Automatic 3-D modeling of textured cultural heritage objects

A widespread use of three-dimensional (3-D) models in cultural heritage application requires low cost equipment and technically simple modeling procedures. In this context, methods for automatic 3-D modeling of textured objects will play a central role. Such methods need fully automatic techniques for 3-D views registration and for the removal of texture artifacts. This paper proposes a contribution in this direction based on image processing approaches. The proposed procedure is very robust and simple. It does not require special equipment or skill in order to make textured 3-D models. The results of this paper, originally conceived to address the costs issues of cultural heritage modeling, can be profitably exploited also in other modeling applications.