Example of an airplane model generated with a 3D modeler based on the
3D Medial Axis concept
(download a LARGER picture by clicking HERE ).
Feb. 2000
The pictures below are of 3D solids generated by a modeler based on the notion of 3D Medial Axis (from A. Howind's Masters' thesis). The boundaries (in green ) of the generated objects are the envelope surface of maximal spheres whose centers are located on the medial axis surface. These examples illustrate that it is possible to create, and modify, the shape of solid objects in an intuitive and systematic manner by modifying the maximal disc radius function associated with the initial medial axis. Growing or shrinking of the max disc radius function results in the solid's growing or shrinking, respectively.
Example of an airplane model generated with a 3D modeler based on the
3D Medial Axis concept
(download a LARGER picture by clicking HERE ).
Illustration of the potential for the systematic usage of the medial
axis as a modeling tool based, e.g., on size modifications of the
maximal disc radius function generating, here, the boundary surface of
a newly designed solid.
Example of a "spoon"-like solid with concave and convex
bounding surfaces, generated by the 3D medial axis modeler.
Examples of self-intersecting envelope surfaces. These
self-intersections occur if the maximal disc radius is not properly
controlled during the construction of the envelope surface supposed to
bound the newly designed solid.
