Rough carving of 3D models with spatial augmented reality

Abstract

Carving is a subtractive process where we get the shape by removing materials. While most people can get roughly the right intended shape, it is usually challenging not to over-cut the model. We propose a method that helps an unskilled user to carve a rough physical replica of a 3D model using the minimum number of cuts while only using manual cutting tools. The method starts by analyzing the input 3D model and generates the minimum set of cutting steps that remove most of the material. Then using a projector, we project the instructions sequentially onto a block of material to guide the user in performing them. We use the projector-camera setup to 3D scan the object after cutting and automatically detect the changes to reflect them on the digital model. We demonstrate a complete system to support this operation and show several examples of manually carved 3D models while using the system.