Model Checker: A Blender add-on for 3D discrepancy analysis

In the field of 3D modeling, one of the greatest challenges is ensuring that digital models are accurate and faithful to the original data or the desired design. This is especially important in projects that require restoration, model optimization, or in those that demand high precision, such as creating replicas for museums, archaeological research, or even industrial design. 

This is where discrepancy analysis comes into play, a technique that allows for the comparison of two 3D models to identify differences in their shapes or structures. These analyses help detect variations in the distances between models. With them, we can ensure that corrections or adaptations are as precise as possible while maintaining the integrity of the original model. 

To facilitate these discrepancy analyses, we have developed Model Checker, an open-source plugin for Blender. This software enables the evaluation of differences between models in terms of minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviation distances. The results are intuitively visualized through heatmaps, which are fully adaptable to the project’s needs. 

One of the main features of Model Checker is its full integration within the Blender environment, including the ability to export these heatmaps as textures and visualize them in immersive Virtual Reality. This not only speeds up the analysis process but also allows for a deeper evaluation of the results directly within the workflow, without the need to rely on external tools. Additionally, the tool enables tracking of changes between different versions of the same project, making comparison and version control much easier. 

Compared to other solutions like CloudCompare, Model Checker has a maximum error margin of 1 mm, making it suitable for tasks that require millimetric precision. Its ability to manage version control, immersive Virtual Reality visualization, and seamless integration into 3D modeling software makes it a practical and user-friendly option for those seeking precision and control in their modeling projects. 

For more details on the research and its results, check out our full article in the book “Extended Reality. XR Salento 2024”. You can also download the software from the following link: https://xrailab.es/cases/model-checker/#1709554720697-2eae02c2-4b76 

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