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Real World Examples
Somewhere everyday around the world, PhotoModeler is measuring and modeling accident scenes, industrial processes, buildings and a host of other real world objects and scenes. The following projects are just a few of the submissions we receive from PhotoModeler users that show the impressive results they have achieved. Click on the images below for more project details. The projects here will change so please visit often.
This project was undertaken by Eos Systems to demonstrate PhotoModeler's ability to compare a damaged vehicle against an undamaged vehicle all within the same session thereby producing accurate crush measurements. Two cropped photographs of a crushed 1997 Corolla were provided and no information about the camera used to take the photos was available.
Our first step was to find an exemplar undamaged vehicle at a local car dealer Photos were taken of it using our own calibrated camera. Then we used PhotoModeler to model the exemplar vehicle, paying special attention in modeling the area around the front bumper. We also modeled areas that appear undamaged in the crushed-vehicle photographs to help us link the two models together.
With an exemplar model in place, we used PhotoModeler's Point Properties feature to freeze the 3D points on the exemplar model to act as control points. Next, we imported the crushed images into the same project and set them for Inverse Camera processing. Once we marked and referenced points from the exemplar vehicle with matching points on the crush photos, we were able to perform Inverse Camera, orient the images, then continue marking on the crush images. To complete the project, we performed distance and comparison measurements to extract crush displacements. These measurements were all made within PhotoModeler eliminating the need for an external CAD program.
PhotoModeler archaeology project This rowing craft was built as one of Denmark's HMS (His Majesty's Ships) fleet in 1942. Testing by local rowing enthusiasts against modern hull designs has confirmed that this boat is still very fast and worthy of study.
This 3D model was completed entirely within PhotoModeler from 26 photos taken with an Olympus Camedia 2000 camera with 1600 x 1200 resolution. The project was provided to Eos Systems, courtesy of Jens Vedel at 3D Photo (Email: jv@3dphoto.dk) in Denmark.
| Architecture and Preservation |
PhotoModeler Pro 5 was used to create this model of the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong. The 368 metre skyscraper is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Central Hong Kong. It has a unique sectional design, providing a different perspective from each side of the building.
Producing models of tall structures such as this building presents a number of photography challenges. 1) Obstructions: Like many big cities, Hong Kong is dense and it can be difficult to take photos than capture full and unobstructed views of the building. 2) Elevated shots: it is not always possible to gain access to elevated positions for taking photos. Most photos will have to be taken from easily accessible positions at ground level.
To compensate for these limitations, extra photos were taken, with some sections of the building photographed in overlapping sections to ensure proper coverage. This resulted in 27 photographs being used, which is a large amount to work with in a PhotoModeler project. To use this high number of photos efficiently, PhotoModeler's Photo Sets were used to organize photos in groups for use in marking, referencing, and troubleshooting. The Photo Sets also assisted in assigning the best quality photo-textures for the model.
The building itself contained many identifiable features that could be marked and referenced in PhotoModeler. Its triangular sections provided many corners, while the criss-cross bars on the sides of the building provided additional features to mark. They are also important to the model because they represent important structural features, as these bars are major components of the weight bearing structural design.
A number of different PhotoModeler tools were used to complete the model - such as points, lines, surfaces, surface draw, referencing, projections, photo sets and cylinders. The final model was a detailed wireframe CAD model, that captured the full building and its features in detail. In addition, photo-textures were added for a complete 3D model.
The project was completed by SJF Marketing, using 25 photos taken with a 2.1 Mega Pixel Canon Powershot digital camera.
The PhotoModeler Video Module (PMV) is a valuable tool for scientific measurement applications. This project shows PhotoModeler's PMV ability to capture the movement and shape deformation of an object over time. A puppet was used as an example object to demonstrate this application.
3D Model The project is set up as a PMV Type 2 project, which uses one moving camera and some static points. Coded Targets were placed on the puppet and on the platform. The platform targets were used as the static (non-moving) points. Photos were then taken to capture the puppet at the six different epochs (an instance in time when images are captured and when the object is temporarily stationary). The puppet changed shape between each epoch and the 8 static points remain common and stationary across all epochs. Coded targets were used for both the static and moving points for maximum automation. Using coded targets on the moving object allows for large and random movements without having to worry about the ability to track them. While the subject matter in this example is rather fanciful (a puppet), it does demonstrate PMV's capabilities in a stop-motion scenario. We ask the reader to 'extrapolate' this capability to their particular scientific, industrial or engineering application.
PhotoModeler can be used for a number of forensic measurement and diagramming tasks. One such task is the diagramming of a crime scene where the only remaining evidence is a single photograph or video frame. Using PhotoModeler, and its various tools designed for this sort of project, important measurements can be extracted long after the scene is gone.
In this simulated crime scene project, a single image from a surveillance camera was used. The parameters of this camera are not known so we use the Inverse Camera process in PhotoModeler. Using assumptions of parallel and perpendicular lines we set up Constraints applied to the marked lines (as shown in the first image). When the project was solved, the camera parameters (such as its position, its angles, and its focal length) were solved along with the positions of the lines in 3D space. Additional detail was then added to the model using Surfaces and Surface Draw. After adding scale to the model, it was ready for measurement and for export to a diagramming package such as Crimezone for further enhancement. While this project was based on an unknown camera and a scene from the past, this method can also be used as a quick way for a forensic technician or officer to diagram a scene where they were present to take the photograph with their own camera.
| Plant & Mechanical Engineering |
Piping 3D ModelThis project was created by Sitag S.L. in Spain. The project displays the industrial modeling capabilities of PhotoModeler. The subject is an electrical station. PhotoModeler is used to model the station structure as well as electrical towers and lines.
The Cylinder tool was used to model various poles and pipes. Results were viewed and measured in PhotoModeler. The project coordinate data was studied in PhotoModeler's Point Table and then exported to CAD for further examination. The project used a total of 11 photos and 734 3D points.
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