Abstract: A system and method for the rapid creation of an optimized mesh model of a real world object, terrain or other three-dimensional surface. The mesh construction technique provides dynamic “up resolution/down resolution” mesh construction capabilities. The system inserts points into the mesh incrementally, ordering the points before each insertion so that dynamic resolution construction can be maintained. The point ordering process determines the distance each point has from the surface of a given mesh configuration such that the next point added will always be the point bringing the most significant detail to the mesh. This procedure of “optimal simplification” optimizes the mesh by guaranteeing the fewest number of points for the most detail at any given resolution.

Abstract: A system and method for modeling 3D objects and 2D images by wireframe mesh constructions having data points that combine both spatial data and surface information such as color or texture data. The use of the complex data points (e.g., X, Y, Z, R, G, B in 3D and x, y, R, G, B in 2D) allows the modeling system to incorporate both the spatial features of the object or image as well as its color or other surface features into the wireframe mesh. The present invention's 3D object models (such as those created by laser scanning systems) do not require a separate texture map file for generating display or other object manipulations. In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh constructions of the present invention contain sufficient color information such that the triangles of the meshes can be rendered by any processor supporting linear or bilinear interpolation such as Gouraud shading (available in many 3D and 2½D systems).

Abstract: System and method for rapid collection of data points and construction of a computer model based on a multi-resolution mesh to describe the surface contours and color of an object. The system collects data by projecting shapes of light against the object and collecting (from a position of triangulation relative to the light projector) images of the light as it reflects from the object. The system and method of the present invention are comprised of a multiple laser stripe generation process to project a number of light shapes against the object, the collection of one or more reflected laser stripes in a single image of an images collector to gather sufficient information to reproduce points on the surface of the object. The system compresses the data associated with collected points, which allows for accurate values for the contours of the object to subpixel accuracy.

Abstract: A system for high accuracy calibration of a scanning system, which provides an object for calibration of a known geometry, such as a plane or a sphere. Upon that object is marked a pattern of points or geometric shapes, such as a set of equilateral triangles or their vertices. A set of computer programmed elements process photographic images of the object (containing a depiction of the pattern of geometric objects) and scanned images of the object to calibrate to high precision parameters, including a focal point relationship value for scanning systems which use a camera as an image collector (which describes the relationships between the focal point of the lens and the light/image collection device of the camera), a set of values to correct for distortion of the lens, the relative distance between the image collector and the scanner light source and also an initial angle to determine light position scanning.

Abstract: A system and method for the rapid creation of a mesh model depicting a real world object, terrain or other three-dimensional surface. The system inserts points into the mesh incrementally, building the mesh point by point. Before incremental building, the system orders the points so that each next point is a near neighbor to the previously inserted point. This ordering procedure optimizes mesh construction by guaranteeing a minimal time for locating the area on the mesh into which the next point will be inserted. The present invention also provides a system and method to ensure an optimal quality of mesh at any level of insertion or deletion, following systematized checking function to maintain quality such as that required in Delaunay triangulation. The system and method can also incorporate a history file to store data concerning the results of the checking to substantially reduce processing time in mesh regeneration applications.

Abstract: A system and method for the rapid creation of an optimized mesh model of a real world object, terrain or other three-dimensional surface. The mesh construction technique provides dynamic "up resolution/down resolution" mesh construction capabilities. The system inserts points into the mesh incrementally, ordering the points before each insertion so that dynamic resolution construction can be maintained. The point ordering process determines the distance each point has from the surface of a given mesh configuration such that the next point added will always be the point bringing the most significant detail to the mesh. This procedure of "optimal simplification" optimizes the mesh by guaranteeing the fewest number of points for the most detail at any given resolution.

Abstract: A portable 3D scanning system collects 2D-profile data of objects using a combination of a laser-stripe positioning device and a video camera which detects the images of the laser stripe reflected from the object. The scanning system includes a laser-stripe generator, a video camera, a scanning mirror attached to a continuously rotating motor, an encoder or a photodiode operationally coupled to the motor, and associated electronics. As the rotating, scanning mirror reflects the laser stripe and variably positions the laser stripe across the object, the encoder or the photodiode generates signals indicating the angular position of the mirror. The video images of the reflected laser stripes are stored on a storage medium, while data relating to the angular positions of the laser stripes recorded in the video images are simultaneously stored on a storage medium.