Re: photgraphs and obtain 3d images.

Message: 17
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 09:16:34 -0700
From: "Harrison Scofield" <sisyphus@...>
Subject: Re: photgraphs and obtain 3d images.


Yasu-san,

I am only a mathematician but I don't see how it would be possible to
digitize a standard two-dimensional photograph to create a
three-dimensional image. But, if someone know of such a product, I too
would be very interested in it.

[It is possible to do this, but the results are not going to be a very
accurate representation of the 3d object the photo started with. These
programs use "heightfield" algorithms to assign a height to each pixel in
the photo based on its place on a dark/light scale. Then these height points
are used to generate a mesh. One program I've used that did this is Knoll
Cybermesh: http://www.commotionpro.com/support/downloads/ ]

I have been wondering if there isn't
some (inexpensive) laser-scanner hardware/software product(s) that could be
used to scan three-dimensional images directly into a computer (preferably
in some format acceptable to eventual conversion to drive CNC machines?

Harrison

[These things exist, but they are not what I'd call inexpensive. Here's one
from Techno-Isel: http://www.techno-isel.com/CNC_Routers/3DScanner.htm .
Figure out how to do this with a cheap laser pointer, and you'll be a hero
around here...]

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com