3D metamorphosis between different types of geometric models

We present a powerful morphing technique based on level set methods, that c an be combined with a variety of scan conversion/model processing technique s. Bringing these techniques together creates a general morphing approach t hat allows a user to morph a number of geometric model types in a single an imation. We have developed techniques for converting several types of geome tric models (polygonal meshes, CSG models and MRI scans) into distance volu mes, the volumetric representation required by our level set morphing appro ach. The combination of these two capabilities allows a user to create a mo rphing sequence regardless of the model type of the source and target objec ts, freeing him/her to use whatever model type is appropriate for a particu lar animation.