Virtual clay: A real-time sculpting system with haptic toolkits

In this paper we systematically develop a novel, interactive sculpting framework founded upon subdivision solids and physics-based modeling. In contrast with popular subdivision surfaces, subdivision solids have the unique advantage offering both the boundary representation and the interior material of a solid object. We unify the geometry of subdivision solids with the principle of physics-based models and formulate dynamic subdivision solids. Dynamic subdivision solids respond to applied forces in a natural and predictive manner and give the user the illusion of manipulating semi-elastic virtual clay. We have developed a real-time sculpting system that provides the user with a wide array of intuitive sculpting toolkits. The flexibility of the subdivision solid approach allows users to easily modify the topology of sculpted objects, while the inherent physical properties are exploited to provide a natural interface for direct, force-based deformation. More importantly, our sculpting system is equipped with natural, haptic-based interaction to provide the user with a realistic sculpting experience.