SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELS OF OBJECTS

Creating a 3D model of an object comprising: illuminating the object a plurality of times at different respective intensities from at least three directions using at least one directional energy source (eg. LED or flash light source); capturing images of the object for each direction at each time; obtaining photometric data from the images; generating the 3D model using the photometric data. An energy intensity ratio may be determined. An ambient light photograph may be subtracted from the collected pictures. An initial three dimensional model may be created (eg. by stereoscopy) and then refined (eg. by determining the normal direction to the objects surface). Brightness values for points on the object may be determined and combined. Brightness and intensity of a range of colours may be acquired. Distance between the light source and points on the object may be compensated by weighting. Dynamic range of the frames may be reduced by a tone mapping algorithm.