Virtual Clay Modeling Using Adaptive Distance Fields

This paper describes an approach for the parametrization and modeling of objects represented by adaptive distance fields (ADFs). ADFs support the construction of powerful solid modeling tools. They can represent surfaces of arbitrary and even changing topology, while providing a more intuitive user interface than control-point based structures such as B-splines. Using the octree structure, an adaptively refined quadrilateral mesh is constructed that is topologically equivalent to the surface. The mesh is then projected onto the surface using multiple projection and smoothing steps. The resulting mesh serves as the “interface” for interactive modeling operations and high-quality rendering. Keywords—Virtual Reality, Modeling, Adaptive Distance Field