Abstract: A computer process for fitting construction materials to an architectural surface modeled in CAD divides the surface into domains. Sample points are defined on each domain surface. A surface portion of a regular curved solid is matched to the sample points. The surface portion of the curved solid is defined in terms of a central reference and boundary conditions. The result is compared to stored specifications to identify construction materials capable of forming the domain. At least one construction material is identified that can form each domain.

Abstract: A computer process for fitting construction materials to an architectural surface modeled in CAD divides the surface into domains, and defines sample points on each domain surface. Low accuracy then high accuracy iterations match a domain to a surface portion of a regular curved solid. The low accuracy match limits the type and orientation of the curved solid. The high accuracy match derives a central reference for the curved solid by defining vector pairs from among the sample points and calculating multiple resultants as cross products of vector pairs that share a common origin. Reference points are located wherever the distance between any two resultants is minimum, and the central reference, e.g. an axis, is derived from the reference points using regression analysis. The match to the domain may be iteratively improved by adjusting a parameter such as a radius until a desired accuracy is achieved.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments enable automatic and digital comparison of complex 2D and 3D models to identify changes between the models, including additions, deletions and moves. The disclosed embodiments also enable a method for displaying composite image(s) with changes highlighted in one or more color or shade for easy detection and analysis of the changes.