Hybrid interface of a two-dimensional cubic Hermite curve oversketch and a three-dimensional spatial oversketch for the conceptual body design of a car

A spatial modelling system with a new interface which is optimized for automotive design is proposed in the conceptual modelling phase. In the initial sketch stage to set the volume and the ratio of the car, the automotive styling is created using a two-dimensional plane sketch with an accurate input and a designer-friendly interface. The character lines, which have important implications in the design of the car, are drawn with a curve-based oversketch. The shape of the car is modified using area-based modification. A completed two-dimensional model consists of converting the character lines to a three-dimensional car model. In the three-dimensional spatial oversketch stage, the edge and mesh on the surface are deformed by viewing the three-dimensional shape of the vehicle with various views using a spatial input device and stereoscopic display. Edge-based deformation modifies single or multiple edges while maintaining continuity between the surfaces. A sculpting technique is applied to execute special shapes such as the accent lines and the strake lines. A sketch system which can be used by designers to perform three-dimensional spatial modelling is proposed.