An algorithm for converting the contour of a 2D workpiece into a rectilinear polygon

Abstract This paper presents an algorithm for converting the contour of a 2D workpiece into a rectilinear polygon. The purpose of providing such a conversion is to model the global shape information of the workpiece. Using an existing algorithm, the rectilinear polygon can further be modeled by a tree structure of line segments, known as the simplified skeleton, which can concisely model the global shape information of a workpiece. That is, workpieces with similar global shape can be classified into the same group by considering the similarity among their simplified skeletons. This algorithm is helpful to enhance the modeling capability of the traditional group technology coding schemes.

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