A Non-Contact, Automated 3D Measuring and Modeling System

"The Air Force topic "Automated Surface Mapping and 3D Model Generation" calls for measuring and modeling of aircraft, aircraft parts, and stores in a non-contact and automated manner. Two components of an automated 3D measuring and modeling system wereidentified and evaluated in Phase I, which will satisfy all requirements and needs of the Topic.The photogrammetric component using non-contact targeting, and the modeling component creating NURBS surfaces will be integrated into a system capable of producing near-error-free surfaces. This system will be able to successfully measure and process darksurfaces and surfaces of different materials, colors, and textures. It will operate indoors or outdoors, in daylight or darkness, and, especially, in unstable environments. This last capability is crucial when measuring aircraft or aircraft parts inwindy conditions.The primary task is to establish procedures and protocol for the integration of the components. Other tasks include the interface between them, especially for measurement-error detection by the modeling component; automation; and optimization.Photogrammetric tasks ensuring 3D integrity of the results in all situations include algorithms enhancing 3D accuracy and reliability, especially in unfavorable measurement configurations; detecting outliers and increasing the system's robustness; andreducing or eliminating regional 3D deformations.It is anticipated the prototype system w