Title: Extracting 3D shape models and related life knowledge from paper-based sketches

Authors: Philip J. Farrugia, Jonathan C. Borg, Kenneth P. Camilleri, Franca Giannini, Xiu T. Yan

Addresses: Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 06, Malta. ' Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 06, Malta. ' Department of Microelectronics, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 06, Malta. ' Institute of Applied Mathematics and Information Technology, Genoa Department, National Council of Research, via De Marini, 6, 16149 Genova, Italy. ' Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management, James Weir Building, University of Strathclyde, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK

Abstract: The main problem addressed in this paper concerns the lack of computational tools that allow designers to automatically extract three-dimensional (3D) shape models from paper-based form sketches during early design. To address this problem, various Computer-Aided Sketching (CAS) tools have been developed. However, their digital sketching medium replaces the natural, portable and readily available paper. To address these issues, this paper reports the development of a framework, which allows designers to obtain 3D virtual models and related life-cycle knowledge directly from early form paper-based sketches. The evaluation results of the implemented prototype tool, X-SKetch, provide a degree of evidence that this framework is a step towards making 3D geometric modelling software and computer technology available not only to designers but also to other users.

Keywords: early form 3D modelling; form knowledge reuse; freehand form sketching; shape modelling; three-dimensional shapes; sketching automation; computer-aided sketching; virtual models; lifecycle knowledge; 3D geometric modelling; early form design; conceptual design; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2005.006470

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2005 Vol.23 No.2/3/4, pp.120 - 137

Published online: 13 Mar 2005 *

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