by Justin Doughty
My Colleague Andy Davis recently shared an excellent example of a scanned point cloud via a Recap Project. This got me thinking into the various other uses for Autodesk Recap.
More information on Autodesk Recap and it’s workflows can be found here:http://recap.autodesk.com/
I decided to investigate the features of Recap 360, and its ability to capture 3D models from just photographs. The free version allows you to submit 50 images, whereas the full version with the use of cloud credits allows you to submit up to 250 images.
Being from a AEC background, I decided to capture an entire room rather than a single object. If you have recently been on training with us, you may recognise this as the newly refurbished “Delegate Area” at the Cadline Staines Office.
I used an entry level DSLR camera to take the photos. I stood with my back against the wall and took a photo straight ahead of the opposites wall, I then tilted the camera down and took another picture. I then repeated this process working my way around the edge of the room, making sure the photo’s overlapped by around 50%. Then I simply logged in to Recap360 via Goggle Chrome browser, and created a new project. Then simply bulk uploaded the photos and let Recap 360 process the images in the cloud. It will email you when the process is complete, or you check on the percentage of the process by logging in.
In my first test I quickly took 95 photos, when creating the project I used the Ultra setting, and ticked all available options, this took around 4 hours and created the results below:
As a 1st test, I was pleasantly surprised with the results. As you can see, there is large amounts of wall data missing. However in the areas that had the most overlap, and the most unique reference points, the output is very clear. I must point out, no work was done to this file, these are purely the results from the photos, which makes this all the more impressive.
In my second test I took 118 photos, being stricter with the overlap of the photos, also a colleague suggested I use something to add reference points to the walls. We used sticky notes, which are good definition for pattern and colour.
This turned out a more complete result, filling in walls and the ceiling. I was very happy with the result, the level of detail was very high in certain areas, such as the magazine stand, and drinks machine.
In future I will be looking at some of the other workflows and products available. Finally you’ll be pleased to know that the sticky notes were re-used after the testing, and put towards a good cause!