Dimension-driven parameterized design of free form objects

The paper develops a theoretical basis for dimension-driven parameterized design of free form objects. In traditional parametric computer-aided design (CAD) systems, research is focused on the representation of dimension parameters and constraint satisfaction algorithms. Dimension-driven free form object parameterized design is to obtain a new free form object similar in shape to the old one but with different sets of dimension parameter instantiation. In other words, a new member of the master free form object's family will be designed. However, research on dimension-driven parameterized design of free form objects is an unattempted area. Also, there is no commercial CAD system that can deal with dimension-driven free form objects successfully. In this research, we exploit a new concept of similar shape applicable to 3D rational curves and surfaces. Dimension-driven variation of similar free form objects is then explained and illustrated with an example.