Abstract
The accurate representation of shape which is essential to engineering design and manufacture conventionally has been achieved by two-dimensional drafting but new computer-based methods are being developed. The mathematical representation, manipulation, analysis and synthesis of shape information in a computer is termed computational geometry. A mathematical representation must take into account not only the capabilities and limitations of computer hardware and software but also those of a mathematically unsophisticated user. A distinction is drawn between the fitting of a mathematical representation to a predesigned object and the design of an object ab initio or by modification of an existing mathematical model. Conventional curve and surface fitting techniques have been found to be unsuitable. Several methods of representation which are intended to overcome these problems are discussed.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 187-195 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| Volume | 321 |
| Issue number | 1545 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 1971 |