Automatic 3D Modelling for Heel Based on the Images of 2D Sketches

Abstract

Shoe development and manufacturing are enhanced by creating 3D models of shoe parts. As an independent and important part of shoe, the 3D model of heel is often generated manually based on 2D design sketches. To improve the modelling efficiency, this paper proposes a sketch-image-based automatic 3D modelling method for heel. The images of 2D design sketches are analyzed to determine coordinate information, which is converted into geometric coordinate values usable to create a 3D model of heel. The modelling method uses 3D geometric rules derived from the analysis of strategies adopted by skilled manual operators. It leads to a new process that links the traditional approach with advanced technologies. A case study shows that this method can build the heel model automatically.