Rapid prototyping based on image information in reverse design applications

Rapid prototyping (RP) techniques have revolutionized traditional manufactu ring methods. These techniques allow the user to fabricate a part directly from a conceptual model before investing in production tooling. However, si gnificant time is required to complete the geometric modelling stage. This paper describes the development of an image-based rapid prototyping approac h which can be used to generate geometric models in reverse design applicat ions. The method, which uses standard two-dimensional photography, integrat es the Torrance-Sparrow illumination model and the photometric stereo techn ique. A neural network approach is employed to decide the illumination para meters and the solution of the model. A range of examples has shown this me thod to be feasible and efficient to support the RP applications.