Using CBIR and semantics in 3D-model retrieval

This paper proposes a generic design for 3D model retrieval. It has been developed in cooperation with EADS, which deals with Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Engineering (below CAD/CAE) data through the product life cycle. Sharing these models with users across the enterprise is a challenging task. CAD/CAE models may be hundreds of megabytes large and stored in proprietary formats. Browsing and previewing this data efficiently requires new tools. One way to leverage the collaboration in and outside of CAD domains is to offer through a repository an access to a neutral 3D data format. Also functionalities for semantic enrichment of 3D models, for the retrieval of context sensitive information and for 3D model retrieval based on 3D similarity search and CBIR techniques should be provided.