Source form an automated crowdsourced object generator

Abstract

Source Form is a stand-alone device capable of collecting crowdsourced images of a user-defined object, stitching together available visual data (e.g., photos tagged with search term) through photogrammetry, creating watertight models from the resulting point cloud and 3D printing a physical form. This device works completely independent of subjective user input resulting in two possible outcomes:
1. Produce iterative versions of a specific object (e.g., the Statue of Liberty) increasing in detail and accuracy over time as the collective dataset (e.g., uploaded images of the statue) grows.
2. Produce democratized versions of common objects (e.g., an apple) by aggregating a spectrum of tagged image results.
This project demonstrates that an increase in readily available image data closes the gap between physical and digital perceptions of form through time. For example, when Source Form is asked to print the Statue of Liberty today and then print again 6 months from now, the later result will be more accurate and detailed than the previous version. As people continue to take pictures of the monument and upload them to social media, blogs and photo sharing sites, the database of images grows in quantity and quality. Because Source Form gathers a new dataset with each print, the resulting forms will always be evolving. The collection of prints the machine produces over time are cataloged and displayed in linear groupings, providing viewers an opportunity to see growth and change in physical space.
In addition to rendering change over time, a snapshot of a more common object's web perception could be created. For example, when an image search for "apple" is performed, the results are a spectrum of condition and species from rotting crab apples to gleaming Granny-Smith's. Source Form aggregates all of these images into one model and outputs the collective web presence of an "apple". Characteristics of the model are guided by the frequency and order in response to the image web search. The resulting democratized forms are emblematic of the web's collective and popular perceptions.