Introduction to 3DSOM Pro and this guide

3D Software Object Modeller, or 3DSOM Pro, is a cost effective system for modelling real world objects. 3DSOM Pro technology allows a 3D model of an object to be created quickly and cheaply while requiring far less technical skill or expensive hardware than competing systems. 3DSOM Pro creates models that can be used in a variety of applications ranging from e-commerce to 3D computer games.

To use the system, an object is placed on a specially designed calibration mat. A digital camera fixed to a tripod should preferably be used to take pictures of the object on the mat. The object and mat are turned together by hand and a number of pictures are taken. The images are then processed to generate a 3D textured model automatically within a few minutes. The model can then be displayed in a conventional web browser for rotating, zooming etc., or imported into a 3D editing package for further manipulation.

What's New in version 2.1

Flash 3D export - this release includes a new streamed 3D web format based on the popular Adobe Flash 9 player. Software rendering using Flash's powerful AS3 scripting functions allows 3D models to be rendered interactively. The viewer file is small and compact and the models are highly compressed and streamed. See About the 3DSOM Pro Flash Viewer section for details.

X3D, STL export - 2 new export formats.

Support for hardware imaging rigs - fixed camera systems or computer controlled turntables are supported using the new Images > Replace Images menu item. The calibration mat is placed in the scene or on the turntable and a set of calibration shots taken using the hardware rig. The mat can then be removed and a 2nd scan taken with the object to model. The calibration shots are loaded in the normal way (and the project can be saved at this point). The Images > Replace Images menu item can then be used to replace the calibration shots with the 2nd set of shots. This allows more flexibility and easier masking as the mat need not be present in the 2nd set of photos.

Mat Units - the user can now enter the size of the mat by measuring the special "mat unit" marker. This allows 3DSOM Pro to export 3D models with accurate scale (in mm) or import models with millimetre units.

STL import - STL models can now be imported (untextured) for texturing from photographs. See Texturing a CAD model section for details.

Improved support for large meshes - Meshes with up to 500K triangles can now be imported and efficiently decimated (with or without textures). Large meshes can also be more efficiently texture mapped from photographs.

Improved 3DS import - 3DSOM Pro now supports non-closed 3DS meshes for importing. 3DS model can then be export in 3DSOM Pro's unique web formats such as the Java and Flash formats.