STL File Reader (MATLAB) - ASCII Format Processing with 3D Visualization

This MATLAB-based STL file reader program efficiently processes ASCII-format STL files by extracting vertex coordinate data and mesh topology information, then displays the reconstructed 3D model graphically. The implementation employs a sequential parsing algorithm that processes coordinate information line-by-line from the STL file, converting textual data into MATLAB numerical formats using string manipulation functions like sscanf() or textscan(). The program reconstructs triangular facets by organizing vertices according to facet normal definitions and vertex indices, then utilizes MATLAB's patch() or trisurf() functions for 3D visualization with proper face-vertex connectivity. Additionally, the program includes editing capabilities such as adding new vertices through coordinate insertion algorithms and removing redundant points using unique() or point cloud filtering functions. This tool streamlines STL file manipulation workflows by providing both visualization and basic geometric editing functionalities, significantly enhancing processing efficiency for 3D modeling tasks. The code structure typically includes modular functions for file parsing, data validation, mesh reconstruction, and interactive visualization components.