Opto-numerical methods of data acquisition for computer graphics and animation systems

The creation of virtual objects for CAD/CAM and animation systems on the base of data gathered by full-field optical measurement of 3D objects is presented. The absolute co-ordinates are obtained by combined fringe projection / photogrametry based system with big measurement volume. The procedures for automatic calibration of the measurement volumes, based on sequential localization of a reference plane with markers are explained. To get information about true 3D object, clouds of points from numerous directions are gathered. The calibration procedure for determination of the parameters necessary for merging clouds of points is presented. The new and fully automatic procedure which process the cloud of measured points into triangular mesh accepted by CAD/CAM and multimedia systems is described. The adaptive process of reducing the number of triangles on the base of second derivative of local curvature of objects' surface is explained. The usefulness of the complete process of measurement and virtual object creation is proved by closing the reverse engineering sequence through producing the copy of an exemplary object. Also the virtual objects (face, parts of human body) created are implemented into computer graphics and animation systems.