Photogrammetry

Goal: Design and build a device capable of taking photographs in a repeatable and accurate manner for use in photogrammetric analysis, the generation of a three-dimensional model of an object through a collection of photographs. 

Results: The team successfully created a photogrammetry device. In the future they plan to continue to project to make a better, 2.0, version.  The project involved working with Arduino, basic hardware and tools, and imaging software. The team also compiled what they learned about photogrammetry into an eighteen-page report. Three main points are summarized below.

Three important tricks to improve the overall quality of the generated model: 

• Specular reflective (shiny) surfaces are not desirable. Reflections change position with respect to the camera and confuse the photogrammetry software. Remedy this by spraying the model with a matte finish and avoid direct light sources. 

• Capturing as many perspectives of the model is desirable. Only so much data may be captured by rotating in a single lateral ring. Changing the height and angle of the camera for several lateral rings captures essential perspective detail of the model and improves the fidelity of the generated model. 

• The photogrammetric analysis software uses all information in the images, including items in the background. For the most effective model generation, fill about 60% of the camera view with the model. Items in the background provide useful information helpful to identifying camera location in 3D space.