Methodologies and Techniques for Reverse Engineering–The Potential for Automation with 3-D Laser Scanners

In this chapter, we present methodologies and technologies for automating reverse engineering (RE) through digital imaging and computer vision. We begin this chapter with a definition of RE in terms of generating computer-aided design (CAD) models from existing objects and components. We use the term computer-aided reverse engineering (CARE) to describe this process. With this definition, we present a brief overview of the traditional approach to RE using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs). Then, we begin the main focus of the chapter where we explore digital imaging and computer vision as an alternative to CMMs. This exploration begins with data acquisition, where we present laser-based range scanners as a promising approach. For these scanners, we explain and highlight differences in data resolution and scanning rates and contrast those to CMM performance. Next, we present a processing pipeline for creating CAD models using these scanners. This processing includes tasks such as view registration, surface integration, patch reconstruction, model fitting, noise removal, and other functions. This chapter explains these topics to help the reader understand their importance in designing an RE imaging system and the impact that various parameters have on modeling accuracy.