Alex P. Pentland, Irfan Essa, Martin Friedmann, Sclaroff, S., Bradley Horowitz, Stanley Sclaroff

Abstract

We describe a real-time solid modeling system tha t is based on the physical analogy of forming cla y by applying forces. The system is implemented by simulating real materials as they react to usersupplied forces. Unlike other physically-based modeling approaches, the Thingworld system allows the user to restrict forming action to simple global deformations during the initial "roughing in" phase of modeling, and then later concer n themselves with detailing . The Thingworld syste m also allows users to automatically model existin g objects by using measurements taken from the object's surface. These measurements are used to generate artificial forces that mold the compute r model much as a human would mold a clay model . Timed examples for constructing solid models ar e shown .