Simplified curve and surface interrogation via mathematical packages and graphics libraries and hardware

During the process of designing smoothly curved forms, it is important to have methods available for the assessment of shape quality. The advent of computer graphics has made it possible to perform curve and surface interrogation without the construction of a physical model. Methods have relied on renderings, starting with wireframe representations, and increasing in sophistication to today’s highly realistic renderings. Also, interrogation techniques have been developed to exaggerate shape, making it easier to detect a curve’s or surface’s subtler aspects or flaws. The use of interrogation techniques is not limited to curve and surface design. They can be used to enhance the display of curve and surface data from many sources. The paper presents traditional and effective new methods for curve and surface interrogation. The implementation of these methods is simplified by exploiting mathematics packages and graphics library and hardware support.