Semantic Evaluation and Deformation of Curves Based on Aesthetic Criteria

To better simulate the way designers work, specific tools are needed to handle directly specific shape features meaningful for the design intent, without focusing on the underlying mathematic representation. For this purpose it is fundamental to identify proper higher-level shape descriptors as well as the corresponding manipulation techniques. The paper presents the definition and implementation of semantic operators for curve deformation based on a shape characterization that is specific to the industrial design context. The work grounds on the innovative approach suggested by the FIORES-II project for the intent-driven modeling tools for direct shape modification and on the multi-layered architecture proposed by the Network of Excellence AIM@SHAPE for the definition of semantic-oriented 3D models. In particular the paper proposes the use of meaningful aesthetic features for the evaluation of planar curve signature and for their intent-driven direct modification.