Rapid engineering of natural shaped objects with field data capture

• Published in: International journal of production research Vol. 43; no. 4; pp. 855 - 867
• Main Authors: Blount, G., Jones, R., Liening, A., Massen, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis Group 15.02.2005; Washington, DC Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: 3D shape capture; Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Computer science; control theory; systems; Digital cameras; Exact sciences and technology; Mass customization; Micro-photogrammetry; Optical digitization; Pattern recognition. Digital image processing. Computational geometry; Photogrammetry; Production controls; Rapid prototyping; Scanners; Studies; Three dimensional imaging; Scanner; Mass customization; Tool manufacturing; Coordinate measuring machine; Customization; Digitizing; Data processing; Three dimensional shape; Pattern recognition; 3D shape capture; Micro-photogrammetry; Rapid prototyping; Optical digitization; Photogrammetry
• ISSN: 0020-7543; 1366-588X
• DOI: 10.1080/00207540512331311877

In this work, a system is introduced to rapidly engineer natural shaped objects by means of a passive optical three-dimensional digitizer that uses little operator intervention to scan whole bodies. The scanning process is based on the principle of photogrammetry, in which objects are observed from two or more viewpoints and depth information is calculated with the help of triangulation. One of the main objectives is the flexibility of the scanner to allow its use in a variety of circumstances, for example in remote locations. This leads to the division of the actual scanning part from the data processing part, which makes the use of the scanner possible almost anywhere. The main focus is on the retrieval of accurate two-dimensional information from images taken with a standard digital camera, which can then be used in commercially available photogrammetry software for three-dimensional calculations. A system is developed in which the object is covered with a reference system that allows the recognition of individual reference marks and their correlation between pictures. The scanning of a foot for possible orthopaedic applications illustrates the use of the system. The subsequent cloud of points in the shape of the object allows further processing, such as rapid prototyping. This makes the scanner an ideal tool for modern manufacturing methodologies such as mass customization, in which customers can be supplied with a tailor-made version of a particular product, at the same costs as the mass produced version.