Folding by Skinning

Abstract

We propose a novel method, entitled “Folding by Skinning”, which creatively integrates skinning techniques with folding simulations. This method allows users to specify a two-dimensional crease pattern along with the desired folding angles for each crease. Based on this input, the system computes the final three-dimensional shape of the fold. Rather than employing costly physics-based simulations, we explore the skinning method, noted for its effectiveness in handling the geometry of the folded shape. We recommend extracting the skinning weights directly from the user-defined crease patterns. By combining the obtained skinning weights with the user-input folding angles, the initial shape undergoes dual quaternion skinning to produce the folding result. Users can further optimize the shape using post-processing and targeted filtering of weights to generate more realistic results. Our experimental results demonstrate that “Folding by Skinning” yields high-quality outcomes and offers relatively fast computation, making it an effective tool for computer-aided design, animation, and fabrication applications.