Abstract: Embodiments automatically generate an accurate network of watertight NURBS patches from polygonal models of objects while automatically detecting and preserving character lines thereon. These embodiments generate from an initial triangulation of the surface, a hierarchy of progressively coarser triangulations of the surface by performing a sequence of edge contractions using a greedy algorithm that selects edge contractions by their numerical properties. Operations are also performed to connect the triangulations in the hierarchy using homeomorphisms that preserve the topology of the initial triangulation in the coarsest triangulation. A desired quadrangulation of the surface can then be generated by homeomorphically mapping edges of a coarsest triangulation in the hierarchy back to the initial triangulation. This quadrangulation is topologically consistent with the initial triangulation and is defined by a plurality of quadrangular patches.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products can generate light weight but highly realistic and accurate colored models of three-dimensional colored objects. The colored model may be generated from a second plurality of points that define a coarse digital representation of the surface and at least one texture map containing information derived from a first plurality of colored points that define a fine digital representation of the surface. This derivation is achieved by mapping points within the texture map to the fine digital representation of the three-dimensional surface. Colored scan data may be used to construct the fine digital representation as a triangulated surface (i.e., triangulation) using a wrapping operation.

Abstract: A method of automatic conversion of a physical object into a three-dimensional digital model. The method acquires a set of measured data points on the surface of a physical model. From the measured data points, the method reconstructs a digital model of the physical object using a Delaunay complex of the points, a flow strcuture of the simplicies in the Delaunay complex and retracting the Delaunay complex into a digital model of the physical object using the flow structure. The method then outputs the digital model of the physical object.

Abstract: A method of geometric morphing between a first object having a first shape and a second object having a second shape. The method includes the steps of generating a first Delaunay complex corresponding to the first shape and a second Delaunay complex corresponding to the second shape and generating a plurality of intermediary Delaunay complexes defined by a continuous family of mixed shapes corresponding to a mixing of the first shape and the second shape. The method further includes the steps of constructing a first skin corresponding to the first Delaunay complex and a second skin corresponding to the second Delaunay complex and constructing a plurality of intermediary skins corresponding to the plurality of intermediary Delaunay complexes. The first skin, second skin and plurality of intermediary skins may be visually displayed on an output device.