Constructive solid geometry for polyhedral objects

Abstract

Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) is a powerful way of describing solid objects for computer graphics and modeling. The surfaces of any primitive object (such as a cube, sphere or cylinder) can be approximated by polygons. Being abile to find the union, intersection or difference of these objects allows more interesting and complicated polygonal objects to be created. The algorithm presented here performs these set operations on objects constructed from convex polygons. These objects must bound a finite volume, but need not be convex. An object that results from one of these operations also contains only convex polygons, and bounds a finite volume; thus, it can be used in later combinations, allowing the generation of quite complicated objects. Our algorithm is robust and is presented in enough detail to be implemented.