A web services framework for distributed model management

Distributed model management aims to support the wide-spread sharing and usage of decision support models. Web services is a promising technology for supporting distributed model management activities such as model creation and delivery, model composition, model execution and model maintenance to fulfill dynamic decision-support and problem solving requests. We propose a web services based framework for model management (called MM-WS) to support various activities of the model management life cycle. The framework is based on the recently proposed Integrated Service Planning and Execution (ISP & E) approach for web services integration. We discuss encoding of domain knowledge (as individual models) and utilize the MM-WS framework to interleave synthesis of composite models with their execution. A prototypical implementation with an example is used to illustrate the utility of the framework to enable distributed model management and knowledge integration. Benefits and issues of using the framework to support model-based decision-making in organizational contexts are outlined.

Actors: A unifying model for parallel and distributed computing

Parallel computing and distributed computing have traditionally evolved as two separate research disciplines. Parallel computing has addressed problems of communication-intensive computation on tightly-coupled processors while distributed computing has been concerned with coordination, availability, timeliness, etc., of more loosely coupled computations. Current trends, such as parallel computing on networks of conventional processors and Internet computing, suggest the advantages of unifying these two disciplines. Actors provide a flexible model of computation which supports both parallel and distributed computing. One may evaluate the utility of a programming paradigm in terms of four criteria: expressiveness, portability, efficiency, and performance predictability. We discuss how the Actor model and programming methods based on it support these goals. In particular, we provide an overview of the state of the art in Actor languages and their implementation. Finally, we place this work in the context of recent developments in middleware, the Java language, and agents.