3D model automatic exploration: Smooth and intelligent virtual camera control

Abstract

In a 3D dense point clouds model, virtual tour without assistance is a complex and difficult task discouraging users from doing so. The aim of this work is to achieve a virtual navigation support tool. It will help users to perform virtual tour to explore the 3D model. In particular, the tool will allow to guide the camera automatically. We assume that the user is attracted by rich information areas in the model. This important assumption will be modelled by entropy. Secondly, in order to achieve a realistic automatic navigation we must avoid obstacles, ensure a relevant camera orientation during its motion and regulate the visual movement in the produced image. In this paper, we propose a solution to this problem based on a hierarchical algorithm, which combines the main task to be achieved and the realistic constraints. We validate the system on different complex 3D models: lab, urban environment and a cathedral.