Autodesk ImageModeler image-based modeling and
photogrammetry software generates 3D models from 2D digital images,
giving architects, designers, and entertainment content creators a new
approach to 3D modeling.
Bridging the 2D and 3D worlds, Autodesk ImageModeler enables you to
capture the reality as-built, take measurements of buildings, and
easily create photorealistic 3D models. Editing, modeling, and
texturing tools allow you to further edit, refine, and texture your
rendered objects. Your 3D objects can then be exported into different
formats.
Feature Highlights of Autodesk ImageModeler 2009
New calibration engine—A powerful, new calibration engine and
toolset makes it easy to generate a 3D model or scene using calibration
points based on one or more panoramas or photos.
3D measurement—The ImageModeler 2009 ruler toolset enables
architects and others to calculate real-world distances and angles
between points, eliminating the need for complex laser measurements
on-site.
High-performance photo texturing—One of the great strengths of
ImageModeler 2009 is the quality of its texture extraction. Texture
mapping is a one-click, automatic process and photorealism is built-in.
Friendly user interface (UI)—With ImageModeler 2009 the source images can be viewed as thumbnails.
Improved interoperability with Autodesk software—ImageModeler
2009 offers improved interoperability with Autodesk® Maya®, Autodesk®
3ds Max®, Autodesk® MotionBuilder®, and the AutoCAD® software family of
products.
Calibration Engine
Flexible Importing of Images
Build 3D models from either rectilinear (ideal for outdoor scenes) or
panoramic images (ideal for indoor scenes), or from a mix of the two
types. Source images can be of different resolutions and focal lengths.
Support for single image (or single panorama) calibration is available
through a perspective calibration method.
Support for Multiple Images
Autodesk ImageModeler supports a large number of photographs acting as
the source imagery, allowing you to create very complex scenes,
including city scenes with streets and buildings.
Constraints
Set constraints such as distances, right angles, or co-planarity at
several locations to improve calibration results and measurement
accuracy.
3D Measurement Toolset
Rulers Toolset
The ImageModeler ruler toolset enables architects, set designers, and
others to calculate real-world distances and angles between points.
Extract as many measurements as you need from your pictures or
panoramas, eliminating the need for complex laser measurements on-site.
Accuracy
Measurement is typically accurate to within 0.1%, depending on image
quality and resolution, making Autodesk ImageModeler a useful tool for
most 3D architectural visualization projects.
CAD and Other Interoperability
Importing CAD Models
Import 3D models (OBJ) into ImageModeler 2009. Fine-tune and adjust the
imported model to match the extracted ImageModeler data, or simply add
it to the ImageModeler scene to enhance it.
Autodesk Software Interoperability
ImageModeler 2009 offers improved interoperability with Autodesk®
Maya®, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk® MotionBuilder®, and the AutoCAD®
software family of products.
Adobe Photoshop Interoperability
A high level of interoperability with external image editors, such as
Adobe® Photoshop® software, enables users to quickly retouch textures
(remove shadows or artifacts, for example).
Modeling Technology
Constraint-Based Modeling
ImageModeler uses the concepts of image-based modeling and
constraint-based modeling. Image-based modeling is the process of
drawing 3D primitives on top of a 2D image or series of images.
Snapping techniques and constraints are used to align and adjust these
3D primitives with the right perspective in the various calibrated
pictures or panoramas.
Polygon Modeling
ImageModeler is optimized for generating polygonal models of
architectural shapes. Modeling of more organic shapes (a human face,
for example) is based on triangular meshes.
Texturing
Automatic Process
Texture mapping in ImageModeler is a one-click process, with
photorealism built in. The software can generate multiple maps and
textures per mesh, object, or group of objects automatically, computing
the best possible pixel contribution of the original source photos to
create the best possible texture map.
UV Projection
Choose your preferred type of UV projection (planar, spherical, cylindrical, or cubical).
Texture Stacking
Optimize UV projection for a complete object to match real-time
requirements in games or virtual reality applications. In this case,
texture maps will be stacked in a single UV map to save texture space
and facilitate texture retouching and integration with game engines.
Edit UV
The ability to move and edit each UV map is particularly useful for architectural modeling.
Texture retouching
A high level of interoperability with external image editing software,
such as Adobe® Photoshop® software, enables you to quickly retouch
textures (remove shadows or artifacts, for example).
Blending
Blend pictures from different points of view for a single texture map,
to avoid occlusions and increase the quality of the end result.
User Interface
Intuitive User Interface
UI enhancements in ImageModeler 2009 include the ability to display source images on a palette as thumbnails.
Browser
The ImageModeler browser contains the calibrated images and textured
meshes, enabling you to name and quickly identify all elements.
Shortcut Manager
The ImageModeler preferences contains a new Shortcut Manager, enabling
you to edit or change the main keyboard shortcuts of the application.
