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Method of searching 3-Dimensional images

  • US 6,631,364 B1
  • Filed: 12/22/1999
  • Issued: 10/07/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of searching 3-dimensional models in a database, each 3-dimensional model represented by a 2-dimensional depiction, said method comprising:

  • (a) obtaining a 3-dimensional search criteria model represented by a 2-dimensional depiction;

    (b) determining characteristic descriptors for each of the 3-dimensional models in the database and the 3-dimensional search criteria model, comprising;

    (bi) determining an orientation independent reference frame for each model;

    (bii) generating surface characteristic descriptors for each model on the basis of the orientation independent reference frame, the surface characteristic descriptors describing visible surface properties of each model;

    (biii) generating physical characteristic descriptors for each model on the basis of the orientation independent reference frame, the physical characteristic descriptors describing physical properties of each model;

    (c) determining differences between the surface and physical characteristic descriptors of the 3-dimensional search criteria model and the surface and physical characteristic descriptors of each of the 3-dimensional models in the database;

    (d) defining a variance range for the differences; and

    (e) providing the 2-dimensional depiction of the 3-dimensional models from the database for which the differences are within the variance range.

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