Canon Kabushiki Kaisha

Aaron William Christopher Kotcheff

Adam Michael Baumberg

Alexander Ralph Lyons

Simon Michael Rowe

Richard A Kirk

Richard Ian Taylor

In an image processing system, a subject objectis placed on top of an object supporton a calibration objecthaving 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 objecton 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 supporthaving a top surface on which the subject objectsits which does not protrude from beneath the base of the subject object, the user is provided with flexibility in the selection of lighting conditions. By imaging the subject objectwith a background screenbehind it, the user is provided with flexibility in the selection of the surface on which the calibration objectis placed for imaging.

Image processing apparatus

In a computer processing apparatus, a number of depth mapsof a subject objectare 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. Side faces for each edge of the 3D mesh are added extending away from the depth map, thereby generating a respective polyhedronfor each depth map. The 3D computer model of the subject object is generated by calculating the intersections of the polyhedra.

3D computer modelling apparatus

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.

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Aaron William Christopher Kotcheff