vDEC is a software library that applies discrete exterior calculus and geometry processing techniques. It provides efficient and effective tools that enable users to manipulate geometric data, such as meshes and shapes, for a range of computational purposes.
vDEC is a powerful software library that focuses on discrete exterior calculus and geometry processing. Initially designed to explore discrete exterior calculus topics for geometry processing and simulation, this library has evolved into a complete mesh processing and rendering code. However, it's worth noting that certain parts of the code may not function correctly, although these issues are few and far between.
vDEC is not primarily designed as a rendering engine; it's tailored toward simulation and geometry processing. Written in standard C++, and rarely templated, it's highly portable, and should compile on most platforms without issue (tested on Windows and Linux). However, the test code is currently written exclusively for Win32 and will need to be ported to a more portable GUI framework.
One of the most compelling reasons to explore vDEC is the implemented algorithms, most of which come from the Applied Geometry Lab. Some of the most noteworthy algorithms include Discrete Exterior Calculus matrix operators for 2D and 3D meshes, Intrinsic Parameterization of Surface Meshes that support free and fixed-to-circle boundaries, and Variational Shape Approximation capable of producing a triangulated mesh. Still, some edges are non-Delaunay, and full polygonalization is a more involved process.
Additionally, vDEC includes a unique Multi-chart texture atlas generation that uses implicit parameterization and VSA. Although this approach isn't guaranteed to produce non-overlapping or flipped triangles, if you specify enough charts, the output will almost never be problematic. This approach is a great way to create a "poor man's" implementation of DirectX's UVAtlas.
In terms of requirements, vDEC needs LAPACK to function correctly. In the newest release, the 2D FDTD demo was completed using a discrete metric. The UI platform has been moved to FLTK, the Windows version now uses DLL dependencies, and unused code has been trimmed from the build.
Overall, vDEC is a powerful software library that's ideal for anyone looking to explore discrete exterior calculus and geometry processing. With its portability and versatile algorithms, it's an excellent addition to any software development toolkit.
vDEC is not primarily designed as a rendering engine; it's tailored toward simulation and geometry processing. Written in standard C++, and rarely templated, it's highly portable, and should compile on most platforms without issue (tested on Windows and Linux). However, the test code is currently written exclusively for Win32 and will need to be ported to a more portable GUI framework.
One of the most compelling reasons to explore vDEC is the implemented algorithms, most of which come from the Applied Geometry Lab. Some of the most noteworthy algorithms include Discrete Exterior Calculus matrix operators for 2D and 3D meshes, Intrinsic Parameterization of Surface Meshes that support free and fixed-to-circle boundaries, and Variational Shape Approximation capable of producing a triangulated mesh. Still, some edges are non-Delaunay, and full polygonalization is a more involved process.
Additionally, vDEC includes a unique Multi-chart texture atlas generation that uses implicit parameterization and VSA. Although this approach isn't guaranteed to produce non-overlapping or flipped triangles, if you specify enough charts, the output will almost never be problematic. This approach is a great way to create a "poor man's" implementation of DirectX's UVAtlas.
In terms of requirements, vDEC needs LAPACK to function correctly. In the newest release, the 2D FDTD demo was completed using a discrete metric. The UI platform has been moved to FLTK, the Windows version now uses DLL dependencies, and unused code has been trimmed from the build.
Overall, vDEC is a powerful software library that's ideal for anyone looking to explore discrete exterior calculus and geometry processing. With its portability and versatile algorithms, it's an excellent addition to any software development toolkit.
What's New
Version 20080131: N/A