AG_RapidCapture Photogrammetry

“Between a reference photograph on a movie set, and a high-quality 3D scan of an object, there is an enormous space that is undefined.”

-Johnathan Banta, Inventor

 

What is AG_RapidCapture?

In short:  It is a portable, low footprint, passive 3D scanning system.

Below are examples of items captured with the scanning rig, under actual production conditions, and at multiple scales. The detail varies as photographic conditions change, but is used as a basis for more refined models from the resulting scans, and solved camera positions.

Browse the gallery below:

 

The term “RapidCapture” in this context describes any method used to 3D scan an object or environment, with little preparation,  low overhead, and minimal footprint.  Current scanning methods employ either an array of cameras, structured light projectors, or LIDAR scanning equipment of various sizes in conjunction with specialized software to reconstruct depth information, and assemble it into a 3D dataset. The most common method in use is Photogrammetry.

Photogrammetry is the art, science and technology of making measurements from photographs. It has been around for over 100 years, but only recently used to create 3D objects — which are currently gaining a lot of popularity in the entertainment sector.  The input is photographs, and the output is a measurement, or with enough photos and measurements, a textured 3D object — and that is a very useful thing.

The best results for photogrammetry are always acquired in controlled situations, with diffuse ambient lighting, clean imagery, unoccupied environments, perfectly still subjects, and plenty of time. There are a plethora of “do’s and don’ts” in the best practices methods, which are quite restrictive.  These restrictions often fly in the face of reality, especially on a film set due to time, and the transitory nature of events.

With little time, limited access, and uncontrolled conditions it is a challenge to capture useful reference — especially in 3D for later post-production use, so RapidCapture methods using off the shelf hardware, such as DSLR’s and pocket cameras must step in.  It is often more about “”how” to take a series of photographs, as most standard photographic practices do not work well with photogrammetry software.

 

Introducing AG_RapidCapture Rigs

AG_RapidCapture rigs were patented in 2020, A rapidly deployed, fast capture system that is less hindered by varying lighting conditions, crowded sets, or limited time. With a tiny footprint and proper usage, it can scan actor’s faces, full sets, and the side of mountains as necessary.  Useful for later post-production reference, and at times direct use in visual effects products.  Developed in production over several years, under various conditions, with the goal to gather as much useful information in as short a time as possible.  Requiring little intrusion upon general production — exploiting the sets, and assets before they are ‘wrapped,’ and lost forever to the post production teams.  The rigs and methods specifically designed to maximize the tool, are employed to get the best product possible, in the given amount of time.

Rig Rental
AG_rapidCapture rigs are available for your production, training for your team, and support.  Small footprint, and affordable rates to supplement your projects!

Please contact us here:
https://agraphafx.com/ag_contact/

 

 

Used in production:
The Brothers Sun
Shining Vale
Cliffs of Freedom
American Horror Story
Boys in the Band
The Morning Show
The Orville
911
911: Lonestar
Castle Rock
Outer Banks
The Fugitive
Mrs. Davis
Person of Interest