Authors:
Bruno Santos
1
;
Nelson Rodrigues
2
;
1
;
Pedro Costa
2
and
António Coelho
1
;
3
Affiliations:
1
Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n,4200-465 Porto, Portugal
;
2
Abyssal, S.A, Porto, Portugal
;
3
INESC TEC, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Keyword(s):
CAD, Mesh Parameterization, UV Mapping, Boundary First Flattening.
Abstract:
Computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling are similar, but they have different functionalities and applications. CAD is a fundamental tool to create object models, design parts, and create 2D schematics from 3D designed objects that can later be used in manufacturing. Meanwhile, 3D modeling is mostly used in entertainment, to create meshes for animation and games. When there is the necessity of using real-life object models in game engines, a conversion process is required to go from CAD to 3D meshes. Converting from the continuous domain of CAD to the discrete domain of 3D models represents a trade-off between processing cost and visual accuracy, in order to obtain the best user experience. This work explores different methods for the creation of meshes and the reduction of the number of polygons used to represent them. Based on these concepts, an interactive application was created to allow the users to control how the model looks in the game engine, in a simple way, while also o
ptimizing and simplifying the mapping of textures for the generated meshes. This application (CADto3D) generates accurate 3D models based on CAD surfaces while giving the user more control over the final result than other current solutions.
(More)