Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
We may say that the modeling bottleneck is overcome, or at least, we are moving fast in this di-
rection. Large collections of 3D models can be readily built up for different applications and not
only for fancy-looking graphics used in entertainment. Indeed, this technological revolution has
caused a gradual paradigm shift in various applied and scientific fields: from physical prototypes
and production to virtual prototypes and simulation. is shift has had an enormous impact in
domains where 3D media are essential knowledge carriers and represent a huge economic fac-
tor. Such domains include design and manufacturing, gaming and simulation, cultural heritage
and archaeology, medicine and bioinformatics, geographic information systems and environment.
Here we list a set of them, where the workflow for 3D content creation is becoming completely
digital and 3D shape analysis methods are required, possibly in conjunction with other technolo-
gies, to solve real-world problems. is list, though not exhaustive, should give the reader the
feeling of how diverse the applications in the scope of 3D shape analysis are.
Examples of application areas
•
Product modeling:
it is the application sector that mostly contributed to the development
of techniques for modeling and processing digital 3D models. It can be informally defined
as the whole workflow that stretches from an idea about a new product (e.g., an appliance
or a car), to the concept development and shape design, and then to a series of engineering-
related steps such as testing, manufacturing or machining the physical object. Recently,
many software tools incorporated shape analysis techniques for supporting the modeling
pipeline. For example, they started including shape-based retrieval techniques to reduce the
human effort (and the associated costs) to look for similar parts in catalogs, independently
of the Product Life Management system.
•
Archaeology and cultural heritage:
while the potential of 3D digital content in cultural
heritage is clear by now, the practical exploitation has been starting quite recently. In fact,
the academy first and museums after have started to adopt digital information both for the
e-documentation of the past in 3D and for an effective organization and presentation of
archaeological/cultural heritage content to virtual visitors. 3D shape analysis is very impor-
tant as it allows the implementation of several applications such as virtual reconstruction of
heritage sites; fast fragment assembly; archiving and retrieval; web-based cultural heritage;
virtual study and restoration of ancient artifacts, which can be shared by different experts
and shown to the public, while preserving the real object from further damages.
•
Medicine:
the recent progress in the acquisition of medical images allows one to generate
3D data that is more and more accurate and reliable. Many clinical applications such as ra-
diotherapy planning, image-guided surgery and application of implants heavily rely on the
analysis and processing of 3D content. In this context, the current trend is that of substitut-
ing generic anatomical atlases with digital patient-specific data which are crucial for simu-
lating and monitoring surgery and therapy according to all possible anatomical variations.
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