Curious what exactly you would need 144 Sony α6400 cameras for? Welcome to the rapidly expanding world of photogrammetry.
This piece has been written by Mike Williams, Head of Business Development Engineering, EPE at Sony Europe. It's Sony-centric as a result, as you would expect, but it's interesting enough about an interesting enough subject that we're happy to run it. Ed.
Like so many other revolutionary technologies, photogrammetry has been on a gradual journey from being accessible only to a very small number of users, to now what can only be described as a broad range of applications. From the fashion world to the safety world, photogrammetry has been making waves due to the efficiency and creativity it provides. In an effort to demystify this innovative technology, we have released a comprehensive whitepaper that explores the countless applications and benefits of photogrammetry.
Photogrammetry involves capturing multiple images of an object from different angles to create a detailed and immersive 3D digital asset. This process has proven to be a game-changer in fields ranging from academia to video game development.
Here’s an overview of how photogrammetry is being used:
1. Single Camera Photogrammetry: This method involves capturing multiple images of an object from different angles using a single camera. Typically, over 100 positions are required to ensure full coverage of the desired object. Single camera photogrammetry is ideal for capturing static objects with precision and detail.
2. Multi-Camera Photogrammetry: Multi-camera photogrammetry utilizes a rig equipped with multiple cameras to capture images from different angles simultaneously. This approach is particularly useful when dealing with objects or subjects that cannot remain still for extended periods. With 50 to 200 cameras installed within the rig, multi-camera photogrammetry enables rapid 3D asset creation, saving valuable time and resources.
3. Volumetric Capture Photogrammetry: Volumetric capture photogrammetry represents an advanced form of multi-camera photogrammetry. Instead of capturing a single image, this technique involves capturing an object over a period of time. The resulting multi-3D objects can then be combined to create a cinematic experience, allowing for a digital representation of the object in motion. Volumetric capture photogrammetry opens up new possibilities for immersive storytelling and interactive experiences.
In today's fast-paced world, time is of the essence, and photogrammetry offers a time-efficient solution for capturing and digitizing objects into high-quality 3D assets. For instance, game developers are leveraging multi-camera photogrammetry rigs to capture real-life faces and quickly generate realistic 3D in-game character models. This eliminates the need for extensive manual work and streamlines the production process, saving both time and resources. Sweden/UK-based AAA developer Sharkmob has already made use of this feature, with their rig made up of 144 Sony α6400 cameras that with the help of SDK makes the process of capturing faces in high detail with various angles and expressions seamless.
Furthermore, photogrammetry finds common use in safety inspection procedures within the automotive, transport, and logistics industries. By employing drones to capture images and create 3D models of planes, container ships, or freight trains before and after significant journeys, safety standards can be enhanced. This approach ensures that no changes have occurred and that safety features are functioning without interruption. A recent and incredibly successful example of this can be seen in the upkeep and surveillance of The Port of Hamburg, the largest seaport in Germany and third in Europe. By utilizing Sony Camera Remote SDK and a Aplha 7R, the safety inspection was not only made easier, but also yielded great results, with the smallest scratches being detected during flight.
To further enhance the efficiency of photogrammetry, Sony offers the Camera Remote Toolkit. With the ability to control up to 200 cameras remotely, this toolkit provides a convenient solution for managing large-scale photogrammetry rigs. By simplifying camera control, Sony empowers professionals in various industries to capture objects and produce high-quality 3D assets more efficiently.
Photogrammetry is a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to reshape industries and unlock new possibilities in the digital realm. Sony's whitepaper serves as a comprehensive guide, demystifying photogrammetry and showcasing its wide-ranging applications. Whether it's creating realistic game characters or ensuring safety standards in transportation, photogrammetry is revolutionizing workflows and driving innovation across industries.
Accessibility is going to be key for the continued development and roll out of photogrammetry. 3D printing is a good comparison to how I suspect we’ll see photogrammetry develop soon. A few years ago, 3D printers were big machines, exclusive to large organisations that could afford them and had the resources available to access the skills needed to operate them.
But now, anyone can install a 3D printer in their home with more options than ever of how much they want to spend and there are many free resources online that allow anyone to develop the skills needed. This is what we’d like to see happen for photogrammetry.
As we’ve discussed, it’s a technology toolkit with so many applications. Democratising that is only a good thing; giving more people the chance to roll out photogrammetry in an affordable and practical way for them, so they can take advantage of the benefits we know it provides.
To find out more about the applications and benefits of photogrammetry, please check out the full whitepaper here: https://app.cimediacloud.com/r/18iRU02LF1VN