Interactive CNC simulation using distance fields

Abstract

ABSTRACTReal-time simulation of numerical control machining is important to the virtual manufacturing process. It is used to optimise the product design and production plan on a virtual environment, thus saving on the overall manufacturing cost and time. A real-time geometric simulation is desirable because the faster is the simulation, the greater is its capabilities to detect errors. Real-time interactive simulation allows faster iterations in the design phase. However, a precise and real-time interactive simulation is a difficult problem because it requires an efficient representation for complex dynamic volumes while offering interactive real-time rendering of the scene. This research proposes a novel solution for precise and real-time interactive CNC (Computer Numerical Control) simulation using signed distance fields (SDFs) with a data structure for dynamic narrow-band level sets called VDB. The real-time interactive rendering is then solved with a ray-casting algorithm. Tests were performed and SDF was concluded to provide efficient Boolean operations and memory usage, and real-time interactive rendering of its models was possible using ray casting.