Autodesk are giving away an Oculus Rift and other prizes for the winners of this competition.
Photogrammetry is the process by which 3D models are created from stitching together individual photos. It is a technique often used to create models for cultural heritage, as in the Scan the World project, but also in the development of video games. While this might sound complicated, Autodesk are hoping this new competition will encourage more people to experience their streamlined solution.
The Design By Capture competition from online 3D model community MyMiniFactory, and global software company Autodesk, seeks to unlock the potential of photogrammetry as a tool for product design. And, if the challenge alone isn’t enough for some, Autodesk are throwing in a virtual reality Oculus Rift for winners of the first round, and a HTC Vive headset for the overall winner.
In the two round competition, MyMiniFactory are inviting creators to capture an existing object and enhance it, using CAD modelling and 3D printing from Autodesk ReMake, and Autodesk Fusion 360 (both available as free trial downloads). The initial round of the competition is now open for entries until Friday 4 November 2016.
This first stage is simply a call for objects suitable to be remodeled in round two. To enter, budding inventors should select an object relevant to a particular hobby or sport, and imagine a way in which they could improve ergonomics, performance, or appearance. For example, you could take a pair of headphones and soup them up turtle-style, as seen from Hardshell Labs below:
After selecting an object and taking enough photos of it, (no fancy camera needed!) entrants should upload the photos to Autodesk’s ReMake – which will then automatically make a 3D model out of the data.
Once this process is completed, entrants can clean up the object, upload it to the MyMiniFactory website (including a brief for the improvements), and tweet a picture of it to @AutodeskRemake and @MyMiniFactory using the hashtag #designbycapture. This video shows just how straightforward the Autodesk software is:
The second round will then see the redesigning of a chosen object in Autodesk Fusion 360, and does not require entry into the first round. The second stage of this competition will close on the 2nd December 2016.
Both stages of the competition will be judged on the following criteria:
- originality of the concept
- functionality,
- execution quality,
- design-specific criteria such as weight and design life cycle thinking.
It might be worth taking a look through My Mini Factory’s previous challenges for inspiration, also there are more ideas on the Autodesk ReMake Blog.
To enter start here.
Featured image: Design by Capture competition logo from Autodesk and My Mini Factory.
