A scriptable, generative modelling system for dynamic 3D meshes

Abstract: We describe a flexible, script-based system for the procedural generation and animation of 3D geometry. Dynamic triangular meshes are generated through the real-time execution of scripts written in the Lua programming language. Tight integration between the programming environment, runtime engine and graphics visualisation enables a workflow between coding and visual results that encourages experimentation and rapid prototyping. The system has been used successfully to generate a variety of complex, dynamic organic forms including complex branching structures, scalable symmetric manifolds and abstract organic forms. We use examples in each of these areas to detail the main features of the system, which include a set of flexible 3D mesh operations integrated with a Lua-based L-system interpreter that creates geometry using generalised cylinders.