I'd like to get a thread started about smoothing algorithims for point clouds.... Regardless of the source (ex. probe, laser scanner) most clouds don't generate perfect surfaces without "post-processing", so in the true spirit of DIY, anyone got pointers on how to to this? It go along way in helping those who are considering building their own probe or scanner and don't want to buy some of the high-dollared CAD/CAM software that supports this stuff... Plus it'll probably help those who do understand what's going on, which is always a plus...

I'm in.
In what format are point clouds stored? I don't mean in X, Y, Z format guys. Is it like a comma delimited data file?

Jerry

It usually depends on what software you use to generate the points (i.e., using rhino to run a probe will I think get you a cloud straight into rhino that can be saved as a .dxf or .dwg), but anything homegrown would probably be easiest to store in a comma delimited .txt or tab delimited spreadsheet...

Coming from a "know nothing" starting position, may I suggest that setting out a few examples of the sort of smoothing that is required is the first thing. Like defining what is the difference between a real "step" in the surface and what is a badly defined curved area, or just a piece of crud sitting on the surface of the object.
Do the "dust removal" programmes have anything in common with this ?

John