When we started this project, we knew that the MLP toys would pose somewhat of a challenge due to their smooth plastic bodies, the movement in their hair, and the need to take photos with it standing up as well as upside down. We began quite hopeful and optimistic with three different ponies to photograph, but hit several roadblocks in the processing phase.
Creating masks in Agisoft Metashape
For starters, only one of our laptops could handle the processing needs of the software. This meant we had to prioritize a pony, and leave the other two as optional. Next, we had several alignment issues. Essentially, the photos that would show the details in the stomach and hooves created a model that did not align correctly with the photos of the toy upright. Attempts at fixing this took days and eventually led to the laptop not being able to handle anything anymore. We then proceeded to use a laptop provided by the university to continue attempting alignment, or to try fixing the geometry of the model on Blender (another software). This still did not solve the issue.
Finally, we were left with no choice but to attempt taking the photos from scratch, skipping the photos from below, and even taking 1070 photos for one toy. Thankfully, this last attempt proved successful (within reason). Up next, you will see through the annotations the details of the final product which were still not ideal, as well as the ones that had posed challenges and how we solved them.
Aruzhan capturing Pipp Petals