[Software] 3D modelling
Automatic extraction of boundaries from 3D models

The solution considers “extraction of boundary edges” first and then traverses along the boundaries to get the exact boundary profile (contour) as opposed to existing algorithms based on points and ray tracing algorithms.

The complexity of the algorithm is decided by the user as it depends only on the number of triangles (polygons) in the 3D model represented in STL (polygon facets). The output of the algorithm is projection boundaries (contours) in terms of polygons.

For implementation: 3D models are created in parametric and feature based modelling packages namely SolidWorks, CATIA and ProE. The STL files are generated from the native format using available translator in these software modelling packages. The generated STL files are used as input to the developed algorithm.
 

Potential Applications

• Additive manufacturing: developing optimal orientation of parts
• Visualization and simulation purposes for collaborative design
• Virtual Reality applications
• Computer Aided Design
• Computer graphics
• Geometric modelling

 

Advantages of the technology

• Performance: exact boundaries are extracted by the proposed algorithm.
• Flexibility: the complexity of the algorithm is decided by the user.
• Extraction is independent of shape of the 3D model and shape of projection.
• Based on projection of visible facets.
• Time saving: very fast extraction

 

Status

Software registered with the APP
 

Current state of development

Software developed in Matlab
 

Laboratory

LS2N - Laboratory of Digital Sciences of Nantes

Alain Bernard
Ravi Kumar Gupta