High Efficient Methods of Content-based 3D Model Retrieval

Content-based 3D model retrieval is of great help to facilitate the reuse of existing designs and to inspire designers during conceptual design. However, there is still a gap to apply it in industry due to the low time efficiency. This paper presents two new methods with high efficiency to build a Content-based 3D model retrieval system. First, an improvement is made on the ＂Shape Distribution （D2）＂ algorithm, and a new algorithm named ＂Quick D2＂ is proposed. Four sample 3D mechanical models are used in an experiment to compare the time cost of the two algorithms. The result indicates that the time cost of Quick D2 is much lower than that of D2, while the descriptors extracted by the two algorithms are almost the same. Second, an expandable 3D model repository index method with high performance, namely, RBK index, is presented. On the basis of RBK index, the search space is pruned effectively during the search process, leading to a speed up of the whole system. The factors that influence the values of the key parameters of RBK index are discussed and an experimental method to find the optimal values of the key parameters is given. Finally, ＂3D Searcher＂, a content-based 3D model retrieval system is developed. By using the methods proposed, the time cost for the system to respond one query online is reduced by 75% on average. The system has been implemented in a manufacturing enterprise, and practical query examples during a case of the automobile rear axle design are also shown. The research method presented shows a new research perspective and can effectively improve the content-based 3D model retrieval efficiency.

Annotation and Retrieval System of CAD Models Based on Functional Semantics

CAD model retrieval based on functional semantics is more significant than content-based 3D model retrieval during the mechanical conceptual design phase. However, relevant research is still not fully discussed. Therefore, a functional semantic-based CAD model annotation and retrieval method is proposed to support mechanical conceptual design and design reuse, inspire designer creativity through existing CAD models, shorten design cycle, and reduce costs. Firstly, the CAD model functional semantic ontology is constructed to formally represent the functional semantics of CAD models and describe the mechanical conceptual design space comprehensively and consistently. Secondly, an approach to represent CAD models as attributed adjacency graphs（AAG） is proposed. In this method, the geometry and topology data are extracted from STEP models. On the basis of AAG, the functional semantics of CAD models are annotated semi-automatically by matching CAD models that contain the partial features of which functional semantics have been annotated manually, thereby constructing CAD Model Repository that supports model retrieval based on functional semantics. Thirdly, a CAD model retrieval algorithm that supports multi-function extended retrieval is proposed to explore more potential creative design knowledge in the semantic level. Finally, a prototype system, called Functional Semantic-based CAD Model Annotation and Retrieval System（FSMARS）, is implemented. A case demonstrates that FSMARS can successfully botain multiple potential CAD models that conform to the desired function. The proposed research addresses actual needs and presents a new way to acquire CAD models in the mechanical conceptual design phase.

Metabolic pathway databases and moot repositories

Background： The number of biological Knowledge bases/databases storing metabolic pathway information and models has been growing rapidly. These resources are diverse in the type of information/data, the analytical tools, and objectives. Here we present a review of the most popular metabolic pathway databases and model repositories, focusing on their scope, content including reactions, enzymes, compounds, and genes, and applicability. The review aims to help researchers choose a suitable database or model repository according to the information and data required, by providing an insight look of each pathway resource. Results： Four pathways databases and three model repositories were selected on the basis of popularity and diversity. Our review showed that the pathway resources vary in many aspects, such as their scope, content, access to data and the tools. In addition, inconsistencies have been observed in nomenclature and representation of database entities. The three model repositories reviewed do not offer a brief description of the models＇ characteristics such as simulation conditions. Conclusions： The inconsistencies among the databases in representing their contents may hamper the maximal use of the knowledge accumulated in these databases in particular and the area of systems biology＇ at large. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the database creators and the metabolic network models developers should follow international standards for the nomenclature of reactions and metabolites. Besides, computationally generated models that could be obtained from model repositories should be utilized with manual curations as they lack some important components that are necessary for full functionality of the models.