INVITED
TALK:
Historically, R-sets have provided the
semantic underpinnings of solid modeling. However, solid models in boundary
representation do not describe R-sets precisely. Approaches to make Brep
descriptions of solids to have a precise meaning will have to account both
for theoretical rigor as well as for practical utility. We re-examine these
issues, beginning with the question of evaluation, and revisit recent semantic
proposals.
Hoffmann's
research focuses on geometric and solid modeling and its applications in science
and engineering. He investigates geometric constraint systems, both planar
and spatial, and the application requirements on them in computer-aided design.
Hoffmann has a long-standing interest in robust semantics of geometric computations.
He also explores applications of geometric computation in simulation and
visualization. Recently, he has led
the effort to simulate and visualize the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon using
finite element crash analysis.
Hoffmann is interim co-director of Purdue's Computing Research Institute,
dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary research involving computational
investigation. He is also co-director of the recently formed Center for Product
Lifecycle Management at Purdue.