Topological Interrogation and Editing (TIE)

For shape modeling, the boundaries of geometric models are critical to well-defined topology. However, geometric models typically have boundaries that are only approximated, with recent contemporary algorithms providing global upper bounds upon these approximation errors. These global bounds are crucial for initial shape description. As final shape modeling continues through an iterative modeling process, it is usually desirable to further refine these boundary approximations – often when the original geometry creation software is no longer accessible. We present a software tool to locally improve topology along boundary curves. This approach is innovative by • its integration of simultaneous shape interrogation and editing, and • its independence from the original shape modeling systems (specifically commercial computer aided geometric design (CAGD) systems). These features will facilitate iterative design and improve communication between designers and analysts.