Procedural modelling in Houdini based on Function Representation

Abstract
In modern computer graphics, objects are mostly represented by boundary representation
models like polygonal meshes. Such models only store <strong>in</strong>formation about an object’s boundary
and are relatively easy to render and often highly scalable. While this is sufficient for
a variety of applications like many types of computer animation and games, other uses require
<strong>in</strong>formation about volume rather than just surface. Function representation (FRep)
allows def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g objects as a set of geometric primitives with certa<strong>in</strong> operations and relations.
S<strong>in</strong>ce objects are def<strong>in</strong>ed as mathematic functions as opposed to a list of po<strong>in</strong>ts, models are
resolution <strong>in</strong>dependent and can be polygonised at any desired level of detail.
Build<strong>in</strong>g upon the current library developed at the NCCA and its Maya plug<strong>in</strong>, FRep <strong>modell<strong>in</strong>g</strong>
functionality has been <strong>in</strong>tegrated <strong>in</strong>to Houd<strong>in</strong>i and its node-<strong>based</strong> environment. The
library is developed <strong>in</strong> C++ us<strong>in</strong>g the Houd<strong>in</strong>i Development Kit (HDK) and comes as a set
of custom nodes.
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