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IMA Project History
This project is originated from the solid modeler library which was started
as a term project when I was in University.
My major is Mechanical Engineering and Design, so math related functions
had been required to solve and simulate various engineering problems.
Those were the predecessor of IMATH library.
The initial implementation of the B-rep solid modeling library, which has
Euler operators as a major feature, was done in summer, 1995. I graduated from
University in Feb. 1996, and I could have a chance to be absorbed in
developing it for 6 months.
In that period, the data structure library especially focused on the
generalized linked list implementation was separated from the solid modeling
library. After the IMA project was suggested, it was named to IMADP,
but more and more the scope of the IMA project couldn't cover the features
supported in it, so after some months the
Coral library project was
begun.
During 4 months, Boolean set operations for B-rep solid models using
Half-edge data structures were implemented for the major feature of the
solid modeling library. With combinations of Euler operators and Boolean
set operations which can generate union, intersection and subtraction
of solids, more complex solid models could be generated. After 2 months
later, Undoing/redoing ( Inversion mechanism ) and NURBS curves/surfaces
features are added. And Boolean set operation analyzer was developed to
help to fix bugs.
I entered the graduate school in summer, 1996. At that time, it was natural
that I felt the graphical rendering library is needed to visualize solid
models. Because I especially concerned in graphical rendering from the
time when I started to learn the programming language, I already knew the
OpenGL library which is nicely work on the IRIX, Indigo machine. But at
that time, it was not popular in personal computing, and I wanted to have
my own graphics engine.
After deciding to develop the graphics engine, I should systematize
my development because it has the apparent direction and 'IMA' was an idea
I suggested at that time. And I also knew that these library collections
will be useful to develop my ultimate project, Orion.
After the first release of IMAGE library was completed,
unfortunately I'd fallen into a slump for 5 years... The project was restarted
in 2003 and I've gradually reorganized the architecture.
2005.02.14 Created
2005.02.14 Last modified
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