iModeller 3D - Frequently Asked Questions

Please read below for a list of typical user questions regarding iModeller 3D. If you have a question which is not answered, please write an email to support@imodeller.com or use our provided Feedback Form. Our support team will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for getting in touch!

Here is the current list of questions:
How many images do I need to generate a 3D model with iModeller 3D?
Does it make a difference if I run around the object, or can I rotate the object itself?
What is the optimal image size that should be used?
Do I have to save or load the images in a specified order?
From which angle should the images be taken?
What is the maximum size of objects that can be captured?
What 3D formats does iModeller 3D support?
Do I need a special camera to work with iModeller 3D? What are the differences between the Web and the Professional Edition of iModeller?
Where do I get the calibration pattern?

?How many images do I need to generate a 3D model with iModeller 3D?

!The number of images depends on the object you want to capture. When capturing a round, organic shaped object, the more images, the better. We recommend any number between 10 and 20. When capturing a cubic object with planar shape, a smaller number might be sufficient and lead to better results.
You will find more information on how to take proper images in one of our tutorials on our website. Click here for a Tutorial which explains how proper images are taken.

?Does it make a difference if I run around the object, or can I rotate the object itself?

!It does not matter if you rotate the object or move around it. You just have to make sure that the position of the object in relation to the pattern does not change. The object cannot be picked up and set back upon the pattern - this would ruin the process.
Texture-wise, it might lead to better results of you move around the object since you would receive images with the same illumination in every image, avoiding highlights and the like. But rotating the object with the pattern is fine, too.

?What is the optimal image size that should be used?

!We recommend images of app. 1200 by 900 pixels. It does not really make sense to use higher resoluted images. More important than pixel resolution is to care for image quality: try to avoid compressed JPEG images and the like because they won´t produce nice textures.

?Do I have to save or load the images in a specified order?

!No. It does not matter in which order the images are loaded into iModeller 3D. All necessary information is drawn from the dottet pattern.

?From which angle should the images be taken?

!The suggested values are about 30-60 degrees. Make sure that three of the four corner points of the pattern are visible (= 2 complete sides of the dotted pattern).

?What is the maximum size of objects that can be captured?

!Object size is only restricted by the object pattern. Theoretically, the pattern can be enlargened to any size using a printer, plotter, copying machine, and the like. Thus, you may also capture e.g. cars if you are able to produce a large enough pattern.
If you want to use the QuickTime or Macromedia Flash export with the image files only (no reconstruction of 3D models), you do not necessarily need the object pattern and thus can capture objects of any size.

?What 3D formats does iModeller 3D support?

!iModeller 3D Professional Edition exports to 3DS, DXF, C4D, OBJ, VRML and STL (3D Formats) plus UZR, QuickTime and Macromedia Flash (Web Formats). iModeller 3D Web Edition only exports to UZR, QuickTime and Macromedia Flash.

?Do I need a special camera to work with iModeller 3D?

!No. iModeller 3D works with every camera, even with a simple webcam.

?What are the differences between the Web and the Professional Edition of iModeller?

!iModeller 3D Professional Edition is a tool suitable for 3D modelling and animation purposes. You can export your 3D model to all prevalent 3D formats (such as 3DS or VRML). Also, the resolution of both model and texture are seamlessly adjustable for your individual needs. Texturewise, iModeller 3D Professional Edition creates a UVW atlas from the object images - perfect for further enhancements with other 3D modelling tools such as Cinema 4D or 3D Studio Max. iModeller 3D Professional Edition offers the possibility to merge two different image sets to form a single 3D model, and to improve the calibration of the images via marker points, creating sub-pixel accuracy of the results.
iModeller 3D Web Edition is opted for customers interested in iModeller 3D´s web design capabilities. The resolution of the 3D model is fixed to 1000 polygons. Also, the texture cannot be exported separately, and the software does not feature any 3D export formats. The 3D model can be saved as a UZR, QuickTime, and Macromedia Flash file.
Please also look at our Web and Professional Edition comparison chart. Click here to display the chart.

?Where do I get the calibration pattern?

!The calibration pattern can be printed directly from the iModeller 3D software. Please use the "Edit Pattern..." command from the "File" menu. You can adjust the pattern to any desired size. Caution: if you draw a calibration pattern of your own or use an other software product to create one, iModeller 3D will not work. More information on calibration patterns can be found in the chapter "Taking proper object images" in the iModeller 3D help.