A Survey of Methods for Converting Unstructured Data to CSG Models

Abstract

The goal of this document is to survey existing methods for recovering or extracting CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) representations from unstructured data such as 3D point-clouds or polygon meshes. We review and discuss related topics such as the segmentation and fitting of the input data. We cover techniques from solid modeling for the conversion of a polyhedron to a CSG expression and for the conversion of a B-rep to a CSG expression. We look at approaches coming from program synthesis, evolutionary techniques (such as genetic programming or genetic algorithm), and deep learning. Finally, we conclude our survey with a discussion of techniques for the generation of computer programs involving higher-level constructs, representations, and operations for representing solids.