t-FFD: free-form deformation by using triangular mesh

Abstract

A new method of free-form deformation, t-FFD, is proposed. An original shape of large-scale polygonal mesh or point-cloud is deformed by using a control mesh, which is constituted of a set of triangles with arbitrary topology and geometry, including the cases of disconnection or self-intersection. For modeling purposes, a designer can handle the shape directly or indirectly, and also locally or globally. This method works on a simple mapping mechanism. First, each point of the original shape is parametrized by the local coordinate system on each triangle of the control mesh. After modifying the control mesh, the point is mapped according to each modified triangle. Finally, the mapped locations are blended as a new position of the original point, then a smoothly deformed shape is achieved. Details of the t-FFD are discussed and examples are shown.