Model Import into Cyclone

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ocsd163
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Model Import into Cyclone

Post by ocsd163 »

Ok so I am not sure if I will be asking this question correctly so I will go ahead and explain as best as possible. I would like to know if it is possible to import a "modeled" person into Cyclone?

We often sit down with our Prosecutor's after a scene has been scanned and show them the data. Often TruView is just used because it is easier 'bring with us' and doesn't require any installation of Cyclone, just the plug-in.

Anyway, I was asked if it was possible to import a 'modeled' person into the actual scan data. I know there are basic models that are included in Cyclone (fire hydrant, light pole, etc..). Is there any online site that offers other modeled objects such as a person than can be directly imported into Cyclone?

This would be very useful to import and position say a witness or perhaps victim. I'm not looking to actually move the arms or legs around, but it would be cool to say show a person standing facing a certain direction.

Unfortunately we do not utilize AutoCAD products or any other product for exporting point cloud data to model in, nor to we have Cyclone Model either. I would assume I could import a modeled object, just not create a model?

Any input, thoughts or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.
Detective Sergeant David J. DeLeeuw
Ocean County Sheriff's Office, NJ
Crime Scene Investigation Unit
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by christopherbyrne18 »

Hi David,

This might be tricky. To get models into Cyclone they have to be in COE format (Cyclone Object Exchange). My understanding is that this does not support any 'complex models', basically anything not in the Cyclone model library. You can bring in basic CAD shapes that aren't cyclone specific. Maybe this has changed sine I last moved models around. It is frustrating that you can't bring in industry standard model formats into Cyclone...

I'm sure someone from Leica will give the definitive answer.

Cheers,

Chris
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by bwx100 »

It is True Cyclone can not support super "swoopy" models. It does try to create meshes for more complex models where it can.

The best path forward is probably via AutoCAD. There is a free COE plugin for AutoCAD and it allows importing and exporting of models to/from AutoCAD. Cyclone can also import/export COE. So that is the exchange path. Also works with MicroStation.

I am sure there are 100's of human model libraries for AutoCAD. If you can find one with simple geometry then you can easily export it to Cyclone.

If you don't have AutoCAD you could probably find lots of different small companies, surveyors, etc. who would work with you to find a library of models end format them for you.

Also, Cyclone has a model library feature where you could make some basic models in Cyclone and pass them around quite easily. Unfortunately, currently Cyclone does not support meshed objects in the model library so the models of humans need to look pretty basic.
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by dmercel »

As stated in the previous posts, if you haven't got access to other CAD type programs you may struggle to convert a model into the required format for Cyclone.

There are also a number of other ways that you can solve this though and likely improve future presentations as well. My company http://www.advancedlaserimaging.com specialise in utilising Laser Scan data for Forensic work and ensuring it is 'fit for purpose'. Please PM me if you would like to discuss the options available.
Thanks,
Dave
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by ArronJMD »

I have a 3d model of a person that i use in 3DS max, If you would like me to try to get it into a compatible format, let me know.

Formats i can export to.
export options.JPG
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by Matt Young »

To get the model into Cyclone you will need a .coe file, which can be exported from AutoCAD if you have the COE plugin from Leica installed. From 3DS Max you can export a .dwg file or .dxf file as a mesh. 3DS max also has a standard biped model (basic human form). The mesh will display in an odd way in Cyclone but changing it's properties to a single colour will help.
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by Martin_au »

I think I would do this one of two ways.

I think for a decent visualization, you'll need to use a mesh.

First option. Find an existing 3d model, convert to a point cloud with colour, take it into 3d reshaper, mesh, and apply colours to mesh. Export from 3dreshaper to Cyclone. That will give you a coloured mesh you can use.

The other option is the same, but scan a model or person to generate the point cloud.

I have 3ds max, 3d reshaper and cyclone. I'll have a play at some stage.
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by 3DForensics »

Why not just export the point cloud and bring everything into CloudCompare? It's free and handles both obj and point cloud models so it should get you what you need.

Cheers,

Eugene
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Re: Model Import into Cyclone

Post by ocsd163 »

-Everyone,

Thank you all for your responses and recommendations. It appears that I have a couple different options to look at and some have even offered their direct help with this. It is much appreciated and I am fortunate to have some of these questions answered.

Although I have a great relationship with the support staff from the manufacturer, the members here always have some source of information that really helps, plus some of you are in the same field as me.

Anyway, thank you all for your help and I will be reaching out to some of you for some follow-up help. Best regards and happy scanning!
Detective Sergeant David J. DeLeeuw
Ocean County Sheriff's Office, NJ
Crime Scene Investigation Unit
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