ABSTRACT
Reconstruction of three dimensional models of objects from images has been a long lasting research topic in photogrammetry and computer vision. The demand for 3D models is continuously increasing in such fields as cultural heritage, computer graphics, robotics and many others. The number and types of features of a 3D model are highly dependent on the use of the models, and can be very variable in terms of accuracy and time for their creation. In last years, both computer vision and photogrammetric communities have approached the reconstruction problems by using different methods to solve the same tasks, such as camera calibration, orientation, object reconstruction and modelling. The terminology which is used for addressing the particular task in both disciplines is sometimes diverse. On the other hand, the integration of methods and algorithms coming from them can be used to improve both. The image based modelling of an object has been defined as a complete process that starts with image acquisition and ends with an interactive 3D virtual model. The photogrammetric approach to create 3D models involves the followings steps: image pre-processing, camera calibration, orientation of images network, image scanning for point detection, surface measurement and point triangulation, blunder detection and statistical filtering, mesh generation and texturing, visualization and analysis. Currently there is no single software package available that allows for each of those steps to be executed within the same environment. For high accuracy of 3D objects reconstruction operators are required as a preliminary step in the surface measurement process, to find the features that serve as suitable points when matching across multiple images. Operators are the algorithms which detect the features of interest in an image, such as corners, edges or regions. This paper reports on the first phase of research on the generation of high accuracy 3D model measurement and modelling, focusing upon the application of different operators for accurate feature point extraction. The implementation of those operators is discussed and performance of different operators is analysed. The optimal operator for high accuracy close range object reconstruction is then highlighted. This research has facilitated a development of the feature extraction and image measurement process that will be central to the development of an automatic procedure for high accuracy point cloud generation in multi image networks where robust orientation and 3D point determination will facilitate surface measurement and modelling within a single software system