Hierarchical Topological Structure for the Design of a Discrete Modeling Tool

In this paper, we present the design of a topological based geometrical modeler kernel. With this modeler, our goal is to create, import and handle geometrical objects represented both in a rasterized and a polygonal form. The aim is to provide a tool that mixes in a unified framework acquired discrete information (photos, MRI, ...) and synthetic continuous information (modeled objects). We propose the use of a multi-level hierarchical structure in which consecutive levels are linked. Each level of this structure corresponds to a particular representation of a same object. The lowest level is the raster representation and the highest level is the polygonal one. The way consecutive levels are computed, as well as the links between them are presented. Finally, we discuss the way the structure is updated using existing links in case of a modification applied on one level.