An Introduction to 3D Computer Vision Techniques and Algorithms

Computer vision encompasses the construction of integrated vision systems and the application of vision to problems of real-world importance. The process of creating 3D models is still rather difficult, requiring mechanical measurement of the camera positions or manual alignment of partial 3D views of a scene. However using algorithms, it is possible to take a collection of stereo-pair images of a scene and then automatically produce a photo-realistic, geometrically accurate digital 3D model.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods, theories and algorithms of 3D computer vision. Almost every theoretical issue is underpinned with practical implementation or a working algorithm using pseudo-code and complete code written in C++ and MatLab®. There is the additional clarification of an accompanying website with downloadable software, case studies and exercises. Organised in three parts, Cyganek and Siebert give a brief history of vision research, and subsequently:  

• present basic low-level image processing operations for image matching, including a separate chapter on image matching algorithms;
• explain scale-space vision, as well as space reconstruction and multiview integration;
• demonstrate a variety of practical applications for 3D surface imaging and analysis;
• provide concise appendices on topics such as the basics of projective geometry and tensor calculus for image processing, distortion and noise in images plus image warping procedures.

An Introduction to 3D Computer Vision Algorithms and Techniques is a valuable reference for practitioners and programmers working in 3D computer vision, image processing and analysis as well as computer visualisation. It would also be of interest to advanced students and researchers in the fields of engineering, computer science, clinical photography, robotics, graphics and mathematics.

Boguslaw Cyganek, AGH – University of Science and Technology, Department of Computer Science, Signal Processing Laboratory, Krakow, Poland

Boguslaw Cyganek has been teaching at the AGH – University of Science and Technology since 1993 and is now a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Electronics and Computer Science. His research interests include the development of image processing systems, robot vision and neural networks. During this time, he has gained several years of practical experience working as a Software Development Manager and a Software Engineer both in the USA and Poland. He has also written Three Dimensional Image Processing (Academic Publisher House, 2002) and 18 academic papers on image processing and algorithms.

Paul Siebert, Department of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, 3D-MATIC Research Laboratory, Scotland

Dr Jan Paul Siebert is currently Director of the 3D-MATIC Research Laboratory in the Department of Computing Science at Glasgow University. His research interests are in computer vision, image processing, and 3D imaging by stereo photogrammetry and its applications in 3D whole human body imaging. He is Scottish Chair of the BMVC and prior to his current position he was Chief Executive of the of the Turing Institute, Glasgow, which developed the ‘C3D’ imaging technology. He has written over 50 journal, technical and conference papers on 3D image processing, modelling virtual images and photogrammetry.