2.2. Creating a 3DSOM Pro Project

To create a new 3DSOM Project, select File > New menu item or press the New project... button. A file dialog will appear for you to select images to add to the new project.

Note: Multiple files may be selected in the dialog by holding down the Shift key. The Control key may also be used to selectively add or remove files. Use the drop-down menu to only show images of a particular type.

Example images 3DSOM Pro is supplied with sample images, such as those in the Examples/doll directory included with your installation. You can add all the images in this directory — the ones from underneath will be marked as "rejected" initially since they do not include the calibration mat (just click OK to accept this). They will be used later as described in the Adding texture underneath an object tutorial.

TIP:	Once a project has been created, you can drag and drop additional images files from Windows Explorer into 3DSOM Pro. Alternatively use the Images > Add Images... menu item.

Once you have selected the required images, 3DSOM Pro will load these and try to determine the camera location for each image. Once the camera information has been calculated each image is shown rotated so that it is the right way up.

Lens Calibration If 3DSOM Pro does not recognise the camera lens you are using you will be asked if you wish to launch the Lens Calibration Wizard. Standard zoom lenses and wide-angle lenses may exhibit significant lens distortion. The Lens Calibration Wizard allows you to take additional photos for the purpose of eliminating lens distortion to improve the modelling accuracy. See Calibrating the Lens for details.)

Note: The images on disc must all be in the same orientation (landscape or portrait) and be the same size in pixels.

If the calibration mat could not be found in the image, or if insufficient areas of the mat were visible, then the image will be marked as "rejected" and an error message displayed. This might be caused by the markings on the mat being too light, or blurred, for 3DSOM Pro to locate.

TIP:	Check the lighting using a few test photographs. If the images fail to load try taking photographs from a slightly higher angle to ensure a good view of the calibration mat.