Preserving car stylists’ design intent through an ontology

Abstract

This paper presents a first step in the elaboration of a knowledge-based modelling environment supporting the conceptual design phase of an industrial product; more precisely, car styling is the considered application field. To capture and structure the semantics embedded in the first sketches representing the product, an ontology has been created and will be the interface between the modeller and the stylist to generate and manipulate the curves forming the basic framework of the product shape at the early design phase. The ontology has been conceived in two layers: the first fragment captures the contextual semantic information specific to cars. Whereas the second fragment is productindependent and is related to the manipulation of curves based on a process grammar, providing an exhaustive and intuitive classification and manipulation of curves. The links between these two subsets will be able to map the aesthetic intent through shape characteristics and operators intuitive for designers.

Aesthetic Interaction Consistency: Exploring the Foundation for Static and Dynamic Aesthetics

“…Shape grammar evaluation has a quantitative approach where analysis tends to generate a statistical similarity between products and forms. In a similar manner, Cheutet et al (2008) improved computer aided tools for modelling aesthetic shapes by studying "aesthetic key lines". Aesthetic key lines were defined as lines on a vehicle surface that were thought of as being aesthetically important.…”

Visually decomposing vehicle images: Exploring the influence of different aesthetic features on consumer perception of brand

“…The FIORES projects, part of the EU information technology collaboration portfolio, aimed to improve the working procedures and computer aided tools for modelling aesthetic shapes (Cheutet, et al, 2008) by studying 'aesthetic key lines'. These were defined as lines on a vehicle surface that were thought to be aesthetically important.…”

“…Similar definitions are also seen in literature. Cheutet et al(2008) and Tovey et al (2003) make reference to muscles as surfacing that determines character lines and their importance to overall aesthetic. Warell (2001) defines overall outline or silhouette, connecting features manifested in the surface treatment (muscles) and discrete or discerning features (graphics), further reinforcing the suitability of the visual decomposition strategy.…”

A Product Shape Design and Evaluation Model Based on Morphology Preference and Macroscopic Shape Information

“…McCormack et al [ 17 ] take Buick as an example to encode its key shape elements into a reusable method, which can be used to maintain consistency between shapes. Cheutet et al [ 18 ] proposed a geometric operation method based on shape grammar, that is, analysis and parameterization of 2D curves, so that car designers can decompose and reconstruct new shapes through the obtained geometric parameters. In similar studies, Hsiao et al [ 19 ] proposed a new method for disassembling and reconstructing 2D curves, which can help designers get a unique shape to maintain the brand characteristics of the automobile.…”