Software development of visualization tool for 3D

Abstract: The visualization is an important and vital tool of describing complex data for an uninitialized user. SICK has developed an array of advanced machine vision cameras all capable of producing large data sets of information at a high rate. Although capable of fast data handling and the ability of controlling robots and other types of controls, the data used for these calculations can be showed for an easy and fast feedback to the users or in a sales situation. The visualization available today, although fairly fast, is limited to a gradient textured model with few tools. Based on OpenGL the current visualization requires a wrapper to handle correctly within .NET applications which is the preferred platform at SICK. This thesis studies the possibility and development of new visualization tool based on .NET capable of adding textures and interaction with the visualization. Since the data derived from the different cameras can occur in so many different ways a robust application ia needed. With the use of Windows presentation Foundation (WPF) framework the application is divided in three components. The first one is a library capable of reading the correct section of the file and then structuring the data. The second component is a user control; this allows the visualization to be constructed and displayed with ease within all .NET applications. The third component is a application which make use of the two other components to display and interact with the visualization. The developed visualization can display several different textures and has support for full navigation in the form of zoom, panning and rotation. The application is developed in .NET for easy integration with other applications and tools. WPF has a straightforward way of handling 3d content, however it is mostly used for small elements of 3D not for as large models as provided by the cameras. By subsampling the data set, the loading time can be reduced to an acceptable value. Although visualizing the data in a detailed and interactive way, the WPF-framework is on its knees when handling the larger files. There are several limitations in WPF which indicates the unsuitability as the main graphical engine.