by N.M.F. Alves and P. J. S. Bártolo
Institute for Polymers and Composites, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
School of Technology and Management, Leiria Polytechnic Institute, Portugal.
pbartolo@estg.ipleiria.pt

Abstract: A new biologically based CAD tool, based on a hybrid modelling approach, was developed for the rapid generation of computer models from existing objects. This hybrid method uses the more appropriated algorithms and procedures from both photogrammetry and computer vision in combination with biologically based algorithms replicating the human vision process into a computer programme. This system, designed to automatically produce high-quality models, uses two-dimensional (2D) photos to create three-dimensional (3D) computer models, either to produce sophisticated photo-realistic renderings, 2D drawings, or to generate surface models for simulation purposes and rapid prototyping applications.

To achieve accurate results on the 3D computer models, all the error sources must be analysed. The calibration procedure is crucial, as errors arising from this first process will have a great impact on the 3D model. A detailed distortion analysis of digital images is performed in order to achieve a higher accuracy of results. Additionally, this novel approach with rapid prototyping is investigated through some examples.