Triangular mesh generation from 3D vision data

This paper presents the development of a hard ware and software system suitable for the three-dimensional (3-D) digitisation and computer modelling of objects intended for manufacture through mold making via CNC machining or rapid tooling systems. The hardware sub-system is comprised of a three-dimensional (3-D) machine vision sensor integrated with a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool. The software sub-system consists of modelling very large 3-D data sets (termed cloud data) using a unified, non-redundant triangular mesh. This representation is accomplished from the 3-D data points by a novel triangulation process. A case study is presented that illustrates the efficacy of the technique for rapid manufacture from an initial designer's model.