From configuration to visualization in seconds – scalable 3D pipeline for dynamic product images.
Several hundred thousand variants of hundreds of different products – that was the initial situation for sendmoments. The entire web-to-print product portfolio needed to be integrated onto the website with photorealistic representation. However, traditional photography was not an option, as the configurable variations were far too numerous. Furthermore, with designs and products constantly evolving, new product images needed to be available quickly.
We developed a customized concept where the main components of the images were pre-rendered, and dynamic image elements could be exchanged. Since everything was developed in 3D, we were also able to accurately represent designs on uneven or curved surfaces.
A major focus was also placed on the finishing of certain products. This involves foil finishes or UV varnish applied to the printed products. It was necessary to develop a fully automated solution that creates a convincing look for these finishes, including various reflections, coloring, and a relief effect.
In addition to developing the 3D content, we also developed a software interface to the client's existing 2D thumbnail system. This allows sendmoments to independently produce new card designs for existing products. All images of possible product variations are thus fully automatically pre-rendered and stored on the servers. On average, this takes less than a second per image. Website visitors therefore do not experience any additional waiting times during configuration, as all variations have already been pre-produced as image files in multiple views.
As an extension, a higher-performance version was also implemented for various products, allowing the customer's configured design to be displayed photorealistically on the product within a few seconds.
