Human/Subsystems Research: "Raster to 3D Solid Conversion (R23D)"

Over 90% of all drawings in the U.S. are not computer processable, existing only on paper or microfilm. Without technology to convert raster drawings to 3D product data models, this situation is likely to persist for some time as over 50% of all new drawings are still being produced on paper. This backlog of manual drawings is a serious problem to logistic support as most engineering projects involve incremental changes to, or reuse of, components in existing designs. We propose a semi-automated process for converting to 3D product-data. Because many technology components for performing this activity already exist, the proposed system leverages COTS geometric modeling, product data management, optical character recognition, and raster to vector software. The strategy applies a "create once-use many time" philosophy that uses the product data manager to focus on the earliest referenced revision of single components to solid models. The strategy leverages the geometric modeler for assembling solid model components and automatically generating engineering drawings as well as eases the editing of solid models for creating part revisions. Because complete conversion of all drawings is not required in this approach, the conversion will be faster, cheaper, and less prone to error.