[Plib-users] CAM using plib was: Wanted--bitmap

[Marlin M. <mar...@ho...>]

This is for a CAM application using foam and hotwire, so textures don't 
actually come into play. Here's what I'm doing and I think I'm on the right 
track:

I'm taking an aircraft fuselage and presenting it in a true sideview with an 
ortho projection. (ortho-projection = oxymoron?) (I'm not actually 
interested in the textures, they are just a bonus in that they are pleasing 
to the eye.)

Then, by clicking my modified-viewer's right mouse button, it starts the 
recording process:  Using Steve Bakers snippet of code, I'll take a snapshot 
image of the sideview, rotate the fuselage like it was on a barbecue spit 10 
degrees, take a snapshot, 10 more degrees, snapshot, etc. until I've got 18 
images for 180 degrees.

Now I've got 18 profiles.  I'll process them in such a way that I've got a 
silhouette, that is I'm only interested in two colors: model vs background.  
Finally, I'll need to figure out a way to compute the edge, i.e. find all 
the white pixels sitting next to black pixels and figure out the set of line 
segments that delineates the edge.  This I will call the "linear profile."

With the linear profiles, I can scale them up to real-world units and apply 
them to my neighbor's computerized foam cutter:  Situate the foam and cut 
the first linear profile.  Rotate 10 degrees and cut the second linear 
profile, rotate, cut, etc.

After the 18 profiles have been cut, you will have a real-world replica of 
the virtual fuselage.  I know there will be a few limitations, like if you 
left the tail feathers on, there would be some peaks and valleys that would 
not be cut enough--excess material.  Also any compound concavity won't be 
rendered correctly such as scoop inlets.

Marlin
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com