A low-cost model acquisition system for computer graphics applications

Most 3D objects in computer graphics are represented as polygonal mesh models. Though techniques like image-based rendering are gaining popularity, a vast majority of applications in computer graphics and animation use such polygonal meshes for representing and rendering 3D objects. High quality mesh models are usually generated through 3D laser scanning techniques. However, even the inexpensive laser scanners cost tens of thousands of dollars and it is difficult for researchers in computer graphics to buy such systems just for model acquisition. In this paper, we describe a simple model acquisition system built from web cams or digital cameras. This low-cost system gives researchers an opportunity to capture and experiment with reasonably good quality 3D models. Our system uses standard techniques from computer vision and computational geometry to build 3D models.