"A Data Type for Solid Modeling and Computational Geometry "

ABSTRACT:

Solid modelling and computational geometry are based on classical topology and geometry in which the basic predicates and operations, such as membership, subset inclusion, union and intersection, are not continuous and therefore not computable. But a sound computational framework for solids and geometry can only be built in a framework with computable predicates and operations. In practice, correctness of algorithms in computational geometry is usually proved using the unrealistic Real RAM machine model of computation, which allows comparison of real numbers, with the undesirable result that correct algorithms, when implemented, turn into unreliable programs. Here, we use a domain-theoretic approach to recursive analysis to develop the basis of an effective and realistic framework for solid modelling. This framework is equipped with a well-defined and realistic notion of computability which reflects the observable properties of real solids. The basic predicates and operations on solids are computable in this model which admits regular and non-regular sets and supports a design methodology for actual robust algorithms. Moreover, the model is able to capture the uncertainties of input data in actual CAD situations.
 

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