Interactive Dimensioning of Parametric Models

• Published in: Computer graphics forum Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 117 - 129
• Main Authors: Kelly, T., Wonka, P., Mueller, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2015
• Subjects: Algorithms; Analysis; Botanical; Categories and Subject Descriptors (according to ACM CCS); Chains; Computer based modeling; Computer graphics; D.2.2 [Computer Graphics]: Design Tools and Techniques-User interfaces; Design engineering; Engineering drawings; I.2.4 [Computer Graphics]: Knowledge Representation Formalisms and Methods-Representations (procedural and rule-based); Image processing systems; Interactive; Mathematical models; Staples; Studies
• ISSN: 0167-7055; 1467-8659
• DOI: 10.1111/cgf.12546

We propose a solution for the dimensioning of parametric and procedural models. Dimensioning has long been a staple of technical drawings, and we present the first solution for interactive dimensioning: a dimension line positioning system that adapts to the view direction, given behavioral properties. After proposing a set of design principles for interactive dimensioning, we describe our solution consisting of the following major components. First, we describe how an author can specify the desired interactive behavior of a dimension line. Second, we propose a novel algorithm to place dimension lines at interactive speeds. Third, we introduce multiple extensions, including chained dimension lines, controls for different parameter types (e.g. discrete choices, angles), and the use of dimension lines for interactive editing. Our results show the use of dimension lines in an interactive parametric modeling environment for architectural, botanical, and mechanical models.