I think I've looked at every photogrammetry, desconstruction, hand modeling etc... technique for 3D reconstruction and this one takes the cake for ingenuity, quality and capability.
Elsewhere in this thread, 'proee' links to what might be an even more interesting technique, which restrains the object in a dodecahedral "cage" (to allow for precise angular positions) and then measures the amount of liquid necessary to create a set predetermined rise in liquid level. http://www.romansystemsengineering.com/hypothesis.html.
Combining some aspects of the two, it might make sense to start with the object at the bottom of an empty container (in a cage or otherwise restrained) and add liquid at a known constant rate (as for a titration). Then generate a 2D graph of time against liquid height for a number of known angles, and solve in the same manner as this paper describes.
> Combining some aspects of the two, it might make sense to start with the object at the bottom of an empty container (in a cage or otherwise restrained) and add liquid at a known constant rate (as for a titration).
I believe this is isomorphic to the draining mechanism described in their paper.
I was thinking that accuracy would be easier if you are starting with a dry container, so that one wouldn't need to use fluorinert. You could always combine the two: measure while filling, and then while draining, then average.
I also wonder if instead of using discrete angles and multiple fills (or drainings) one could just tilt the container, possibly even slowly rotating it continuously. Add a squirt, measure the liquid level for a 360 rotation, then add another.
Edit: just saw your other comment suggesting similar things!
Elsewhere in this thread, 'proee' links to what might be an even more interesting technique, which restrains the object in a dodecahedral "cage" (to allow for precise angular positions) and then measures the amount of liquid necessary to create a set predetermined rise in liquid level. http://www.romansystemsengineering.com/hypothesis.html.
Combining some aspects of the two, it might make sense to start with the object at the bottom of an empty container (in a cage or otherwise restrained) and add liquid at a known constant rate (as for a titration). Then generate a 2D graph of time against liquid height for a number of known angles, and solve in the same manner as this paper describes.