In reverse engineering, data acquisition methodology can generally be categorized into contacting and non-contacting types. Recently, researches on hybrid or sensor fusion of the two types have been increasing. In addition, efficient construction of a geometric model from the measurement data is required, where considerable amount of user interaction to classify and localize regions of interest is inevitable. Our research focuses on the classification of each bounded region into a pre-defined feature shape for a hybrid measuring scheme, where the overall procedures are described as follows. Firstly, the physical model is digitized by a non-contacting laser scanner which rapidly provides cloud-of-points data. Secondly, the overall digitized data are approximated to a z-map model. Each bounding curve of a region of interest (featured area) can be traced out based on our previous research. Then each confined area is systematically classified into one of the pre-defined feature types such as floor, wall, strip or volume, followed by a more accurate measuring step via a contacting probe. Assigned to each feature is a specific digitizing path topology which may reflect its own geometric character. The research can play an important role in minimizing user interaction at the stage of digitizing path planning.
