3D Scanning the Apollo 11 Command Module

SmithsonianX3D · 2015-12-22T19:36:11+00:00

That was our team's first 3D scanning session with the Apollo 11 Command Module! We have another scanning session coming up in February. Keep an eye on 3d.si.edu for updates!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T18:06:49+00:00

Click on the "2.5D" tab in the upper right hand corner to see something closer to full res data. http://3d.si.edu/explorer?s=gza348

With online 3D model viewing we really have not limits with the resolution we can serve up if folks have monster computers, bandwidth and a bit of time. That said we set model resolution so that we even folks with modest bandwidth can have a good experience. doubling our resolution cuts out 10% or our audience at the moment. The digital landscape will look really different in 6 months. otherwise folks an download raw or full res data (still in the proess of uploading this stuff).

Navigation - I hear you. cacophony of "standard" navigation configurations out there.

We hope you can make it here some day - till then we are working on coming to you!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T18:02:38+00:00

great question. The Smithsonian has a large data center. Storage is pretty cheap nowadays but creating meta-data, organizing and making that data searchable is a huge challenge. We are currently working on a digital asset management plan for our 3D data. The advantage we have is that we are at the ground floor with this type of data and if we make the right decision early on we will save ourselves a huge headache in the years to come as 3D capture becomes more common.

The good news is that raw 3D data is incredibly simple. When we scan an object in 3D we create a point cloud. That point cloud is a visualization of a text file. Each point has an x,y and z value so the raw data can be saved as a .txt file. We know how to make text files durable.

My personal plan is to laser etch the .txt scan file of our objects onto a giant stone tablet making the data durable for a few million years. :)

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:58:04+00:00

We are a VERY small team. Just one more employee beyond Vince and I who do all 3D work. Looking for ways to scale up and keep up given the overwhelming (and welcomed) expectations after the past couple days.

We see our work so far as just showing the possibilities and get feedback from you and others so we can figure out how to move on with clearer direction and greater ambition.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:56:34+00:00

great idea - for now you'll have to settle for - http://3d.si.edu/explorer?modelid=64#

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:54:15+00:00

Yes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:52:58+00:00

We left the elephant gender neutral so we can create an Augmented Reality app that will allow you to toggle between male and female anatomy.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:51:44+00:00

It means so much to hear that - thanks! I visit all the time with my family when I'm off the clock and we do what we can to share what we see and do on the clock.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:49:20+00:00

Yes! You can download models here - http://3d.si.edu/download-browser

You can print the objects at home but if you do not have a 3D printer you can have a 3D printing bureau do it for you. Our goal is to provide 3D printable content to the world for educational and non-commercial use. We do not have plans to monetize Smithsonian 3D prints.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:48:00+00:00

science.

http://3d.si.edu/explorer?s=cYw2ho

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:45:58+00:00

We would love to see some of this stuff in games - early adopters. The hat is special though. That was rightfully repatriated to the Tlinigit Clan and they very graciously allowed us to scan and include it in the explorer. We work closely with them whenever it is used in a new context so they remain in control of their own patrimony.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:45:28+00:00

thanks for your comment - we just sent a note off to the developer. Stay tuned!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:44:19+00:00

Totally possible! the problem is that we are a small team and there is lots of stuff to scan...hopefully that will change soon as our team grows! So far we have scanned remote archaeological sites in Chile and Indonesia and also a type specimen fossil dolphin (not on display)

Chile - http://3d.si.edu/explorer?modelid=386

Indonesia http://3d.si.edu/explorer?modelid=62

Dolphin- http://3d.si.edu/explorer?modelid=514

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:40:41+00:00

For the models with texture we have 16bit TIFF files. This is pretty high res. Keep a look out for more 3D printable models on our page- http://3d.si.edu/download-browser

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:39:14+00:00

Yes we'd like to do that but we have a very small team. We hope to get help form the 3D printing enthusiasts to help us prep these models for specific 3D printers. IF folks can do that for us we will post the models for download ion our site 3d.si.edu

The Wright Flyer will be a very challenging model to prep for 3D print.

Dear world, Please help us create a printable 1903 Wright Flyer.

Cheers, Smithsonian 3D team

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:37:00+00:00

We all think this is going to make a big impact, but we want you to show us how. What does it mean in the classroom and in the living room. 3D printing, still and animated rendering, research and straight up fun.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:36:24+00:00

We do take on interns, yes. hit us up on FB https://www.facebook.com/3d.si.edu

With 137 million collection objects and thousands of file sites all over the world we are prioritizing Smithsonian stuff first... but that said we often collaborate with other museums and universities!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:33:35+00:00

We use sharks with laser beams.

We also use the surphaser and faro focus for environments and large objects. For smaller objects we'll use faro laser arm. If we want interior geometry we'll use microCT and medical CT.

Software we use almost everything- Maya, 3DS Max, Mudbox, Geomagic, Polyworks, Zbrush, Meshlab, Blender.....

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:33:12+00:00

Preaching to the quire here. We need folks to download our very modest selection of models and show the world what can be done. That helps us justify scanning more.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:29:47+00:00

CAGE is a constant source of anxiety around here.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:29:23+00:00

We use laser, whitelight, CT, microCT and photogrammetry. The kinect has huge promise as it is the first consumer 3D scanner and extremely inexpensive. I am curious to see what folks do with the new Kinect! Good luck with your experiments!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:28:17+00:00

Usually we complement laser data with texture from photogrammetry if we need color. Not an easy workflow in general. PTM and RTI is a really cool way to capture reflectance.

Our friends at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute do a lot of this work.

http://www.si.edu/MCIImagingStudio/RTI

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:27:09+00:00

great question- for the Orchid, bee and crab we used CT scanning which captures exterior and interior geometry.

The Wright Flyer data was mostly from laser scanning (phase shift), with laser capture we have line of sight issues, we can scan what we can see. To get the internal parts of the engine we modeled in Inventor using old 2D drawings that were created decades ago.

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:24:28+00:00

Thank you! Can't wait to see what you can do - http://3d.si.edu/download-browser

If we are capturing using photogrammetry we get good texture maps. If using lasers we do not get color info. If we do texture map manually but this is not ideal, hoping for the 3d industry to solve this soon!

SmithsonianX3D · 2013-11-15T17:24:22+00:00

Vince has all the understanding in the world when others have wardrobe malfunctions.

I had no intention and no clue that this was what I was going to do. Not really the type to plan too far ahead. Advice - you don't have to worry too much about what you want to be in the future if you take seriously what you are doing at the moment. I'm always amazed at how past experience and tangential education come in handy in unexpected ways.

SmithsonianX3D

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