From reality to virtual reality: 3D objects imaging techniques and algorithms

General concept of 3D data processing path, which enables to introduce information about shape and texture of real 3D objects into complex virtual worlds, is presented. Minimal requirements for input data, in the most common case coming in the form of cloud of (x,y,z) co-ordinate points from 3D shape measurement systems, are specified with special emphasis on implementation of multidirectional data and texture information. The algorithms for data preprocessing like filtering, smoothing and simplification are introduced. The techniques for merging of directional data into single virtual object are also employed. The algorithm for triangulation of merged cloud of points to form virtual object accepted by multimedia environments is presented. The various techniques of texture creation and mapping are introduced. All steps are illustrated by measurement and processing of a representative 3D object for art applications.