Extracting a 3D Model Using Stereo Vision and a Structured Light Source

Abstract

Depth recovery has a number of different applications in robotics, manufacturing, and entertainment. The focus for this project was the manufacturing aspect. Specifically, there are a lot of different computerized machining tools that, given the correct input, will cut the parts one needs without the user ever controlling the movement of the bit. This allows for very precise machining. Sometimes it is desirable to know where everything is inside the machine while it is operating or at least some of the key parts. One use for this is as a safety check, in case the machine malfunctions the computer will see when something inside is out of place and can automatically shut down the operation so that nothing gets damaged. Since the machines that do this type of manufacturing are quite expensive, this would be a very useful tool.