Model retrieval based on flattened-surface shape comparing in 3D object databases

A method that flatten surface of 3D model is presented. It can flatten the surface of model into a 2D shape as well as automatically cut and partition. The method avoids global and local self-intersections and minimizes the total length of the introduced seams. Then, a 3D models retrieval methodology based on the shape comparison is proposed. By using areas of the triangles, the convexity of each model point is measured at different scales. The method is effective in capturing both local and global characteristics of surface shape. Finally, the experiment results show that our method is better than other methods.