I have downloaded the demo version of [Vi3Dim V2.xxx] from the website. I managed to complete the process, but I am now encountering a new problem – the files I am trying to save and download to my computer are not working – I am instead finding two empty files with the extension .obj and .ply, and they have nothing in them. What am I doing wrong?
To save the files to your computer, you must have purchased a license from the website – you can purchase one here. Fully licensed [Vi3Dim V2.xxx] software will allow you to save the results to your computer.
If I am to purchase a license for [Vi3Dim V2.xxx] and you release an updated version of the software, do I need to buy a license for every new release, or will it count for every version of the software released?
Any license that you purchase will be valid for any version of the software dubbed “Version 2.xxx” This means that for every version of the software that comes under 2.xxx then you will have full and free support for the software, until we change to version 3.
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3D RECONSTRACTION FAQ
Please read this forum and FAQ before asking questions.
Please, send any comments, bug reports and ideas to improve Vi3Dim ! We would like to know if you want more features?
© 2012 BY Vi3DIM TECHNOLOGIES All RIGHTS RESERVED
Do I need to put the check board underneath the object I am scanning?
[Vi3Dim V2.xxx] does not require any additional items like check boards when you are scanning an object. However, if you are trying to scan an object which does not have an adequate texture, then feel free to put a textured surface underneath the object to get a better result.
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What are the changes between versions 1.2 and versions 2.2?
There are many changes between the two versions, including:
You require a check-board below the object when you are scanning it in version 1.2. In Version 2.2, you do not require any additional items to scan it.
Version 1.2 automatically ran the reconstruction process when you are in the filming procedure, this means that you did not have the chance to film the object first, and you would have to do the reconstruction process manually. Version 2.2 allowed you to film the object first – and then complete the reconstruction process.
Version 1.2 has a limitation of the size of each object, where as Version 2.2 has no such restrictions.
Version 1.2 can only scan convex objects, where as with Version 2.2, you can scan any type of object.
Version 1.2 requires a camera which can record to be connected to the computer when you are completing the entire process. However, version 2.2 can use any film that was filmed with any camera – including mobile devices.
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Is there an optimum camera resolution to run the scanning procedure with
[Vi3Dim V2.xxx]?
The higher the resolution, the better. [Vi3Dim V2.2] offers support for any resolution up to 8Kx8K, however the resolution which we see being used on the most regular basis is 1920x1080.
How long should a video be, ideally?
There are many equations to consider when it comes to optimum length, such as size, texture and the environment around the actual object. Ideally you should have a rotation table, but if you make the film manually, you do not want the video to be any less than thirty seconds.
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Is there an idea amount of revolutions that the object should make for optimum results?
One revolution is enough, however in some cases if you can position the camera relate to the object at around 45 degrees, and some areas of the object were not in plain view, you can change the position of the camera to make an extra revolution around the object to ensure you catch every possible area required.
Is there an indication that the process is finished?
When the process is underway, [Vi3Dim V2.xxx] will show you a separate window, and in here you can see the progress of the reconstruction of the object, and you will see the completed object in this window, when it is completed, it will show you that it is complete in this separate window, known as the .OSG viewer.
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I am struggling to get a quality finish when I try to reconstruct my video.
It is vital that you read the tutorial here http://www.vi3dim.com/#!vi3dim-tutorial/cyab that shows you the best way to film so that you can use the software hand in hand. However, we also recommend watching the video http://www.vi3dim.com/#!3d-reconstruction/c23jx to fully understand the entire procedure, so that it makes the most sense to you possible.
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What file formats can I save my videos in?
You can save your files in .obj and .ply formats, next version [Vi3Dim V.3] will support saving to .stl format.
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What file formats can the software read?
We use [Mplayer] as the reader – video parsing – and this program supports the vast majority of video formats that are used by modern technology.
The software handles cylinder shaped objects fine. How does it deal with objects that have hidden nooks and cavities – for example, a mug with a handle on the side?
We have optimized the software to a point where it can handle any kind of object, no matter how many nooks, crannies, and hidden parts there are on the object itself.
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What type of graphics card do you need to handle the imagine process?
You will need a graphics card with at-least 1GB of memory, or more. You can check how powerful your graphics card is by going to Start > Devices(Windows 7), or by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties.
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Can the software handle splicing multiple angles? Can you scan both the top and bottom of an object to properly give the object the right perspective?
At the moment we are working on making this feature more user-friendly, but in theory, it will work yes, but you would have to shoot the two sides in the one film. However, this feature is no particularly user-friendly at moment, so try and refrain from having to do so at present.
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If I have a high resolution camera, optimized for still photos, will the photo be able to turn a train of photos one after the other into 3D? How many reference points do you require to do so?
At this present time, the software can only handle video sequences, not photo sequences, but we are working on adding this feature in as soon as possible.
Is it possible to download version 2.2?
Sure thing, you can download it https://www.adrive.com/public/sZCpgw/vi3dim_v2_2x64.rar. You can use every feature of the software without a license, you just cannot save any completed objects, but you can use the software to learn how to use it before purchasing.
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I downloaded the example files given with the tutorial from https://www.adrive.com/public/dpWhvW/CowCatRotationTable.avi. I used the example of a head.Three files were given to me – file.detect, file.mesh and file.points. However, these files will not open within the software – or anything else – can you help?
These are no the completed files itself, the files that you get when you complete an entire process and have the objects ready to use have the .obj and .ply formats, and they will be put into the root directory – where the software was originally installed – by default. You need to have a license to save files, remember. You can see the completed result in the viewer when you are completing the process, but you cannot save it at this point.
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The only viewer that opened was an empty screen which only had X marks on the video itself, as it rotates. The images are only in 2D though, you cannot see the depth of the 3D object.
If you do not have the computer power to actually create a 3D render, then you will not be able to see this when you are creating the model itself. If the software does not crash when you are using it – this happens when you do not have the requisite processing power – or if you do not have the right drivers for your graphics card. Please read more about drivers online, we cannot direct you to your graphics cards drivers as we do not know what type you use.
Could you tell me whether the files which are created by Vi3DIM can be read by any consumer-oriented 3D Printers?
The two file formats generated by the software - .obj and .ply – is compatible with some 3D printers. Most 3d Printers use .stl formats. However, software like [Meshlab] will easily convert it from one file format to the other. You can download [Meshlab] http://sourceforge.net/projects/meshlab/files/latest/download.
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What viewers can the finished product be viewed with?
Almost every 3d viewing software out there can read .obj, .ply, .3ds and .stl formats. You can again use [Meshlab] to view any of these file types, or convert them accordingly.
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I have tried to use both version, 1.2 and 2.2 Beta, with no luck. In v1.2 I get the error “glError in file ../../lnc/gpu_util.h @ line 808:
GL_INVALID_ENUM
GL_RED_BITS 8
GL_GREEN_BITS 8
GL_BLUE_BITS 8
ERRPR “ERRPR”
The answer is simply that your computer does not have a 3D Accelerated graphics card. Please see the minimal requirements http://www.vi3dim.com/#!3d-recon-market/c11ui.
Is it possible to convert the 3D model into a panoramic, 2D, image?
We do not currently offer that service – we are working on it at present – but there are plenty of software out there for free which will offer you this service, you can find them on websites like CNet.
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If you have any other questions, please get in touch with us at http://www.vi3dim.com/#!contact/cpjh.