Video frame extraction for 3D reconstruction

This paper addresses the problem of using live and pre-recorded video sources in 3D reconstruction systems. Typical photogrammetry packages use images generated from digital photography cameras such as DSLRs. 3D reconstruction algorithms require the intrinsic information to be stored in the EXIF header of a digital photograph. Live video systems don't store this information and more importantly don't produce a concise sequence of distinct frames. This paper presents an approach to using both live and pre-recorded video sources with 3D Structure from Motion systems through the implementation of a pre-processor. This approach filters the video feed with the aid of the Laplacian operator and feature-based methods to create an optimal sequence for both on-line and off-line 3D reconstruction systems.