Taking measurements from 3D model(OBJ file)

[opp2010]

Hi,

 

I am a beginner in the field of 3D. I am working on a scanner, which will produce a 3D scan in OBJ file format. The goal is to take measurements on the 3D model e.g. the perimeter. My questions:

1. What software would you suggest to do this task?

2. Ideally I would like to take the measurements automatically. I understand there would be some definition of conditions on where to take the measurement necessary. Would that be a programmers job or doable with standard software?

3. If there would be small "wholes" in the 3D model due to the scanning quality, could this be fixed by the same software (through interpolation?)?

 

I understand these questions are on a very beginner level and therefore not very precise, but I would appreciate any help in this matter. Thank you!!

[JD Mather]

I understand these questions are on a very beginner level...

 

Actually, these questions might be the most advanced asked here for what you want to do.

 

What scanner are you using?

 

It should export other file formats as well.

 

Working with the data is perhaps the most advanced problem in CAD - requires extensive experience and training and there is no Easy Button solution. A lot of "art".

 

There is software just for this purpose, but it is very expensive and still a lot of "art".

[opp2010]

Thank you JD Mather for your thoughts!

 

I am using David Laserscanner (please google, can not post links yet).

 

I believe it only outputs OBJ

 

Could you let me know the name of the specific software you are talking about?

 

Again thank you!

[MikeScott]

#1- Check the David Laserscanner forums.. (link at the top of their main page).

 

Someone asked the same question about using the program with AutoCAD like halfway down the page, and there's like 3 pages of responses using various free 3rd party software.

 

I tried to post the link, but I don't have enough posts here.

 

#2- As for measurements, you can use end endpoints of the mesh in AutoCad.. (you may have to save a copy of the file and then explode it). Or you can draw lines that run on the X,Y, or Z axis, and measure from those lines to the endpoints. (CAD gives you x,y,z, and overall distances)

 

Sometimes, depending upon what you're doing, you can draw some lines that appear to align with the part you want to measure, and then measure that. Just rotate views and stuff to ensure your line is indeed parallel to the measurement you want.

 

#3 to fill the holes, you could do solids behind the holes to block them, or make solid faces there, or whatever, in AutoCAD, though there is a section on the David Laserscanner manual that discusses how to use multiple scans and essentially stitch them together to fix the holes. Again.. I can't send the link for this either.