Identifying features in reconstructing 3D solids from sectional views

Sectional views are widely used in engineering practice due to their clear and concise expression. However, large numbers of entities are missing in sectional views that makes it hard for computer to understand drawings. Feature identification is the key procedure for solids reconstruction from sectional views. Based on the analysis of the default drawing rules appearing in sectional views, a new algorithm is presented to identify and construct elemental objects in the procedure of volume-based 3D solids reconstruction. In this algorithm, a hint-based search strategy with priority principles is developed for identifying elemental features, even some of them do not have complete expression in 2D views. The algorithm is suitable for full sections, partial sections and offset sections, and there is no restriction on the number of sectional views included in one drawing. Experimental results validate our algorithm.