An image-based fast three-dimensional modelling method for virtual manufacturing

This paper focuses on a quick way to extract geometric information from an object and transfer the information into a virtual reality (VR) system. Con sidering the problems associated with the construction of VR environments, different three-dimensional modelling methods are analysed in this paper, a nd the authors report an effective methodology to construct virtual manufac turing environments. A three-dimensional surface reconstruction system, bas ed on image analysis, forms a new approach to data acquisition and promises to be a competitive technique for VR applications. This three-dimensional surface reconstruction system integrates the binocular stereo principle and the shape from shading technique. Experimental results are encouraging and the performance of the system has been evaluated by simulation procedures.