A preliminary study on qualitative and imprecise solid modelling for conceptual shape modelling

Abstract The shape design of products is the primary activity of design process. A preliminary study on qualitative and imprecise solid modelling for computer-aided conceptual shape design is presented in this paper. Firstly, the requirements of shape representation for computer-aided conceptual shape design are discussed. Secondly, in the situation where the product information is deficient, the ideas of qualitative and imprecise solid modelling are proposed to deal with qualitative and imprecise information of conceptual shapes. The aim is mainly to explore the representation and manipulation of product shapes in order to benefit designers to design shapes in the conceptual design phase. Finally, a prototype system called deficient information modelling system for conceptual shape (DIMShape) is under development to verify the relevant ideas.