Fitting a facet design to a piece of rough

[RoughCreations]

I have been doing a proof of concept for fitting a chosen faceting design to a piece of gem rough using 3D software and an automatic algorithm. Yes, I probably have too much time on my hands, but I do a lot of 3D modelling in my paid work, so it doesn't hurt to have a play. The aim is to get the best yield possible from a design-rough geometry perspective.

The fairly random facet design I used for testing purposes is "Watch" by Dan Starr



The gem rough is a chunk of smoky quartz. I painted it in ochre to reduce reflections which allows a better 3D model to be created by the software.



34 images of the rough were taken at different angles. A patterned "Zebra" base was used which allowed the 3D processing software to better understand the orientation.
The set of images were first processed into a point cloud, and then a mesh object.





The gem design and the rough were imported into 3D software and then enmeshed together.



The challenge is to see if doing the best-fit step can be automated. This is the key point in the whole process, it can be done manually with the software as I have done in the picture above, but full automation is the aim.

RC

[Manficat]

This is way beyond me  this would probably be quite helpful for faceting. what kind of things do you 3d model in your paid work?

[RoughCreations]

It may be useful for the computer-keen person with a piece of high value rough.
I 3D-model mineral deposits in my paid work as a geologist and then calculate a resource (tonnage and grade).
Incidentally, if anyone reading this (or someone they know) needs a mineral resource calculated, let me know - special price for Forum members, lol.

RC

[bush]

What cad are you using?
I'll see if I can create a script or plugin to calculate the best fit

[RoughCreations]

What cad are you using?
I'll see if I can create a script or plugin to calculate the best fit

Meshroom for the photogrammetry, and Blender for the best fit. I might also try MeshLab for the best fit as it is easier to use. They're all free and open-source software.