Automatic extraction of form features for casting

This paper details a new method for automatic feature extraction from a Boundary Representation of the solid model. The proposed method is based principally on the evaluation of two topological invariants of concave parts of the modeled object. The result is a decomposition of the object boundary into surface components which represent shape features. Some aspects of the topology of bordered surfaces are discussed. The feature extraction method has been optimized for automatic core pattern design and advice in casting design. The main aspects of the ''domain of application'' of the method are considered, and six categories of shape features identified. The extraction rules proposed for a specific domain of application could be extended in different feature recognition contexts. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.