Reverse engineering B-rep models from multiple point clouds

The procedure of reconstructing conventional engineering objects from multiple-view 3D point clouds is described. Emphasis is put on producing accurate and topologically consistent B-rep models, ready to be used in computer aided design and manufacture. After describing the basic phases of reverse engineering, related algorithmic difficulties are analyzed. Three particular areas are discussed in more detail: segmenting point data into regions, creating translational and rotational surfaces with smooth, constrained profiles, and finally adding blends. The results of the algorithms are illustrated using a mechanical engineering object, which is a well-known benchmark in the RE community.