Description of Complex Objects from Multiple Range Images Using an Inflating Balloon Model

Yang Chen and Gérard Medioni We address the problem of constructing a complete surface model of an object using a set of registered range images. The construction of the surface description is carried out on the set of registered range images. Our approach is based on a dynamic balloon model represented by a triangulated mesh. The vertices in the mesh are linked to their neighboring vertices through springs to simulate the surface tension, and to keep the shell smooth. Unlike other dynamic models proposed by previous researchers, our balloon model is driven only by an applied inflation force towards the object surface from inside of the object, until the mesh elements reach the object surface. The system includes an adaptive local triangle mesh subdivision scheme that results in an evenly distributed mesh. Since our approach is not based on global minimization, it can handle complex, non-star-shaped objects without relying on a carefully selected initial state or encountering local minimum problem. It also allows us to adapt the mesh surface to changes in local surface shapes and to handle holes present in the input data through adjusting certain system parameters adaptively. We present results on simple as well as complex, non-star-shaped objects from real range images.