DAVID 1.6: 3D scanning

25th December 2007

A new version DAVID has been released, a free program for performing three-dimensional scanning of objects and transforming the result into models that can be imported into 3D- editors.
To work with the program you need a computer with connected to it camera (webcam is O`K), and a laser level. The object must be installed in the corner of the room in front of the two planes to be located perpendicularly to each other. Then you should pick up the laser level, turn on the camera, point the laser to the object and begin roving on it. In doing so, the program will automatically calculate 3D- coordinates of the scanned surface.
Immediately after scanning, the obtained 3D- model can be viewed in the integrated OpenGL- viewer. And the result can be saved in the OBJ format and used to work with different 3D- editors. There is also a commercial version of the program DAVID-Shapefusion, which is designed for combining several scans of the objects, shot from different sides.
The latest version improves lens distortion compensation at the time of scanning, adds quick scan mode; Shapefusion is added with options for changing the appearance of scans. In addition, some mistakes have been corrected.