The increasing role of semantics in object modeling

Object modeling for applications like CAD/CAM, simulation and computer games, has traditionally been limited to the shape of objects. Currently, a trend can be observed to add several types of semantics to object models. This observation is discussed in some detail for three modeling approaches worked on in our research group: feature modeling, including recent advances for freeform features, modeling families of objects, and modeling virtual worlds. The use of semantics in some other modeling approaches is briefly discussed. Adding semantics can ease specification and modification of an object model, help to guarantee its validity, and be useful for applications which use the model, such as process planning for manufacturing or gameplay. Much work remains to be done to determine the types of semantics most useful in practice.

@Article { BBVT10a,
  author       = "Bronsvoort, Willem F. and Bidarra, Rafael and Meiden, Hilderick A. van der and Tutenel, Tim",
  title        = "The increasing role of semantics in object modeling",
  journal      = "Computer-Aided Design and Applications",
  number       = "3",
  volume       = "7",
  pages        = "431--440",
  year         = "2010",
  note         = "doi: 10.3722/cadaps.2010.431-440
",
  url          = "http://graphics.tudelft.nl/Publications-new/2010/BBVT10a"
}