project_inliers.rst

Projecting points using a parametric model

In this tutorial we will learn how to project points onto a parametric model (e.g., plane, sphere, etc). The parametric model is given through a set of coefficients -- in the case of a plane, through its equation: ax + by + cz + d = 0.

The code

First, create a file, let's say, project_inliers.cpp in your favorite editor, and place the following inside it:

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

The explanation

Now, let's break down the code piece by piece.

We first import the ModelCoefficients structure then the ProjectInliers filter.

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

We then create the point cloud structure, fill in the respective values, and display the content on screen.

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

We fill in the ModelCoefficients values. In this case, we use a plane model, with ax+by+cz+d=0, where a=b=d=0, and c=1, or said differently, the X-Y plane.

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

We create the ProjectInliers object and use the ModelCoefficients defined above as the model to project onto.

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

Finally we show the content of the projected cloud.

sources/project_inliers/project_inliers.cpp

Compiling and running the program

Add the following lines to your CMakeLists.txt file:

sources/project_inliers/CMakeLists.txt

After you have made the executable, you can run it. Simply do:

$ ./project_inliers

You will see something similar to:

Cloud before projection: 
    0.352222 -0.151883 -0.106395
    -0.397406 -0.473106 0.292602
    -0.731898 0.667105 0.441304
    -0.734766 0.854581 -0.0361733
    -0.4607 -0.277468 -0.916762
Cloud after projection: 
    0.352222 -0.151883 0
    -0.397406 -0.473106 0
    -0.731898 0.667105 0
    -0.734766 0.854581 0
    -0.4607 -0.277468 0

A graphical display of the projection process is shown below.

Note that the coordinate axes are represented as red (x), green (y), and blue (z). The five points are represented with red as the points before projection and green as the points after projection. Note that their z now lies on the X-Y plane.