Autodesk Memento, previously available as an Autodesk Labs technology preview, is now available as a free public beta. Memento is an end-to-end solution for converting any reality capture input (such as photos or scans) into 3D in the form of high quality models. This 3D mesh can be cleaned up, fixed, compared over time and optimized for further digital use, for physical fabrication methods like 3D printing and for 3D interactive experiences on the Web–it is an all-in-one single app made from scratch specifically for new reality computing workflows.
Memento is powerful (it can handle 2+billion polygon meshes) with unprecedented ease of use. No CAD (computer-aided design) expertise is required, thus making Reality Computing accessible to a wide audience of new users who can leverage these new technological capabilities. The ability to effortlessly create high definition 3D from reality opens the door to exciting possibilities across a variety of industries:
— Visual effects artists and game designers in the Media & Entertainment field can use Memento to easily turn physical objects into digital assets that can be used in films and games.
— Artists & sculptors can reimagine their existing works by making a digital copy of the work to showcase it online or to physically fabricate a new version in a different material or at a different scale.
— Museums can create digital archives of their collections and offer visitors online interactive experiences via the web. This approach has allowed the Smithsonian to create a highly engaging online experience called the Smithsonian X 3d .
— Scientists can extend their research, educate in novel ways and can make the fruits of their research accessible to and educate the public. Louise Leakey, for example, digitizes the fossils they’ve excavated and makes them available at AfricanFossils.org. Similarly, the non-profit organization The Hydrous makes 3D models of coral reefs from around the world to document the health of the corals and track how they are changing over time.
— Art & Antique dealers can create realistic 3D representations of their wares and present them online, helping them reach a wider audience.
— Makers & producers of handmade objects — everything from jewelry and clothing, to hand made furniture, toys and custom accessories — can better represent their goods on online marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy, giving them a competitive advantage.
— Designers of any kind can use captured reality as inspiration or to start a new design or to create customized products such UNYQ who makes custom prosthetic covers.
The beta release of Memento includes a new website with links to learning material and use cases, and soon will open a 3D Online Gallery that allows 3D digitized models to be viewed and shared interactively online, FBX export with cameras (that allows digital artists to better control the texture of the digitized models), view of the photo camera positions in 3D space, more robust photo processing capabilities and more.
Beta users will experience Memento first as a cloud-connected desktop app that will initially be available on the Windows platform, followed by a Mac version later in the quarter, followed by interactive 3D publishing on the Web soon after. The Beta app can be accessed here along with a video demo.
