Using open source libraries for obtaining 3D scans of building interiors

Abstract

This paper describes methods for making 3D scans of building interiors. The main application of these methods is the development of first-person view (FPV) perspective games or creating virtual museums. 3D scans can be made with the use of different equipment such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), time of flight (TOF) cameras and structural light 3D scanners. However, the paper focuses on using stereo cameras for obtaining 3D scans, because of its low cost. It is a significant factor for small and medium size game development studios. The paper considers both the method based on photogrammetry and stereophotogrammetry. In photogrammetry the Structure from Motion technology is used for making 3D scan on the basis of images of an object taken from different locations. Photogrammetry uses stereo vision algorithms for acquiring depth maps and point clouds representing distances between a stereo camera and objects. The paper analyses implementations of these technologies available in programing libraries OpenCV, openMVG and openMVS. The paper shows that the algorithm for Structure from Motion provided in openMVG can be successfully applied for obtaining point clouds from pair of images despite this algorithm is intended for use with a greater number of input images.