Creating solid models from single 2D sketches

Abstract

We describe a method of constructing a B-rep solid model from a single hidden-line removed sketch view of a 3D object. The main steps of our approach are as follows. The sketch is first tidied in 2D (to remove digitization errors). Line labelling is used to deduce the initial topology of the object and to locate hidden faces. Constraints are then produced from the line labelling and features in the drawing (such as probable symmetry) involving the unknown face coefficients and point depths. A least squares solution is found to the linear system and any grossly incompatible equations are rejected. Vertices are recalculated as the intersections of the faces to ensure we have a reconstructible solid. Any incomplete faces are then completed as far as possible from neighbouring faces, producing a solid model from the initial sketch, if successful. The current software works for polyhedral objects with trihedral vertices.