Abstract: In an apparatus and method for creating a three-dimensional model of an object, images of the object taken from different, unknown positions are processed to identify the points in the images which correspond to the same point on the actual object (that is “matching” points), the matching points are used to determine the relative positions from which the images were taken, and the matching points and calculated positions are used to calculate points in a three-dimensional space representing points on the object. A number of different techniques are used to identify the matching points, and a number of solutions are calculated and tested for the relative positions, the solution which is consistent with the largest number of matching points being selected.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for creating a three-dimensional model of an object, images of the object taken from different, unknown positions are processed to identify the points in the images which correspond to the same point on the actual object (that is “matching” points), the matching points are used to determine the relative positions from which the images were taken, and the matching points and calculated positions are used to calculate points in a three-dimensional space representing points on the object. A number of different techniques are used to identify the matching points, and a number of solutions are calculated and tested for the relative positions.

Abstract: To generate texture data for a 3D computer model 150 of a real-life object 210, images 300-316 of the subject object are recorded from different viewing positions and directions. The image data is processed by an image processing apparatus 2 to register the viewing positions and directions of the images 300-316 based on the positions of features in the images. The 3D computer model 150 of the subject object is registered with the resulting registered set of images, and texture data is generated for the 3D computer model from the images.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for creating a three-dimensional model of an object, images of the object taken from different, unknown positions are processed to identify the points in the images which correspond to the same point on the actual object (that is “matching” points), the matching points are used to determine the relative positions from which the images were taken, and the matching points and calculated positions are used to calculate points in a three-dimensional space representing points on the object. A number of different techniques are used to identify the matching points, and a number of solutions are calculated and tested for the relative positions, the solution which is consistent with the largest number of matching points being selected.

Abstract: A 3D computer model of an object is generated by calculating the intersections of polyhedra. Each polyhedron defines a volume of 3D space containing at least part of the object. The 3D points of intersection of the planar faces of the polyhedra are calculated and each point is labeled with the planar faces which meet thereat. The points are connected to form a polygon mesh using the labels to determine which points should be connected together. In calculating the points, a volume containing the object is subdivided into parts, each part is tested against the polyhedra and then discarded, subdivided further, or the point of intersection of planar faces within the volume part is calculated. A volume part is discarded if it is outside at least one polyhedron. The volume part is subdivided into further parts if it is intersected by more than a predetermined number of polyhedra faces.

Abstract: In a computer processing apparatus 3002, a number of depth maps 3200-3270 of a subject object 3300 are processed to generate a 3D computer model of the subject object. The points in each depth map are connected to give a 2D mesh, and each 2D mesh is then projected into 3D space in dependence upon the depths of the points in the mesh, thereby giving a 3D mesh 3610. Side faces for each edge of the 3D mesh are added extending away from the depth map, thereby generating a respective polyhedron 3600 for each depth map. The 3D computer model of the subject object is generated by calculating the intersections of the polyhedra.

Abstract: In an image processing system, a subject object 210 is placed on top of an object support 220 on a calibration object 34 having a known pattern of features thereon. Images recorded at different positions and orientations are processed to generate a three-dimensional computer model of the subject object alone or the subject object together with the calibration object. By imaging the subject object 210 on an object support instead of placing it directly on the calibration object, the user is provided with flexibility in the selection of the pattern and color of the calibration and the selection of the imaging positions and orientations. By providing an object support 220 having a top surface on which the subject object 210 sits which does not protrude from beneath the base of the subject object 210, the user is provided with flexibility in the selection of lighting conditions.