Autodesk Labs releases Project Photofly
Application builds 3D object from 2D photos.
By DE staff | July 23, 2010
In the tradition, or at least naming convention, of projects Dragonfly and Butterfly, Autodesk Labs has launched project Photofly, on desktop/online application that constructs a 3D model from a series of snapshots.
Users assemble photos of the subject—taken from multiple angles— using Autodesk's Photo Scene Editor, a stand alone desktop application, which then uploads them to the Photofly server for analysis. The server dissects each image, matches up similar points of reference and constructs a point cloud. The cloud then forms the basis of the 3D model, with photographic textures in place.
For those who want to help refine the process further, Photo Scene Editor also allows users to manually connect points of interest or provide more precise measurements values. Photo Scene models can be exported to various file formats including DWG or RZI, the native format for the Autodesk Image Modeler.
According to the company, the service can handle subjects as small as figurines to large panoramic views of cityscapes or mountains. The photographs can be shot with any standard digital camera, as long as you follow some shooting guidelines.
Photo Scene Editor is a free download but requires a Autodesk Labs, Manufacturing Community or Subscription Center, etc. account. Registration is free.
http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/photofly/
