Twin3d studio’s scanner upgrade significantly improves morph target quality

18/02/2020

Last week we installed 20 more HD DSLR cameras into our scanner. DSLR has almost zero delay time, which is the best option for creating photographs in motion. Just to be clear - for the photogrammetric method, adding even couple of such cameras can be decisive, because only 3 years ago 70 DSLR cameras in the scanner was considered a top-notch development and provided the highest detail.

Therefore, now, our 3D scanner is equipped with 140 DSLR cameras. Cameras have a special peripheral device that can synchronize images, so all cameras take photos in a split of a second one after another. These settings are based on high quality data and special viewing angles of the camera, so we move the cameras and focus them on the scanned object manually. It helps us to adapt the camera’s viewing angle to the body shape and posture. After shooting, all the photos are transferred to the computer, where the operator runs them through special photogrammetry software. Photogrammetry software creates a cloud of points by locating objects shared by many images and calculating their depth. The ful; processing time of the single 3D model using photogrammetry software varies from 25 minutes to several days, depending on the desired resolution.

The biggest advantage of the photogrammetry scanning using DSLR cameras is that the scanning process is instant, so even minimal vibrations of the subject will not confuse the data. Post-production is usually done to correct uneven geometry, add geometry to parts that haven’t been covered by enough photos, and emphasize small details such as buttons. The post-production time for DSLR photogrammetry 3D scanning is usually two hours per file and may vary depending on how many details you want to add to 3D scanning.

Ready-made polygonal models are perfect for use in AAA games, as well as film production. Twin3d Studio plans to continue improving the final morph targets.