A new framework for the definition and recognition of free form features

Abstract

Feature recognition techniques have been developed in the past that dealt with parameterizing regular features. In response to the availability of free form shape, researchers have turned to free form features. Some of the methods developed for features can be re-used in the free form domain, but many methods have to be developed anew. In this paper it is argued that there is a need for a general framework to provide a common point of reference for new methods and to increase the cohesion between such methods. An initial framework is proposed for the definition of features and for one of the possible applications of features, feature recognition. Two existing free form feature recognition methods are analysed with regard to the framework, in order to critically review the proposed framework as well as the two methods.

Keywords:

• Feature recognition
• Free form feature
• Template matching
• Feature definition

Acknowledgements

The research project DIT.6240 is supported by the Technology Foundation STW, Applied Science Division of NWO and the technology programme of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, The Netherlands.