| Abstract | Three-dimensional modeling from images, when carried out entirely by a human, is time consuming and impractical for large-scale projects. On the other hand, full automation may still be unachievable for many applications. In addition, 3D modeling from images requires the extraction of features and needs them to appear in multiple images. However, in practical situations those features are not always available, sometimes not even in a single image, due to occlusions or lack of texture. Taking closely separated images or optimally designing view locations can preclude some occlusions. However, taking such images is often not practical and we are usually left with images that do not properly cover every detail. This paper argues that widely separated views and a semi-automated technique are the logical solutions to 3D construction of large and complex objects or environments. The proposed approach uses both interactive and automatic techniques, each where it is best suited, to accurately and completely model man-made structures and objects. It particularly focuses on automating the construction of unmarked surfaces such as columns, arches, steps and blocks from minimum seed points. It also extracts the occluded or invisible corners and lines from existing ones. Many examples, such as Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Florence's St. John baptistery, are completely modeled from a small number of images taken by tourists. |
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