How to convert photos into 3D models and be able to print them with a 3D printer?

There are 3 ways that I know of:

1.Multiple photos to synthesize a 3D model.Autodesk's 123D Catch can synthesize a 3D model out of about 20 photos. Above cherry chen (can not @ to you, sorry, the same name too much) mentioned 3DCloud should be similar principle.

2, a single photo to generate three-dimensional model. I accidentally found today, there is a fee-based software called Face shop, (with a 15-day free trial) can be a photo of a manual point, modeling to generate a 3D model, the main face can be better restored out. The method of operation is, according to the software prompts, in your photo to specify the location of the glasses, nose, mouth and other parts, and then outline your face, eyebrows, nose, the software will be based on these features to generate a model to, and then the texture of your face mapping to the model.

3, with ordinary bmp, jpg format photos to generate relief. This is relatively simple, slicing software Cura has this function, the approximate method should be, the software converts the photo to black and white, and then according to the different gray scale of different points, generate different points of the depth of the value, so you can generate a relief effect of the model. There are already several software programs that can convert photos into 3D models, but they generally require more than two photos taken from different angles. For example, Autodesk's Catch123D is said to have been developed by Tsinghua University only one photo can be 3D modeling software, but it is also a flash in the pan, not seen later. Tsinghua University developed 3D software modeling only a photo currently on the market does not have a software that can convert the photo perfectly into a 3D model, but this is the trend, there are a lot of bull B companies have been all in the research. Currently the best way is to find a good modeling ability of 3D modeling staff, according to the picture directly do it. Regarding 3D printed models there are standards for 3D printed models.