Hardware developments are rapidly increasing the capacity and reducing costs of Computer Image Generation (CIG) Systems to process and create real-time visual simulations. Hardware costs continue to decline with recent developments resulting in low cost CIG workstation technology. However, software development costs for visual databases have not kept pace with the hardware cost reductions.

Database development costs represent one of the most important cost factors on future overall visual system cost reductions. One of the most important tasks, and one often inadequately addressed, is acquisition of 3-D visual data for incorporation into visual environments. The problem is lack of data necessary to generate realistic simulation databases.

This paper discusses the results of SBIR Topic N86-167, Contract N61339-89-C-0071 with MANDEX, Inc., "Digital Representation of Solid Objects" during 1989 through 1991 which include new techniques and mathodologies for acquisition of 3-D data for CIG databases.

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Gregory James