Virtual Clay: A Real-time, Haptics-based Sculpting System

In this research we systematically develop a novel, interactive sculpting framework founded upon subdivision solids [1] and physics-based modeling. In contrast with popular subdivision surfaces, subdivision solids have the unique advantage of offering both the boundary representation and the interior material of a solid object. We unify the geometry of subdivision solids with the principle of physics-based models and formulate dynamic subdivision solids. Dynamic subdivision solids respond to applied forces in a natural and predictable manner and give the user the illusion of manipulating semi-elastic virtual clay. We have developed a realtime sculpting system that provides the user with a wide array of intuitive sculpting toolkits. The flexibility of the subdivision solid approach allows users to easily modify the topology of sculpted objects, while the inherent physical properties are exploited to provide a natural interface for direct, force-based deformation. More importantly, our sculpting system is equipped with natural, haptic-based interaction to provide the user with a realistic sculpting experience. Due to space constraints, only a brief discussion of this research is given. Interested readers can find more details in [2, 3].