Fuzzy solid models: Foundations, representations and framework

In the initial stages of a design process, information is intrinsically imprecise due to the vagueness of designers' ideas and their lack of initial information. The geometric modeling capabilities provided by current CAD systems are unable to manipulate an initial rough model or objects the geometry of which is incomplete. Our approach aims to close the gap between the inexact and vague ideas that designers have in early stages and the exact geometric representation that the conventional modeling methods provide. This can be achieved using the Fuzzy Sets Theory to link linguistic terms that portray geometric forms with the parameters that control the model's geometry. This paper proposes a new, alternative paradigm for geometric shapes modeling in CAD systems based on fuzzy solid models, allowing designers to specify and retain fuzzy characteristics in shape while performing a number of essential tasks during the conceptual design stage.