Hello Art, Meet Science
Adding that extra little something
The ways information can be captured digitally from the physical world are increasing every day. Capture technologies—from laser scanning and point survey to photogrammetry and ground-penetrating radar – are evolving faster than ever. These new technologies for ‘Reality Capturing’ are already improving workflows across industries. They are revolutionizing industries such as computer-aided design (CAD), digital prototyping, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) from ground up.
The use of digital information models influences people that design, produce, or manage physical products or projects, from jet engines to highways and even to running shoes.
There is also a Paradigm shift toward 3d scanning in the ‘Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) & Visual Effects Industry (VFX)’ happening. Creating photorealistic digital assets is key to increasing the realism of today's games and movies.
Horses for courses
Utilizing reality data in our projects begins with capturing physical objects and spaces. Each asset has it’s own characteristics so therefore one has to choose the right technology & device. For our technology stack, we use LIDAR to scan buildings, our photogrammetry rig for people and photography as well as image scanners for texture mapping.
3.1. LIDAR Scanning
decoding pointclouds
Lidar- / Laser-Technologies allow to capture information about the physical world, manipulate and analyze that information digitally, and actualize the result back into the physical world are combining to enable new ways of working.
LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded — generate precise, three-dimensional information (each having x, y and z positions relative to a chosen coordinate system) about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
Our LIDAR instrument consists of a laser, a scanner, an altimeter, an inclinometer and a specialized GPS receiver.
Although our deliveries could be used across many industries with different field of applications our company is specializing in capturing reality for integration into visual effects pipelines:
- Long Range LiDAR Data Acquisition for Virtual Sets / Environments
- Cyberscanning / Digital Doubles
- Set and Vehicle Scanning
- Props and Maquettes
3.2. Photogrammetry
more than creating images
Image Based Modeling has been around for a while, and as a clever secret for many 3D artists – this was the darling of phot-real 3D renders. Photogrammetry is a complex science that has it‘s limitations but overallcan be overwhelming when deeply investigated.
For both props and actors that need tob e created or enhanced with visual effects, cyberscanning offers a quick solution to gathering a 3D volume of their shape.
Photogrammetry is”the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the processes of recording, measuring and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant energy and other phenomena.” In this context, “art” refers to an advanced level of skill that can only be achieved through significant practical experience.
There are many data acquisition techniques out there, but if smaller areas, props or humans and even moving objects have to be captured one should definitely take photogrammetric approaches into account. Our studio-rig captures high quality full color face and body scans (up to 12k resolution) with scan times of 1/5,000 of a second.
Digital Assets
Cashing in on the Digital Asset
Sets, vehicles, rooms, interiors, props, and buildings can all be digitally created for the making of a video game, TV episode, or film. The resolution can be increased for films and decreased for games. Even with additional adjustments, each asset will be well worth having, especially if you can use it more than once.
The ability to create many types of digital assets by way of 3D scans is here and ready to be used in your project. Put them in from the start (in Previs) and get your trailers ready. It’s time to get the most out of your digital assets. If your project is going into several entertainment genres, use your digital assets to serve you time and time, again.
