Throughout my previous iterations, I have been researching the history and methods of 3-D scanning various large and small scale objects and landscapes. With the focus of this iteration being images, I decided to start my own attempts at scanning in order to improve my technique and experiment with the mechanics of 3D photogrammetry. After I fully understand this, I will begin the assembly of my scanning platform that loosely resembles a couple existing models and is tuned to operate properly based on my own experiments with different backdrops.

A compact laser-based scanner platform

3D Assembly of my shoe, with issues

For my first attempt at capturing a 3D object, I tried to map my shoe on a glossy, wood surface. I took about 15 total images from various heights and plugged them into the 1 2 3D Catch program.

To my dismay, the program was confused with the assembly of the images for a number of reasons. Lighting was a big issue with the light reflection changing off my shoe with every different image. Another issue I ran into was the reflectivity and pattern of the platform. This realization through research and experiments will change my platforms design in that I originally planned to use a plain white backdrop.

Advice given to tune up my photoshoot

My second capture went much smoother, after watching a tutorial about how to set up a proper photoshoot.

One of the photos I took of the box.

I placed my box in the line of fire and snapped away the recommended 50 photos. The background I chose proved to be very sufficient for the software to stitch together its 3D model.

3D assembly of images taken of the box

The difference in output quality made it clear to me that the design of my platform must include a properly covered surface and proper lighting, which were both not considered at the time of my first iteration. With this knowledge I will be one step closer to building a user-friendly scan platform.

How to Shoot Your Photographs. Digital image. I.materialise. I.materialise, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014. <http://i.materialise.com/blog/entry/how-to-make-a-3d-printed-object-from-a-photo-in-5-easy-steps>

Photon 3-D Scanner. Digital image. Ars Technica. Ars Technica, n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.