Shape-based retrieval of 3D models in scene synthesis

This article describes SR-3DEditor, a complete system for creating, editing and displaying 3D scene that incorporates original technologies for fast 3D scene synthesis. The system allows the user to draw outlines of 3D shapes on the computer screen using the mouse cursor. At any time during this process, the user can query a 3D model database for models with similar outlines and then select the ones s/he thinks are more relevant. The system can then automatically calculate the parameters that position the selected model in the scene, so that its outline fits the shape sketched by the user. Evaluation results demonstrate that the users are satisfied by the usability and efficiency that is added by the automatic selection facility. SR-3DEditor is freely available for download and experimentation.