Features
Solid modeling
The VML supports Constructive Solid Geometry like operations. Thereby the involved geometric objects must be in closed boundary representation (triangle mesh). By using a hierarchical space decomposition combined with an intelligent elimination strategy, the modeling has a high memory and run-time efficiency.
Collision detection
The VML detects collisions between the current geometric model and any geometric object. The collision detection algorithm is also capable of taking a specified minimum separation distance into account. By using a hierarchical space decomposition, collisions are detected within milliseconds.
Surface vertification
The VML compares the surfaces of the current geometric model and the reference CAD model. Thereby for any point of view for all pixels on the screen the difference values are calculated at interactive frame rates. The difference value is the normal distance of a point on the current surface to the reference surface.
Ease of integration
The VML has a very straightforward programming interface. For example, a CAM system can use the VML for machining simulation. Thereby it utilizes the solid sweeping and modeling module for material removal simulation and the collision detection and surface verification module for CNC verification.
HIGH PRECISION SOLID MODELING OF DETAILED GEOMETRIES IN REAL-TIME
The Virtual Modeling Library (VML) is a software library, which implements new algorithms for the exact geometric modeling of solids in real-time. It supports Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) like operations and solid sweeping. The VML supports a good scalability relating the number of modeling operations. Even performing 100,000 modeling operations has only a minor impact on runtime- and memory efficiency. This makes the library best suited for industrial applications with combined needs in geometric accuracy, real-time behaviour, and scalability, like the simulation of material removal in machining processes with a high number of processing steps. Besides modeling the VML supports algorithms for interactive visualization, collision detection between any geometry and the current geometry, and surface verification of the current geometry against a reference CAD model. These algorithms fullfill the combined needs as well. In order to guarantee the real-time capability, the VML implements massive parallel algorithms, which make best use of the potential of modern hardware architectures, like Multi-Core Central Processing Units (CPUs) and Graphic Processing Units (GPUs). Beside the already mentioned features, the VML offers surface export, the definition of arbitrary sectional views, and the ease of integration.

The development of key parts of the methods implemented in the VML, was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and by the Upper Austria State Government under the Regional Competitiveness Program 2007-2013 Upper Austria.
