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3D Technologies

Automation of Image-Based Modeling

Automation of Image-Based Modeling researches how new techniques in automating the processing stage of 3D modeling can provide an expanded use of the technology. The project, which started in 2000, is expected to run until 2005.

This ongoing VIT research has already resulted in a successful licensing of a 3D measurement and modeling software (ShapeCapture) to an Ottawa company and project partner, ShapeQuest Inc. Methods generated by this research have proven extremely useful in museum and heritage applications, with collaborative partners such as ITC (Istituto Trentino di Cultura) of Trento, Italy, and University of New Castle, Australia.

Problem Statements

Three-dimensional modeling from images, when carried out entirely by a human, can be time-consuming and impractical for large-scale projects. On the other hand, current fully automated methods may not be achievable or accurate enough for many applications such as heritage documentation. Three-dimensional modeling from images requires the extraction of features, such as corners, and that their appearance in multiple images. However, in practical situations those features are not always available, sometimes not even in a single image, due to occlusions or lack of texture on the surface.

The Objectives

To use both interactive and automatic techniques, each where it is best suited, to accurately and completely model complex objects.
To focus on automating the construction of unmarked surfaces such as columns, arches, and blocks from minimum available clues.
To extract the occluded or invisible corners from existing surfaces and lines.

Product resulting from this research

ShapeCapture Software tools for 3D shape modeling from images.

Research Contact

Dr. Sabry El-Hakim
Research Officer
Visual Information Technology
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-50, Room 358
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 991-6381
Fax: +1 (613) 952-0215
E-mail: Sabry El-Hakim

Business Contact

Charles Gauthier
Business Development Officer
Business Development Office, NCR
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 993-2491
Fax: +1 (613) 952-7998
E-mail: Charles Gauthier