Are you intrigued by the idea of seeing a virtual 3D copy of yourself? If so, then you should definitely stop by Tech Crawl East in Baltimore tonight. The event is being held this evening from 5-9 pm on the first floor of the new Morgan Stanley Building in Fells Point.
Direct Dimensions will be presenting our ShapeShot concept in the 60 second pitch format, as well as taking ShapeShots (a 3D snapshot) of the attendees. Make sure to stop by our booth and say hello.
GBTC (The Greater Baltimore Technology Council) is holding a "Hottest Tech in Town" competition as part of their 21st annual TechNite event. Direct Dimensions, showcasing our ShapeShotTM service, is one of the finalists and we would appreciate it if you took the time to vote for us!
Click here to read more about ShapeShot!
Click here to vote for Direct Dimensions as the Hottest Tech in Baltimore!
Chapter 7: Digital Model Formats - The Many Flavors of 3D CAD
We’re going to take a little pause in our Everything You Always Wanted to Know About 3D discussion. We’ve talked about the many things you can do with a CAD model but that can lead to some questions. How can I use an OBJ file and how is it different from an STL? Can an IGES and a STEP file essentially be used for the same thing?
These are what we call the “Flavors” of CAD and we’re here to provide you with a short list to help clear up some details.
The Various CAD Flavors:
* ASCII (or ASC) – an X,Y,Z point cloud file in ascii text format.
* DWG - This is a native AutoCad drawing file
* DXF – “Drawing Interchange File” - a neutral version of a DWG file
* IGES – “Initial Graphics Exchange Specification” - a neutral format for exchanging CAD data between many different software programs
* OBJ – an open data format that represents the vertices of polygons
* PRT – a native CAD format for Pro/ENGINEER and NX (Unigraphics)
* SLDPRT – a native CAD format for SolidWorks
* STEP – "Standard for the Exchange of Product model data," (ISO 10303) an advanced neutral format for exchanging CAD data between many different software programs.
* STL – “Standard Tessellation Language” - a polygonal model format similar to OBJ and several others
* WRL (VRML) – “Virtual Reality Modeling Language,” a polygonal file similar to OBJ, STL and several others and can include color
* X_T - a semi-neutral CAD format
Wikipedia also maintains an extensive list of CAD file formats that might be of further interest.
Neutral Formats:
From the list above you’ll notice that some CAD formats are considered neutral, specifically IGES and STEP formats. These two formats were specifically created to neutrally exchange 3D CAD data across different CAD packages.
IGES was created in 1979 by a group of users (including Boeing and GE) with support from the Department of Defense (DoD) and NIST to exchange data more easily. Since the late 80’s the DoD has required that all Digital Project Manufacturing Data (PMI) be deliverable in IGES format.
STEP is an ISO standard released in 1994 to be the “successor” to IGES. While widely used it has never totally replaced the IGES format.
Extra Flavors:
While the above examples are standard across CAD packages, many industries, such as Architecture and 3D modeling for computer graphics have their own packages and files types. We like to think of these as extra flavors, like CAD dessert.
3D Graphics – 3D graphics formats are generally proprietary according to package. Some popular graphics programs are, 3D Studio Max, Maya and Lightwave. Popular gaming companies such as Blizzard Entertainment and other film studios often develop their own in-house formats. However, many consumer 3D graphics packages can import OBJ files.
3D Modeling for Architecture – A new style of modeling for facilities, such as buildings and processing plants, is developing rapidly. This new CAD software contains a relational database component to store metadata for the design entities, such as the style and make of windows or doors, or the schedule of the I-beams and piping. This new class of software is termed BIM for Building Information Modeling and is working to combine facilities management into the database concept as well.
The above list is just a small taste when it comes to the variations of CAD, but they are the most common files used. If you have any questions you should just ask your 3D service provider and they will be happy to help. You can always ask us questions at info@dirdim.com.
The next post in this on-going series will feature a more in-depth discussion and examples of using 3D data for various types of visualization. Stay tuned!
3D Laser Scanning and Digital Modeling Allow Precise Repositioning
“The Awakening” is a 70-foot tall sculpture by J. Seward Johnson, which depicts a man struggling to free himself from the Earth. The installation, which had been a landmark for nearly three decades in DC’s Hains Point, is comprised of five aluminum body parts: a right foot, a left knee, a right arm, a left hand, and a bearded face. It was originally installed in 1980 and became a well recognized attraction next to the Potomac. It had been on loan to the U.S. Park Service by the artist.
But by 2007, the piece was sold to a developer and it became necessary for the sculpture to be moved.
Moving the sculpture and re-installing it in its intended orientation proved to be a true logistical and spatial challenge. Jon Lash, CEO of Digital Atelier, called upon Direct Dimensions to find an affordable and accurate solution to document “The Awakening” in its exact current state and provide him with a 3D plot showing the intersections of the mating surface of the sculpture with the ground. The plots would then be used to prepare the new site to receive the sculpture in its original configuration.
In November, 2007, 52 scans of the sculpture were taken on-site in Hains Point, both with the Konica Minolta Vivid 9i camera, and with the Trimble FX scanner. A spherical scanner like the Trimble FX captures everything in its line of sight, radiating outward from the scanner’s origin.
In the scanning process, the sculpture was approached as five individual pieces, with the scanner capturing each individual piece in its entirety, as well as some of the surrounding pieces. This setup allowed the Direct Dimensions team to reassemble all the pieces together in a single coordinated model, using PolyWorks software. Each scan was scrubbed to pinpoint only the data set required, then properly aligned and polygonized into an integral model.
The final deliverables to Digital Atelier were complete 2D and 3D plots, which showed the entire sculpture aligned into a single coordinate system. These plots allowed the project’s engineers to prepare the new site for the sculpture’s relocation, which occurred on February 19th, 2008.
“The Awakening” now rests in its intended orientation at National Harbor, on the Eastern Bank of the Potomac River.
We wrap up this month's discussion of downstream applications with examples of visualization and industry specific uses of data.
Visualization/Animation
This application definitely falls into the realm of advertising and entertainment but also museum presentations, legal cases, and even high quality training simulations are also all great uses for 3D model visualizations and animations.
* Direct 3Dview of your object – can be used to create an on-line 3D catalog or proof of concept.
* FaceScan – scanning a person for animations, avatars, mass personalization of consumer products, or even simulation programs.
* Animation – recent scans of people, objects, and structures have been used to create commercials, films, music videos, and video games.
* Rendering – high quality 2D renderings using 3D models can be used for marketing purposes. Renderings of structures and viewpoints have also been used in legal cases to prove/disprove eyewitness accounts.
This animation is a great example of scan data used for a visualization:
Industry-specific Applications
While many types of industries can utilize the previously listed applications, there are a few 3D model apps that are very specific, but we feel we should list:
* Architecture/Construction: scanning facilities for BIM databases and creating traditional blueprint drawings
* Museum Research/Fine Art: investigative scanning for provenance and comparative research
* Virtual 3D Worlds: 3D scanning facilities, objects, and people specifically for use in virtual worlds and social networks, such as Second Life
Same 3D Data, Many Different Uses: Repurpose!
Often, with just a little bit of extra work, you can create different, valuable deliverables with the same basic scan data or 3D model. Some examples are:
* A consumer products company has an object scanned so that it can be prototyped. What they might not know is that with a little tweaking of the model they can also gather the measurements needed to create perfectly fitting packaging and also creating photorealistic models for subsequent advertising or a virtual catalogue.
* An aerospace company has a cockpit scanned for human factors analysis. If enough data was initially collected, that same data could be used to help create training simulations.
* A major museum has a sculpture in its collection that is rapidly deteriorating and they want to scan it for documentation. That data could be used to create high quality mini replications to be sold in the gift shop or for research (possibly comparing it to similar castings by the same artist).
The Sky is the Limit!
The above examples are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to uses for 3D models. If you have a possible application that you think a 3D model would work for, you should just ask your 3D service provider if it can or has been done. If they are anything like us, they will either have already done it (or tried it) or be so intrigued by your application that they are willing to give it a shot! And if you can’t do it yet, check back often; new applications and methods are being invented every day.
The world of 3D imaging, modeling, and engineering continues to grow at such an incredible rate that older applications are always being improved upon and new ones are always being dreamed up.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
If you didn't get a chance to visit the Rapid 2010 show in Reno you can watch a quick video overview below.
Look for Direct Dimensions taking 3D ShapeShots around the one minute mark!
Inspection/Analysis
While we also covered this as a type of process, inspections are a great use for 3D data, particularly for any types of manufacturing. Using our advanced laser scanning and reverse engineering tools and processes, Direct Dimensions can inspect and analyze your part or object in a variety of ways:
* Compare a scanned part/object to a "nominal" or intended design model
* Compare a scanned part/object to 2D drawing dimensions
* Compare a scanned part/object to another scanned part/object
Re-Engineering/Design
Yesterday we began discussing downstream applications for digital models. Today's downstream application is Reverse Engineering.
While Reverse Engineering as a process was covered in Chapter 4, it is also an application that is particularly useful in the Aerospace/Defense and Industrial Design industries. With a Reverse Engineered model you can make engineering and design changes of your part or object in a variety of ways or use it for specific types of analysis:
* Add or subtract design features to the existing part or object
* Use as a base model to design a new part or object
* Use model for FEA and similar analyses
A good example of this is an aging aircraft job that we worked on. For this job we laser scanned the existing pressure seals on the rear cargo door of several c-2 aircraft. The scan data was analyzed to re-design the seals based on the actual "as-is" door conditions. This process provided for accurate manufacturing and installation of the new seals. You can read more about this particular project on our website.
You can see an example of scanning an aircraft for FEA analysis below:
Chapter 6: Downstream Applications for 3D Data
In our on-going series about 3D scanning, we’ve reached the fun part! What can you do with a 3D model? Practically anything!
In a world that is increasingly digital, most industries now utilize 3D files in some fashion. We’re seeing them show up in many different places lately.
At this point in the process (having read sections 1-5), you have your 3D model from your scanned original part. It has been either digitally modeled into a polygon format or reverse engineered into a CAD format, according to your needs. But, you can do so many things with your 3D data – things you might not have even thought of yet!
Section Six covers the different downstream applications for 3D data files and because there are so many different applications to talk about, we are going to break out the info into multiple posts.
Downstream applications generally fall into the followings categories:
* Documentation/Archival
* Re-Engineering/Design
* Inspection/Analysis
* Replication/Reproduction
* Visualization/Animation
* Various Industry-specific Applications
Documentation/Archival
After your part or object has been laser scanned and modeled you now have a digital "backup" of the object. Scan data for archival purposes is useful for a number of industries: Aerospace/Defense, Consumer Products/Industrial Design, Architecture/Historic preservation and Museum/Fine Art. At Direct Dimensions we’ve scanned many objects specifically for the purpose of creating a digital document. Archival scans have ranged from the Lincoln Memorial (post-9/11) to a huge rare meteorite to legacy aircraft parts that are no longer made.
This digital model will:
* Protect you from accidental part loss, almost like an insurance policy
* Provide you with a working "virtual" blueprint in order to rebuild, recreate, or remanufacture
* Give you the ability to start from a base model and create something new without having to start from scratch
A good example of something scanned for documentation purposes is the Lincoln Memorial.
You can read more about the Lincoln Memorial scan here or watch this animated fly-through we created using 3D laser scan data.
Check back soon because we'll be talking about more downstream applications including reverse engineering and inspection.
Promoting Energy Education in a Mobile Laboratory
Direct Dimensions traveled to a bus maintenance yard near Washington, DC to 3D laser scan a decommissioned city transit bus formerly owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The scan was performed for the Biodiesel University, a non-profit organization based in Olney, MD which seeks to educate students, teachers, and the public at large about renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
Dan Goodman, executive director of Biodiesel University, called upon Direct Dimensions to aid in converting the donated WMATA bus into a mobile educational lab, which Goodman has described as “part classroom, part hands-on science center, and part theme park ride.” The engineering challenge required cutting-edge capabilities from Direct Dimensions to not only scan the bus but also to create an accurate 3D CAD model so the bus can be repurposed for its educational mission. Given the current energy situation and attention to renewable energy, the project was captured on video for a featured story on ABC News.
To start the project, Direct Dimensions industrial designer Glenn Woodburn used the FARO LS long-range 3D scanner to take six scans of the bus’s interior and exterior in less than two hours. Each scan collected over 25 million 3D points providing a very high-resolution ‘point cloud.’ 
This captured raw data was then provided to Direct Dimensions designer Dan Haga, who created an accurate and detailed 3D CAD model reflecting the actual existing geometry of the bus. 
Then using concept sketches and design input provided by Biodiesel University, Haga continued to layout and design the educational lab including the placement of the operational equipment that will eventually be installed in the bus when it is converted for its educational purpose
The final work, delivered in digital format to Biodiesel University, included several photorealistic graphical renderings and a 60-second animated 3D virtual tour of the overall mobile lab design.
By showcasing these materials digitally through its website and email, Biodiesel University can generate additional support for its program and mission. “The renderings and virtual tours present the concept for our mission in a very compelling manner. We’re grateful for the effort and enthusiasm that Direct Dimensions has shown for our project,” states Dan Goodman.