Volume CAD - CW-complexes based approach

In this paper, we propose a novel shape and physical attribute handling system Volume-CAD designated for practical and robust use in the manufacturing process of various industries. The internal data structure ‘Kitta Cube’ is formalized by CW-complexes. Complex is a structure consisting of different dimensional items with consistency (without gap or overlaps), therefore allowing each volume comprising of a material separated by boundaries to be represented completely. Volume-CAD (VCAD) could be called ‘solid and fluid model’, as it goes beyond the solid model. As applications of VCAD, this paper discusses surface simplification of Kitta Cubes, cell labeling (threedimensional coloring), and multiple-materials situation. These models can be used not only for manufacturing but also throughout the product life cycle from shipment tracking until the end of the product life cycle. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.