Advances in the Field of Reverse Engineering

AbstractThis paper presents an overview of advances in the field of reverse engineering over the last 25 years. Initially, several basic definitions and terminology will be reviewed, followed by a discussion of how and why the foundational technology (both hardware and software) has developed. This will be examined from both a driving research and market demand perspective. The evolution of hardware, such as detectors, cameras, optics and sources will be discussed with particular emphasis on landmark developments that transformed the field. Significant advances in the methodologies and algorithms underlying software tools will also reviewed. A look at the latest developments and achievements in reverse engineering techniques shows the incorporation of knowledge based and CAD driven approaches. The paper will conclude with several state-of-the-art reverse engineering case studies from the fields of computer arts, medicine, dentistry, product development, manufacturing and virtual heritage. The authors cons...