Making a 3D Model

To make our 3D scholarly edition, we have embarked on a long design and interpretative process that has involved several steps, and the use of different tools and software. In this section, we will showcase how we have designed our work by harnessing the capabilities of these technologies and adapting our skills to create a virtual tour of a 3D model of a Lol Surprise. This model is accessible and navigable by academic and more general audiences. 

The initial requirement for the completion of the 3D scholarly edition was to create a 3D model of the object that would be the focal point of the virtual environment. To achieve this, we used a method known as Structure from Motion (SfM). SfM is a computer vision technique used to reconstruct three-dimensional structures from a series of two-dimensional images. It combines principles from photogrammetry (the extraction of metric information from objects) and computer vision, allowing detailed and automated analysis of sequential changes in camera positioning to generate a 3D model. It differs from other techniques of 3D modeling as it does not require specialized hardware, making it non-invasive, cost-effective, and flexible for data acquisition.

After a process of selecting and quality checking the captured images, we uploaded the pictures into the software Agisoft Metashape. Here, we followed the suggested workflow to build a 3D model, comprising image alignment, mesh generation, texture mapping, mask creation, and final refinements. The process was long and complicated, mainly due to the partial unsuitability of our object such as the moving parts of the doll. This required careful precautions, such as covering the doll with matte powder and securing it on floral foam to prevent any movement. Also during the working phase, we experimented with various strategies and refinements to create a model that satisfied us. These included manually positioning markers, re-taking pictures, and engaging in an iterative process of refinement and reconstruction of texture, mesh, and color.

Finally, once the 3D model was completed in Agisoft Metashape, it was exported in two file formats: OBJ and GLB. Although the first possessed superior quality and definition,  due to the platform’s requirements on which we would be developing our 3D scholarly edition we decided to pursue our work with the OBJ’s one.  To conclude, we imported the OBJ file into the Voyager Explorer platform developed by the Smithsonian Institution's Digitization Program, where we have been realising our interactive tour of the LOL Surprise Doll: Pink Baby.