Software Blender Research Articles

Follow Your Nose: Ontogeny of the Olfactory Duct in Primates

Most primates are characterized by orbital convergence, the displacement of the orbits toward the rostral midline. In platyrrhine primates and tarsiers, this convergence is so extreme that orbits meet in the midline at the apical interorbital septum. This produces a spatial separation of the anterior cranial fossa and the nasal cavity. The olfactory bulbs of the brain pass dorsal and then rostral to the orbits to reach the nasal cavity via a bony tube, the olfactory duct. Nerves are expected to constrain growth of musculoskeletal structures. We hypothesized that the network of olfactory nerves effectively tethers the olfactory bulbs to the mucosa of the nasal cavity, and the growth of facial structures in these primates results in rostral displacement of the olfactory bulbs through ontogeny. In addition, growth of the midface may be constrained by this functional relationship.This comparative analysis was based on 3D reconstructions of cranial structures in newborns and adults from representative platyrrhine species (e.g., Aotus nancymaae and Cebuella pygmaea) and tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta). Spatial relationships of the olfactory duct were estimated using endocasts based on conventional microCT scans. In addition, diffusion iodine contrast‐enhanced CT (diceCT) images were used to study Aotus nancymaae at multiple stages of ontogeny. DiceCT allowed us to reconstruct the actual position of olfactory bulbs relative to the olfactory duct and the distribution of olfactory nerves in the nasal cavity. 3DSlicer and Blender software were used to render 3D models. These data confirm our hypothesis that the rostral projection of the olfactory bulbs relative to the frontal lobes of the brain increases through ontogeny. In addition, the paths of olfactory nerves are diverted around the convergent eyes. The ontogenetic relationships occurring in platyrrhine and tarsier olfactory ducts have evolutionary implications for biological variation in the primate skull.

Sim2Air - Synthetic Aerial Dataset for UAV Monitoring

In this paper we propose a novel approach to generate a synthetic aerial dataset for application in UAV monitoring. We propose to accentuate shape-based object representation by applying texture randomization. A diverse dataset with photorealism in all parameters such as shape, pose, lighting, scale, viewpoint, etc. except for atypical textures is created in a 3D modelling software Blender. Our approach specifically targets two conditions in aerial images where texture of objects is difficult to detect, namely challenging illumination and objects occupying only a small portion of the image. Experimental evaluation of YOLO and Faster R-CNN detectors trained on synthetic data with randomized textures confirmed our approach by increasing the mAP value (17 and 3.7 percentage points for YOLO; 20 and 1.1 percentage points for Faster R-CNN) on two test datasets of real images, both containing UAV-to-UAV images with motion blur. Testing on different domains, we conclude that the more the generalisation ability is put to the test, the more apparent are the advantages of the shape-based representation.

Pengembangan Ekstraksi dalam Identifikasi Kelainan Gigi pada Citra Dental X-ray imaging (DXRI)

Many of us as Muslims do not know how to act when the call to prayer is heard, which turns out to have a very noble virtue. This animation is expected to provide insight for all of us about the virtues of answering the call to prayer. In addition, this animation can also attract and entertain the audience. Technological advances that are growing rapidly today cover all fields. One of them is the field of multimedia such as animation. This study aims to create 3D animation that is used as a learning medium. The application has the theme of etiquette when calling the call to prayer. 3D animation is the process of placing objects and characters in three-dimensional space and manipulating them to create the illusion of motion. Design in application development using Blender software and applications in making animation. The results of the resulting application present an interactive form of teaching for users in providing knowledge about manners when the call to prayer is heard. With this application, it is hoped that it can provide an alternative to provide a form of teaching, especially for children to explain etiquette when calling the call to prayer

Improving Mobile Game Performance with Basic Optimization Techniques in Unity

Creating video games can be a very complex process, which requires taking into account various hardware and software limitations. This process is even more complex for mobile games, which are limited to the resources that their platforms (mobile devices) offer in comparison to game consoles and personal computers. This restriction makes performance one of the top critical requirements, meaning that a videogame should be designed and developed more carefully. In order to reduce the resources that a game uses, there are optimization techniques that can be applied in different stages of the development. For the purposes of this article, we designed and developed a simple shooter videogame, intended for Android mobile devices. The game was developed with the Unity game engine and most of the models were designed with the 3D computer graphics software Blender. Two versions of the game were developed in order to study the differences in performance: one version that applies basic optimization techniques, such as low poly count for the models and the object pooling algorithm for the enemy’s spawn; and one where the aforementioned optimizations were not used. Even though the game is not large in scale, the optimized version achieves a better user experience and needs less resources in order to run smoothly. This means that in larger and more complex video games these optimizations could have a bigger impact on the performance of the final product. To measure how the techniques affected the two versions of the game, the values of frames per second, batches and triangles/polygons were taken under consideration and used as metrics for game performance in terms of CPU usage, rendering (GPU usage) and memory usage.

Media Syi’ar Islam Interaktif Berbasis Animasi 3D di Masa Pandemi

Along with the rise of the Covid-19 outbreak, it is increasingly difficult for humans to convey the symbols of Islam, especially the scholars and preachers. One way to overcome limitations in conveying Islamic symbols is by utilizing interactive media based on 3D animation. The interactive media built can provide information about Islamic symbols with the theme of juvenile delinquency aimed at the general public, especially teenagers. This 3D animation is designed using Blender software. The manufacturing process starts from determining story ideas, making storyboards, object modeling, giving textures, moving animations, dams to rendering. The final result of this animation is an interactive video equipped with background music and sound from the object. Interactive Islamic syi'ar media based on 3D animation during this pandemic as education to overcome juvenile delinquency in the community, so that this media can be useful and useful for teenagers

Digital Dental Models: Is Photogrammetry an Alternative to Dental Extraoral and Intraoral Scanners?

Background: 3D models are nowadays part of daily clinical practice. Photogrammetry is a brand-new method for transforming small objects into 3D models while keeping their original shape and size. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, in terms of precision and trueness, of a digital dental model acquired with photogrammetry compared with those obtained using extraoral scanners and intraoral scanners, starting from the same plaster model. Methods: A plaster model was converted into a digital model using photogrammetry, an extraoral scanner and an intraoral scanner. Different references were measured twice at a distance of 30 min for each model, on the digital models using the software Blender and on the plaster model using a calibre. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient was calculated for each pair of measurements. A volumetric analysis was performed by superimposing the digital models. The coefficient of variation was calculated. A two-way ANOVA test was conducted. Results: For each reference, the coefficient of variation was less than 3%, and the two ANOVA tests resulted in a non-significant value in both cases (p > 0.05). The volumetric analysis demonstrated good agreement between the models derived from the different acquisition methods. Conclusions: Photogrammetry seems to be a good method for acquiring digital models starting from a plaster model, all the methods tested seem to be good for obtaining an accurate three-dimensional digital model. Other studies are needed to evaluate clinical efficacy.

A Roadmap to Reconstructing Muscle Architecture from CT Data.

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary force generation across animals, and muscle architecture largely determines the parameters of mechanical output. The ability to analyze muscle performance through muscle architecture is thus a key step towards better understanding the ecology and evolution of movements and morphologies. In pennate skeletal muscle, volume, fiber lengths, and attachment angles to force transmitting structures comprise the most relevant parameters of muscle architecture. Measuring these features through tomographic techniques offers an alternative to tedious and destructive dissections, particularly as the availability of tomographic data is rapidly increasing. However, there is a need for streamlined computational methods to access this information efficiently. Here, we establish and compare workflows using partially automated image analysis for fast and accurate estimation of animal muscle architecture. After isolating a target muscle through segmentation, we evaluate freely available and proprietary fiber tracing algorithms to reconstruct muscle fibers. We then present a script using the Blender Python API to estimate attachment angles, fiber lengths, muscle volume, and physiological cross-sectional area. We apply these methods to insect and vertebrate muscle and provide guided workflows. Results from fiber tracing are consistent compared to manual measurements but much less time-consuming. Lastly, we emphasize the capabilities of the open-source three-dimensional software Blender as both a tool for visualization and a scriptable analytic tool to process digitized anatomical data. Across organisms, it is feasible to extract, analyze, and visualize muscle architecture from tomography data by exploiting the spatial features of scans and the geometric properties of muscle fibers. As digital libraries of anatomies continue to grow, the workflows and approach presented here can be part of the open-source future of digital comparative analysis.

3D Modeling and Simulation of Subsea Structures Tieback to Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Unit for Offshore Field Development

This paper seeks to model and simulate a 3D Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit and subsea structures for the separation of reservoir fluids. In this paper, each component on the hull of the FPSO and the subsea structures were constructively designed with Python codes written in Blender software according to ship building practice and offshore standards. Material (colour) was added to each component as well as environmental features to depict reality for deepwater operations with extreme weather conditions. Nanofiltration (NF) membrane separation technology was implemented into the modelling process for the purification of water to reduce the sulphate content for reinjection to boost productivity. Also, this study minimizes flow assurance problems to improve subsea production system (SPS) by installing a subsea separator which allows oil, gas, water and sand slurry phases to be separated prior to being boosted up the risers. Additionally, the separator design has an integrated sand slurry handling system which ensures proper sand management. Results from this paper show a final rendered work of a new generation of FPSO design tie back from subsea structures and the simulation (subsea and surface) of the reservoir fluids separation processes.

3D Modeling and Simulation of Subsea Structures Tieback to Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Unit for Offshore Field Development

This paper seeks to model and simulate a 3D Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit and subsea structures for the separation of reservoir fluids. In this paper, each component on the hull of the FPSO and the subsea structures were constructively designed with Python codes written in Blender software according to ship building practice and offshore standards. Material (colour) was added to each component as well as environmental features to depict reality for deepwater operations with extreme weather conditions. Nanofiltration (NF) membrane separation technology was implemented into the modelling process for the purification of water to reduce the sulphate content for reinjection to boost productivity. Also, this study minimizes flow assurance problems to improve subsea production system (SPS) by installing a subsea separator which allows oil, gas, water and sand slurry phases to be separated prior to being boosted up the risers. Additionally, the separator design has an integrated sand slurry handling system which ensures proper sand management. Results from this paper show a final rendered work of a new generation of FPSO design tie back from subsea structures and the simulation (subsea and surface) of the reservoir fluids separation processes.

Orbital obliquity sampling in the Kepler-20 system using the 3D animation software Blender

Context.The mutual orbital alignment in multiple planetary systems is an important parameter for understanding their formation. There are a number of elaborate techniques to determine the alignment parameters using photometric or spectroscopic data. Planet–planet occultations (PPOs), which can occur in multiple transiting systems, are one intuitive example. While the presence of PPOs constrains the orbital alignment, the absence at first glance does not.Aims.Planetary systems, for which the measurement of orbital obliquities with conventional techniques remains elusive, call for new methods whereby at least some information on the alignments can be obtained. Here we develop a method that uses photometric data to gain this kind of information from multi-transit events.Methods.In our approach we synthesize multi-transit light curves of the exoplanets in question via the construction of a grid of projected orbital tilt anglesα, while keeping all transit parameters constant. These model light curves contain PPOs for some values ofα. To compute the model light curves, we use the 3D animation software Blender for our transit simulations, which allows the use of arbitrary surface brightness distributions of the star, such as limb darkening from model atmospheres. The resulting model light curves are then compared to actual measurements.Results.We present a detailed study of the multi-transiting planetary system Kepler-20, including parameter fits of the transiting planets and an analysis of the stellar activity. We apply our method to Kepler-20 b and c, where we are able to exclude some orbital geometries, and find a tendency of these planets to eclipse in front of different stellar hemispheres in a prograde direction.Conclusions.Despite the low statistical significance of our results in the case of Kepler-20, we argue that our method is valuable for systems where PPO signals larger than the noise can occur. According to our analysis, noise ≤ 2 × 10−4for planets like Kepler-20 b, or a planet radius ≥ 3REarthfor the smaller component and Kepler-20-like photometry, would be sufficient to achieve significant results.

Efficiency of +IDonBlender Photogrammetric Tool in Facial Prosthetics Rehabilitation – An Evaluation Study

Several open-source 3D modeling software tools have recently been featured to reconstruct a 3D image-based model using Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms such as +IDonBlender. It is, therefore, necessary to evaluate the accuracy of the models extracted from this tool to prove effectiveness for different applications. This paper aims to evaluate the +IDonBlender methodology tool in rehabilitating facial deformations. +IDonBlender is an add-on tool programmed within Blender software and designed for medical applications. In this research, two individuals from different genders have volunteered to contribute to this study, one with severe facial deformation and the other is healthy with no defects. To assess the robustness of the derived digital model from the +IDonBlender methodology, Agisoft Metashape was used to process the data and create a reference model for comparison purposes. Various scenarios were followed for evaluation: (i) scaling the model based on reference ground truth points, (ii) scaling the model based on known real distance between two reference points, and (iii) cloud-to-mesh (C2M) analysis was applied to individual scenarios to assess the accuracy of the +IDonBlender model through cloud compare analysis. Next, the density analysis of the model was also used to investigate the model resolution for further post-processing and prototyping. The results show that the variation between the tested and the reference models in terms of coordinates and distance measurements was (0.470 mm) and (0.471mm), respectively. Despite the fact that the +IDonBlender model resolution was lower than the Metashape model, the overall results delivered acceptable geometric error values. Therefore, following visual and statistical point clouds data analysis, one can claim the robustness of the +IDonBlender 3D modeling tool for maxillofacial rehabilitation, surgical planning and other clinical applications.

Combining multiple shaded reliefs with hypsometric colouring and digital orthophotos using free and open-source software

Abstract. In this paper we combined layers created from several terrain rendering techniques, namely a shaded relief rendered in the free and open-source 3D computer graphics software Blender, a hillshade created in the free and opensource Geographic Information System (GIS) software QGIS, a hypsometric coloured Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and a draped digital orthophoto. Following a recent trend in the cartographic community towards using Blender, we tried to improve the standard relief visualization in common GIS software by blending it with a shaded relief rendered in Blender. Using different QGIS blending modes and opacity values we achieved different graphic visualizations. To compare and evaluate the suitability of different rendering techniques we chose national park Risnjak located in Croatia because of its specific and diverse terrain landforms. After comparing different input layers and parameter sets, we selected the blending combination which is best suited for visualizing terrain characteristics of all Croatian national parks. The result is a shaded relief created for every national park which is combined from a shaded relief rendered in Blender, a hillshade created in QGIS, a hypsometric coloured DEM and a draped digital orthophoto.

Clinical Applications of Meshed Multilayered Anatomical Models by Low-Cost Three-Dimensional Printer.

In recent years, even low-cost fused deposition modeling-type three-dimensional printers can be used to create a three-dimensional model with few errors. The authors devised a method to create a three-dimensional multilayered anatomical model at a lower cost and more easily than with established methods, by using a meshlike structure as the surface layer. Fused deposition modeling-type three-dimensional printers were used, with opaque polylactide filament for material. Using the three-dimensional data-editing software Blender (Blender Foundation, www.blender.org) and Instant Meshes (Jakob et al., https://igl.ethz.ch/projects/instant-meshes/) together, the body surface data were converted into a meshlike structure while retaining its overall shape. The meshed data were printed together with other data (nonmeshed) or printed separately. In each case, the multilayer model in which the layer of the body surface was meshed could be output without any trouble. It was possible to grasp the positional relationship between the body surface and the deep target, and it was clinically useful. The total work time for preparation and processing of three-dimensional data ranged from 1 hour to several hours, depending on the case, but the work time required for converting into a meshlike shape was about 10 minutes in all cases. The filament cost was $2 to $8. In conclusion, the authors devised a method to create a three-dimensional multilayered anatomical model to easily visualize positional relationships within the structure by converting the surface layer into a meshlike structure. This method is easy to adopt, regardless of the available facilities and economic environment, and has broad applications.

The development and testing of Thai facial soft tissue thickness data in three-dimensional computerized forensic facial reconstruction.

Forensic facial reconstruction is a useful tool to assist the public in recognizing human remains, leading to positive forensic investigation outcomes. To reproduce a virtual face, facial soft tissue thickness is one of the major guidelines to reach the accuracy and reliability for three-dimensional computerized facial reconstruction, a method that is making a significant contribution to improving forensic investigation and identification. This study aimed to develop a facial soft tissue thickness dataset for a Thai population, and test its reliability in the context of facial reconstruction. Three-dimensional facial reconstruction was conducted on four skulls (2 males and 2 females, with ages ranging between 51 to 60 years). Two main tools of three-dimensional computer animation and modeling software-Blender and Autodesk Maya-were used to rebuild the three-dimensional virtual face. The three-dimensional coordinate (x, y, z) cutaneous landmarks on the mesh templates were aligned homologous to the facial soft tissue thickness markers on the three-dimensional skull model. The final three-dimensional virtual face was compared to the target frontal photograph using face pool comparison. Four three-dimensional virtual faces were matched at low to moderate levels, ranging from 30% to 70% accuracy. These results demonstrate that the facial soft tissue thickness database of a Thai population applied in this study could be useful for three-dimensional computerized facial reconstruction purposes.

TOOLS FOR CREATING EDUCATIONAL VIDEO RESOURCES WITH BLENDER VIDEO EDITOR

The article explores the opportunities of using the free and open software Blender 3D, a module employed for creating and editing videos, for the formation of video materials, for organizing video conferencing during online classes. On the example of video development recommendations are provided on the creation and publication. An experimental study of the effectiveness of the resource, which describes its implementation in the educational process on the example of teaching certain disciplines, in particular “Operating Systems. Linux” and training seminars for university teachers, has been conducted. Experimental verification proves that the use of video resources leads to the significant increase in the effectiveness of training, expands opportunities for individualization and differentiation, independent and individual work of students.

Estimation of stress and strain of knee joint using finite element analysis

In the present paper, finite element analysis of the knee joint is performed for stress and strain estimation of the knee joint for osteoarthritis patients. Osteoarthritis (OA), called the wear and tear arthritis is commonly occurring arthritis wherein a gradual loss of cartilage from the joints are observed. This leads to the joint bones rubbing quite close against one another with less amount of shock-absorbing done by the cartilage causing pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased movability and bone spur formation can be observed. It is mostly observed in patients above 45 years old, but weight and gender are also some of the factors forcing a quick onset of the disease. Using modelling software Blender, a solid model is made of the bone component, namely tibia, fibula, femur and patella as well as Ligaments and cartilages. Using finite element simulation software, analysis is done to determine the level of stress under various forces on the joint. The knee joint experiences a maximum stress and strain of 2.352 MPa and 0.02454 respectively which are within safe static condition. The study can be further extended to predict the danger of failure for the patients having osteoarthritis conditions which in turn will help to take a preventive measure for the knee joint.

PERANCANGAN INTERIOR KANTIN MODERN UNIVERSITAS HARAPAN MEDAN FAKULTAS TEKNIK DAN KOMPUTER BERBASIS 3D

The era of globalization always changes in terms of knowledge every year. One of them is the presence of technology as a tool to facilitate human work. The use of existing technology is then developed into information. Without information, maybe humans don't know how to see and even use technology as a place for information. One of the information that can be obtained through technology is video. In this video, it will show the interior design of the modern canteen of the engineering faculty and computer fields of the university. With a canteen design using this modern development concept, it can be used as a new canteen development innovation. The canteen's 3D model design is made using a blender software. From this design, animation will be given and implemented into a video. The design process starts from hardware and software, storyboards and sketches, object modeling, presenting textures, presenting animation, rendering, and editing. The final result of the video can be used as promotion or interactive multimedia to the community or certain parties.

DESIGN OF GARMENTS USING ADAPTABLE DIGITAL BODY MODELS

In recent years, the 3D design software has been mostly used to improve the garment design process by generating virtual 3D garment prototypes. Many researchers have been working on the development of 3D virtual garment prototypes using 3D body models and involving the 3D human body scanning in different postures. The focus of research in this field today relies on generating a kinematic 3D body model for the purposes of developing the individualized garments, the exploration of which is presented in this paper. The discussed area is also implemented in the Erasmus+ project OptimTex - Software tools for textile creatives, which is fully aligned with the new trends propelled by the digitization of the whole textile sector. The Slovenian module focuses on presenting the needs of digitization for the development of individualized garments by using different software tools: 3D Sense, PotPlayer, Meshroom, MeshLab, Blender and OptiTex. The module provides four examples: 3D human body scanning using 3D photogrammetry, 3D human body modelling and reconstruction, construction of a kinematic 3D body model and 3D virtual prototyping of individualized smart garments, and thus displays the entire process for the needs of 3D virtual prototyping of individualized garments. In the OptimTex project, the 3D software Blender was used to demonstrate and teach students how to construct the "armature" of the human body as an object for rigging or the virtual skeleton for a 3D kinematic body model, using the knee as an example.

Study Regarding the Kinematic 3D Human-Body Model Intended for Simulation of Personalized Clothes for a Sitting Posture.

This study deals with the development of a kinematic 3D human-body model with an improved armature in the pelvic region, intended for a sitting posture (SIT), using Blender software. It is based on the scanned female body in a standing posture (STA) and SIT. Real and virtual measures of females’ lower-body circumferences for both postures were examined. Virtual prototyping of trousers was performed to investigate their fit and comfort on the scanned and kinematic 3D body models and to make comparison with real trousers. With the switch from STA to SIT, real and virtual lower-body circumferences increase and are reflected in the fit and comfort of virtual and real trousers. In SIT, the increased circumferences are attributed to the redistribution of body muscles and adipose tissue around the joints, as well as changes in joints’ shapes in body flexion regions, which are not uniformly represented on the kinematic sitting 3D body model, despite improved armature in the pelvic region. The study shows that average increases in waist, hip, thigh, and knee circumferences should be included in the process of basic clothing-pattern designs for SIT as minimal ease allowances, as should, in the future, armature designs that consider muscle and adipose tissues, to achieve realistic volumes for kinematic 3D body models in SIT.

A desmoking algorithm for endoscopic images based on improved U‐Net model

AbstractIn laparoscopic surgery, the smoke generated by operations including electrocautery and laser ablation seriously degrades the quality of endoscopic images. It not only reduces the visibility of the surgery, leading to increased risk of surgery, but also affects the performance of image processing in computer‐assisted surgery such as segmentation, 3D reconstruction and tracking. Therefore, a desmoking algorithm is required to eliminate smoke in endoscopic images. In this article, we study a U‐Net model that can eliminate smoke of the laparoscopic image in real‐time and preserve the natural appearance of the organ surface. Our method is based on the improved U‐Net in which convolutional block attention module is used as an embedded guide mask of the decoder part. The laparoscopic image dataset is provided by the Hamlyn Center, and the Blender software is used to simulate various situations of smoke added to the laparoscopic image for training and testing. For the proposed method, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio value is up to 29.27 and the structural similarity index is up to 0.945 over the test images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a better performance than other six existing methods, which is applicable for real‐time endoscopic image processing.