3D reconstruction is recreating physical objects and environments in virtual worlds using high-resolution cameras and computer software. This technology is applicable in different fields such as medical imaging, computer science, virtual reality, animations, etc.
This article will discuss how 3D reconstruction is positively impacting the metaverse. Next, it will briefly explain how to create simple 3D reconstructions. Further, readers will get to learn of companies that are utilizing 3D reconstruction today and its significance in virtual worlds.
Impact of 3D reconstruction in the metaverse
Several tech giants delving into the metaverse have seen the importance of 3D reconstruction. It tends to attract users because it provides detailed information about an object and the environment better than videos and images.
3D reconstruction can give a clearer view of the dynamic geometry of objects and events in the metaverse. Also, this technology provides more realistic images which are immersive in virtual worlds, compared to 2D versions and cartoonish themes seen in some metaverse platforms.
Meanwhile, photogrammetry is another technology that aids 3D reconstruction. It is the process of transforming objects and environments in the real world using photographs. A photogrammetry software combines multiple photographs into triangles to create a complete geometrically accurate digital structure. The combinations of these structures forms the foundation of virtual worlds.
Also, creators can use photogrammetry to generate virtual city structures simply by capturing cities with special cameras and recreating the 3D version of it.
Next, the creator can transfer these structures into virtual worlds where users can interact and spend time in the environment. Hence, making them feel like living in a second life because of the realistic nature of these worlds.
Meta is one of the pioneer companies of the metaverse. It is still currently researching on tools that can perfectly apply AR and VR into the real world. One of such tool is Meta Implicitron, this 3D research tool uses implicit representation of images to generate accurate 3D reconstruction with less amount of data.
Also, Implicitron allows metaverse users to relive their previous lives filmed in a recording device. People can use the software to generate 3D versions of their past real-life moments and enter these events in VR as they enter metaverse platforms like Horizon Worlds.
How to create 3D reconstruction
There are two major steps to 3D reconstruction. Firstly, creators need to capture the image with a high-resolution 3D scanner or camera. The second step is to transfer the image to a third party photogrammetry provider.
To begin with, creators must scan the image they intend to reconstruct. Since the camera will capture images in 2D graphics, photogrammetry software helps to build the three-dimension version of such images.
Top players in 3D reconstructions
Pix4D
This is a Swiss-based company that started operations in 2011. Pix4D produces various software such as Pix4Dmapper, Pix4Dscan, Pix4Dcloud, etc. These software use photogrammetry and computer optics to transform different types of images into 3D models and maps.
Meanwhile, Pix4D software apps run as desktop or mobile apps and are also available as web apps. Additionally, they are applicable in creating realistic virtual reality worlds in fields such as engineering, military, mining, government, etc.
Agisoft LLC
Agisoft LLC is a company located in St Petersburg, Russia. It designed one of the leading photogrammetry software, Metashape. Initially called Agisoft Photoscan, the software can run on either Microsoft Windows, Linux or MacOS.
Creators can use Metashape to design advanced quality 3D graphics from a still image. Among its features, a simple way of using Metashape is to take two photos of a target object from any position and align the images in the software interface. Then, Metashape will reconstruct the images into a 3D model.
This tool is versatile for metaverse builders looking to create virtual environments that are almost real. Meanwhile, Metashape’s subscription ranges from $550 to $50,000.
Photometrix Imaging Ltd
This innovative 3D imaging company is located in the United Kingdom. It produces and designs software and hardware that applies photogrammetry to measure 3D images. Also, Photometrix produces affordable and efficient tools that capture images, process and distribute them for a wide range of applications.
FARO Technologies
FARO Technologies is a firm that specializes in building industrial machineries such as 3D lazer scanners, lazer trackers, portable measurement arms, CAM2 software etc. Recently, the company launched its new product, a combination of three cloud-based platforms: FARO Sphere, FARO Focus Premium Lazer Scanner and FARO Stream.
While the Focus Laser Scanner captures just any image accurately and shares with the Sphere, the Sphere collects, and reconstructs the objects into 3D.
Combining the two can help metaverse platforms create high-quality and colorful 3D reconstructions of any real image (e.g a picture or video of New York Central Park) allowing metaverses to go beyond cartoonish virtual objects.
Significance of 3D reconstruction in virtual world
3D reconstruction is a sort of reverse engineering to transform physical objects into realistic virtual items. It helps to attract millions of people into virtual worlds especially since it reduces the difference between real and virtual objects or environments.
The metaverse must feature digital scenes of the virtual casinos, parks, museums, golf courses, malls, etc. With the help of 3D reconstruction, builders can capture existing physical scenes and create them into 3D in no time.
Of course, there are other add-ons that these metaverse scenes will feature. Yet, 3D reconstruction makes the metaverse a simulation of the physical world and less of a cartoon or Voxel world.
Closing thoughts
Virtual worlds like Roblox, Fortnite are mostly appealing to millions of children and relatively high amounts of adults. Similarly, decentralized metaverses like Decentraland and The Sandbox are still in their infant stage. Yet, they attract thousands of users.
As the metaverse continues to grow, more virtual worlds along with older users will emerge. 3D reconstruction aids the creation of new contents. Moreover, it makes the metaverse look more realistic. So, when people enter a digital world to work, socialize or play games, it will look like the physical world, a normal life.
