Patent ID: 7643966
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of modeling a physical structure, comprising the steps of: allowing a user to select a context corresponding to the physical structure, wherein the physical structure is a construction, building, or facility structure, and at least one seed point from a set of point data corresponding to a surface of the structure, the context defining a set of possible surface component options with a set of rules for connection; once the context is selected, allowing the user to select a component option from the set of component options presented to the user; using the context and the selected component options to select local points near the at least one seed point and determine dimensions and orientation of an initial surface component that models the local points, the initial surface component being added to a working model of the physical structure; determining a set of extension points near an area of possible extension of the initial surface component using the context and rules for connection; determining a set of extension hypotheses to be tested against the set of extension points using the context, the set of rules for connection and the initial surface component to determine any additional surface components to be added to the working model; adding, using a processor, the additional surface components to the working model; adjusting, using a processor, the position and/or extent of a previous surface component such that the previous surface component is consistent with the additional surface components, forming a contiguous structure; and displaying the working model to the user.