Idealization of scanning-derived triangle mesh models of prismatic engineering parts

Abstract

This paper presents a method to idealize scanning-derived triangle mesh models of prismatic engineering parts based on computer-aided design (CAD) modeling workflow. The objective is to mimic the designer’s approach to remodeling existing physical objects in the CAD software modeling environment in order to quickly and robustly idealize or perfect noisy mesh models derived from 3D scanning. The method consists of segmentation, feature identification, and a two-part idealization algorithm. The end result is an idealized parametric mesh model, which contains identical parametric feature information to that of the corresponding model in the current parameter-based CAD software. With the presented method, the scanning-derived mesh model of a prismatic engineering part can be quickly idealized, analyzed and then interactively modified, facilitating a streamlined scan-based product design platform. Extensive case studies have been performed, which involve a variety of synthesized and actual scanning-derived mesh models. The outcomes of these case studies clearly illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.