Segmentation of a wrap-around model using an active contour

Segmentation in the past has been applied to single range maps, which are capable of modelling only the part of an object that is visible from the camera viewpoint. In the field of reverse engineering, there is a great need for the segmentation of complete wrap-around object models. In this paper, a new method is presented for segmenting a wrap-around wireframe model, which is created by interpolating and merging multiple range maps. A semi-automatic edge-based approach is used for the segmentation. Surface differential properties are estimated at each point in the model, and curvature extrema are identified as possible edge points. An energy-minimizing active contour is used interactively to link the edge points. The designer defines small closed contours within the regions to be segmented, and the contour is 'inflated' until it is trapped by the potentials at the edge points. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.