Point cloud segmentation using gradient vector flow snake

This paper presents a new method for extracting point cloud of useful main surface from 3D point cloud of an existing product or part. The 3D point cloud is sliced into 2D point cloud at different slices. For each slice, gradient vector flow (GVF) is generated. An active contour or snake is applied to capture the point cloud belonging to main surface. Points belonging to mini-structures or mini-features are repaired. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.