Creating computer-based 3D models is getting even faster thanks to a new wave of software.
The word "new" is relative in this case because, as it turns out, this sort of technology has actually been around for some time.
First off, here is a look at 'Video Trace', a piece of software developed by the good folks at the Australian Centre for Visual Technologies (The University of Adelaide).
Rather than write a small essay, have a look at this pretty self explanatory video from the Video Trace team:
I'm sure you can see the great potential here for modeling existing structures. For example, this sort of technology could be used in a maintenance sense. An occasion I know involved a maintenance company modeling a factory boiler so that they could plan their maintenance schedule as efficiently as possible and thus minimize downtime for the factory. With this sort of technology that modeling phase might involve quickly running a video camera over and through the boiler and the rest being done remotely, as opposed to hours of measuring and manual modeling.
The potential for video effects and structural surveying is also very apparent from the video.
You can read more about Video Trace on the ACVT page. This has links to a paper on the project, a Google Tech Talk, and much more.
In the same vein we have ProFORMA (Probabilistic Feature-based On-line Rapid Model Acquisition, in case you have a penchant for full names), developed by the Department of Engineering at The University of Cambridge.
The difference, as far as I can tell, between Video Trace and Pro FORMA is, in layman's terms, automation.
Whilst Video Trace uses a data collection phase (someone going out and taking video), and a modeling phase (drawing on the video to contribute to creating the model), Pro FORMA carries this process out live, or "on-line".
This is done through recognition of certain points on the object and tracking them as the model is moved to create a point cloud (basically a cloud of dots that each represent a certain point on the object). A process called Delaunay Tetrahedralisation (I don't know what this means, email me if you do otherwise smile and nod) is then carried out, followed by probabilistic tetrahedron carving (once again, smile and nod) and finally texture mapping the photographic "skin" onto the resulting model.
So we have two, somewhat similar, methods for obtaining geometric information about the real world very quickly and very efficiently. There is a long way to go before manual modeling of the existing world becomes redundant but these first tentative steps are very exciting to witness
I for one will be keeping a close eye on how these projects progress and will be updating this blog with any new developments.
Drop me a line at ash@coastalconcepts.org if you want to discuss this, or any other relevant matters further.
Whaling protest boat the Ady Gil has been rammed and severely damaged.
In the last couple of days, an iconic New Zealand boat, the Ady Gil has been rammed and severely damaged in the Southern Ocean. This was the result of a collision with Japanese whaling boat Shonan Maru No. 2. Initial reports stated that the boat had consequently sunk but spokesman Jeff Hansen stated that the vessel had not sunk “but it’s in two pieces and we’re trying to salvage what we can.”
The Ady Gil was formerly known as "Earthrace" and was skippered by Pete Bethune. I personally had the pleasure of looking round the boat in 2009, a magnificent feat of engineering.
The boat was owned by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and used to carry out protests in the Southern Ocean against Japanese vessels and their whaling activity.
Video of the incident:
It is likely that Youtube will remove this video shortly but I will try to keep a current example posted. Email me if you notice the vid isn't working.
Obviously there will be a lot of controversy over the incident but this video gives a pretty clear view of what happened.
Powered by bio diesel and New Zealand based, the Ady Gil is a sad loss for many New Zealanders.
You can read more about the incident here: BBC News
Coastal Concepts extend our condolences to Pete and the crew.
Coastal Concepts will soon be launching a new site, dedicated to servicing the real estate industry.
We have some initial tools that provide very cost effective marketing for real estate agents and vendors. These tools allow potential buyers to get a much better idea of a property from the comfort of their living room/wherever their computer is. They also make it much easier for potential buyers to find property in the places they want to find it and to gain a much better geographic perspective of the area.
Additionally, we are in the development phase of a very exciting tool that could well change the way online real estate marketing is done. It will allow people to understand properties much better from right within their browser, encouraging purchase decisions and saving all in the industry a lot of time. I can't say a lot more at this stage except that you need to watch this space.
So, keep the emails coming, especially if you are involved in the real estate industry and would like to register your interest in what we are doing.
Here is a video example showing one aspect of Coastal Concepts. This is an example of how one idea might be manifested, there are many more ways we can help your business
I thought this was a good example video as it shows how we can take ideas, plans or sketches, and turn them into something much more tangible. Thus bridging a big gap between the conceptualization of a project and it's coming about.
If you or your business would like to see your ideas take a step toward reality drop me an email and we will discuss some of the amazing things that are possible
As you may have noticed, Hamish has been hard at work giving the Coastal Concepts website a new look.
We also have a new logo thanks to Gisborne artist 'TC'. Many thanks to those guys, in particular Hamish who puts a lot of work into the site so that ya'll can access Coastal Concepts' resources and information easier. He is always developing and improving the site so keep checking back to see whats new.
The business itself hasn't changed and we still provide the most affordable way to see your plans and ideas in 3D, whether a 3D walk through video, photorealistic rendering, placement in Google Earth, or if you simply want a 3D model we can develop together to improve your project, read more here.
So talk to me today to take an innovative step into the 3D realm.
