SoftFace 3D Lite V 1.0 Release Notes      15/10/99
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The purpose of the program
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The SoftFace 3D Lite v 1.0 toolkit turns your camera into a powerful intuitive 3D-acquisition device. 
Getting a 3D-model of a human face is as easy as taking a photograph!!!  
Using your favourite camera you only need to take two photographs, from slightly different angles,
of a face. From two single images, you get a realistic 3D model of the face with texture that is
perfectly aligned.
SoftFace replaces expensive scanning hardware, such as laser devices or pattern projectors, by 
off-the-shelf cameras and a software only approach with SoftFace 3D everybody can have his own 3D
face reconstructed from home. 

Input Devices
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The recommended input device is a Digital photo camera. Digital cameras produce high quality / high resolution photos and you can see the results of your photo session immediately. When taking photos always use an uncompressed mode.
SoftFace 3D has been also tested with standard photos + domestic scanner. You can also get good results with this procedure but it is more complex. When scanning the photos, point interpolation in the scanner must be switched off.
Other input alternatives are possible but they have NOT BEEN TESTED at this writing.

Installation
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The status of the program
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Freeware.

The distribution status of the program
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freely distributable.

Photo Requirements
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- Two photos are required per model (please see the manual for instructions on how to take the photographs).
- BMP file format. Color 24 bits. 
- Minimum Image Resolution 512x384.
- Never compress your photos. Image compression may spoil your 3D model.
- Use photos as they are. Do not try to increase resolution by point interpolation.
- Try to avoid image processing procedures that might blur your images.

Acquisition session
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It is strongly recommended to use black face markers. A simple make up pencil can do the job. You will surely discover other alternatives. It is important that markers are crisp and adequate contrast is shown against the face.

It is also possible to build 3D models without any kind of markers, but the quality of the model will suffer. Please consider it is almost impossible to find natural reference points in the check and the forehead. However, it could be suitable for low resolution models. A minimum of 15 reference points are required.

The face must be properly illuminated. You may use your camera flash, or even better take your photos under day light.

Quality of the 3D models
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The quality of the produced 3D models will depend on the following items:

- Taking adequate photos. Illumination and makers are critical.
- Following the instructions enclosed.
- Your skill. SoftFace 3D is very easy to use, but producing high quality 3D models will required some experience. Play with the tool. Do not resign to the first try. The quality of the models will quickly improve as you gain experience.  

File Conversion
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Using SoftFace 3D Lite you can build your 3D model and see it any time you like, but that's all. For a small fee, you can have it in VRML file format. Since VRML is a standard you can use it in many applications: email, web sites, chat rooms, games, etc. You may also modify it using any standard modelling package that supports VRML.

File conversion service is available at sales@eptron.es
Limited technical support is also available at sales@eptron.es


