A User Interface for Freeform Modeling Based on Convolution Surfaces from Sketched Silhouette Curves

Traditional 3D modeling systems are commonly intended for designing complicated and exact objects, but they are not always suitable for quick design of freeform shapes. It is because these systems are highly complex and user has to follow a long and tedious learning process before being able to create meaningful models. For these reasons, in recent years there have been many efforts in developing more intuitive interfaces for interactive and quick design. Because sketching is very natural process for most people and makes the design process faster and more intuitive, it become popular to design 3D freeform shapes just form 2D sketches, drawn by user. In this paper we present such a system for modeling 3D shapes from sketched silhouette curves. Our approach uses convolution surfaces with linear weight distribution as a geometrical representation. This convolution surface model allows modeling complex and smooth objects with arbitrary genus including objects with semi-sharp features or holes. With our system the user can easily create variety of shapes only by sketching silhouette curves on different projection planes. Additional modeling operations such as smooth merging of components, carving or texturing are also included. Also first-time users including small children manage this system very well and can create interesting models within minutes.