Cost-effective 3D modelling

Abstract

[Abstract]: The use of Computer-Aided Drafting has led to the adoption of three dimensional modeling into routine drafting practice. These three dimensional models have enabled designers to build a “virtual object” which can be studied, analysed, modified and duplicated prior to costly manufacture. This cycle enables a reduction in risk for a design in terms of cost and schedule. The construction of a three dimensional model can be a simple process. This process basically involves four steps. The steps are: a. an important feature of the real item is selected b. physical measurement of the feature is conducted with an instrument such as a ruler or vernier caliper, c. this data is entered into the cad program, and d. step (a) through (c) is repeated until the object is completely described in the application. These four steps are quite easy to execute for simple objects. But objects with more complex shape require more features to be selected, more data to be entered and possibly more sophisticated measuring equipment. So the problem arises: Is there a method which can take a large number of data points from a complex object and can this method be accomplished in a cost effective manner? The aim of this project is to develop a method of generating a three dimensional model of a small object using cheap and readily available components. The resulting data from this model should be made suitable for use by common industry software such as MATLAB or Autocad in order to demonstrate usefulness of the design in areas such as virtual prototyping, non-contact metrology and artificial vision.