Volume CAD—CW-complexes based approach

In this paper, we propose a novel shape and physical attribute handling system Volume-CAD designated for practical and robust use in the manufacturing process of various industries. The internal data structure ‘Kitta Cube’ is formalized by CW-complexes. Complex is a structure consisting of different dimensional items with consistency (without gap or overlaps), therefore allowing each volume comprising of a material separated by boundaries to be represented completely. Volume-CAD (VCAD¹) could be called ‘solid and fluid model’, as it goes beyond the solid model. As applications of VCAD, this paper discusses surface simplification of Kitta Cubes, cell labeling (three-dimensional coloring), and multiple-materials situation. These models can be used not only for manufacturing but also throughout the product life cycle from shipment tracking until the end of the product life cycle.