At MÄK, we are constantly seeking ways to improve our products by diligently researching the latest technologies that will elevate our fidelity and performance. In this blog, we’ll tell you how we’re doing exactly that by integrating the photogrammetry process into our human content pipeline.
Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs " we’re using it to make a high-resolution 3D mesh. We expertly capture photos of a subject, use specialized processing software and post-processing by our team of 3D artists to make hyper-realistic, high-performing humans for DI-Guy, our Human Simulation software. DI-Guy’s ability to support multi-texturing via albedo, bump, specular, gloss, and ambient occlusion allows us to retain the minute detail of these captures while delivering them in low-polygonal, high-performing models. The DI-Guy artists use industry-leading tools such as ZBrush, 3D Studio Max, Maya, and Photoshop to translate these models from reality to virtual reality. As you can see from the photos and videos, the results are impressive.
While the results of this method are arguably the best quality humans in the simulation market, the benefits do not end there. In the design and implementation of this technology, we created what our 3D artists call the PortaScan Studio, a portable photogrammetry studio that allows them to travel anywhere to create custom human content for simulations. Imagine this: Private First Class (PFC) John Miller shows up for training where he is scanned and added to the DI-Guy library, along with his fellow trainees and comrades. He then dons an Oculus Head-Mounted Display and enters the training scenario. As he looks to his left he sees PFC Mike Marshall (not a stock avatar mind you, but Mike’s actual visage!) and to his right, his Captain. Talk about full immersion.