Profile conversion of a picture into a 3D model reminiscent of low relief for 3D-printing

Image-based 3D reconstruction modeling technology that reconstruct a 3D models out of several 2D images from different viewpoints of a same object has been developed for decades and applied in various fields. However, creating a 3D model from one single 2D image to emulate a depth portrait of the given picture is less addressed. With an application of automating a commemorative coin from a picture in mind, this paper presents an approach that adds depth onto a 2D picture by extracting edge features edges in the picture, thus rendering a 3D model reminiscent of low relief. In doing so, the 3D low relief model is constructed after edge detection and coin-shape cropping of the highlight figure. This model is then segmented with grids in producing a format ready for 3D-printing. In contrast to the traditional approach of manual operation involving several steps, the proposed approach streamlines the whole process by automating the making of 3D model reminiscent of low relief in the format ready for subsequent 3D printing.