Object Recreation from Facet Representation to IGES and Primitive Representations

Computer-aided design (CAD) modelers and signature simulation experts often must use multiple formats and types of geometric models representing the same object in order to support different applications. In the signature analysis domain, radar simulation generally requires faceted models, whereas accurate optical signature simulation requires smooth primitive-based models. Often the two models must be manually regenerated using different formats and tools, introducing possible manual errors or inconsistent results, because there is no way to convert automatically from faceted to primitive-based models. Stellar Science proposes to develop novel algorithms and software to autonomously convert from faceted models to primitive-based shape representations. For Phase I, we propose a method based on generating a multi-facet co-surface constraint matrix to test whether any collection of three or more facets can lie on the same quadratic surface. This quickly computed linear constraint enables the use of a straightforward hypothesize-and-test approach for grouping candidate facets into quadratic surfaces. Further processing groups planar surfaces into end-caps and boxes, computes the finite bounds and truncation planes of surfaces such as cylinders and cones, and generates IGES files containing the computed geometric primitives. Subcontractor SAIC will perform validation, ensure compliance with MDA models, and enable future BEST software integration.