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Student Project Proposal
Surface Rationalization Using Ruled Patches
Bailin Deng – <bailin.deng@epfl.ch> – BC 350
Computer Graphics and Geometry Laboratory
Description
To realize complex shapes in freeform architecture, the freeform design usually need to be rationalized, where the surface is approximated by a union of patches which can be easily manufactured at
reasonable cost. Ruled surface patches ( patches formed by continuous families of straight line segments ) are viable candidates for such rationalization process, because they can be manufactured in
a cost-effective way, e.g. by heated wire cutting. [1] shows how to use ruled surface patches to rationalize surface regions with negative Gaussian curvature. The goal of this project is to rationalize
any freeform surface using ruled surface patches. To handle regions with non-negative Gaussian
curvature, we may use developable surface patches, which is a special type of ruled surfaces. The
project will involve optimization of the patch layout which takes into account the approximation
error, the smoothness of patch joints, and the appearance of boundary curves between patches, etc.
Prerequisites
Students should have experience in C++ programming and an interest in 3D geometry. Previous
knowledge in geometric optimization is helpful, but not required.
Remarks
For further information please contact Bailin Deng, bailin.deng@epfl.ch
¨ and Helmut Pottmann. Ruled Surfaces for Rationalization and Design in Archi[1] Simon Flory
tecture. In Proc. ACADIA 2010.