Reconstructing three-dimensional specific curve building models from a single perspective view image

This paper presents a systematic approach to reconstruct 3D models of complex buildings with specific curve structures from single perspective view images. The proposed method begins with the automatic extraction of straight feature lines and corner points. Three mutually orthogonal vanishing points are then calculated automatically and robustly for reconstructing three-dimensional regular (planar structure) models. For curved segments, they are extracted and processed separately. Three types of curved segments are considered in this study, including cylinder shapes, surfaces of revolution and free-form curve models. Cylinder shape structures can be defined directly by calculated length of major and minor axes. As for surfaces of revolution, the model can be reconstructed using a fitted curve contour line and determined symmetry axis. Free-form curve structures are reconstructed using measured boundary curves for the interpolation of curve surfaces. Regular and curved models are then merged based on their shared feature points. Finally, the level of detail of reconstructed models can be increased using rectified façade texture rendered from single-view images. The output imagery of a computer-simulated model and close-range photographs of real buildings are used in this study to test the performance of the developed algorithms. Quantitative evaluations of the results compared with ground-based surveying and visualized comparison with raw images indicate that the developed algorithms can successfully extract 3D information and reconstruct 3D specific curve building models.