Contour curve reconstruction from cloud data for rapid prototyping

In this study, a method for generation of sectional contour curves directly from cloud point data is given. This method computes contour curves for rapid prototyping model generation via adaptive slicing, data points reducing and B-spline curve fitting. In this approach, first a cloud point data set is segmented along the component building direction to a number of layers. The points are projected to the mid-plane of the layer to form a 2-dimensional (2D) band of scattered points. These points are then utilized to construct a boundary curve. A number of points are picked up along the band and a B-spline curve is fitted. Then points are selected on the B-spline curve based on its discrete curvature. These are the points used as centers for generation of circles with a user-define radius to capture a piece of the scattered band. The geometric center of the points lying within these circles is treated as a control point for a B-spline curve fitting that represents a boundary contour curve. The advantage of this method is simplicity and insensitivity to common small inaccuracies. Two experimental results are included to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.