Toying with Photosynth

Ever since Microsoft launched their new product - Photosynth, I've been tormenting my old Pentium 4 laptop to cough out (render) more 3D images of Figma Mirai at various viewing angles.


Test 1:

(8 Photos - 100% Synthy)

Initially, I tried to synth Figma Mirai with existing images I did previously. I was quite surprised to get 100% synthy, meaning all the images matched, but something's just not right...





Test 2:

(24 Photos - 21% Synthy)

This time, I used the nekomimi version of Figma Mirai as the test subject. I read through the Photosynth Photography Guide carefully and rendered my 3D model at every 15 degrees in hope of synthing Figma Mirai accurately. The result is a little disappointing though - only 21% synthy.





Test 3:

(72 Photos - 56% Synthy)

Then I tripled the number of photos from the previous test, i.e. I do a snapshot at every 5 degrees angle instead. Still quite disappointed with the result. But at least I get to see a fraction of the navigational halo now.





Test 4:

(72 Photos - 56% Synthy)

Since Photosynth detects textures instead of edges, I thought that by decorating the floor with some characters, I can raise the synthy percentage. Guess what? That didn't help at all... orz





Test 5:

(360 Photos - 100% Synthy)

I decided to go all out and rendered Figma Mirai by rotating the camera at every single degree. Although I scored a perfect synth this time, I still could not get a full navigational halo.





Conclusion:

The synthing algorithm requires more work. Photo quantity matters. And I need a better PC for faster rendering xD