HOW TO USE YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR 3D SCANNING

hedgehog · ‎03-31-2020

https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/147024-what-is-a-time-of-flight-camera-and-which-phones-have...

HOW TO USE YOUR SMARTPHONE FOR 3D SCANNING

In the digital age where Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our life, 3D scanning is leveraging smartphones to allow customers to 3D scan on the go. 3D scanning is slowly gaining traction with mobile users because of which a bouquet of scanning apps are available. Thanks to the cutting edge technology, you can transform your phone into a scanner and create digital images of objects in the surrounding. The whole idea is to make three-dimensional scanning as simple as taking selfies with a mobile phone. Now, instead of taking regular conventional photos, you have to move the camera around the object to capture the image. And, once the scanning is finished, the app collects the data and turns it into a 3D model. You can use the model and print the images.

3 TIPS FOR 3D SCANNING OBJECTS USING A SMARTPHONE

1) PROPER LIGHTING

Whether you’re using the 3D scanning services indoors or outdoors, you need adequate lighting. To get the best results, it’s recommended to scan the images under bright light, which spreads evenly around the object. Furthermore, if your scan objects with complex geometry or hollowed objects, ensure that the sun does not create shadows, otherwise the object will not be appropriately read by the scanner. Moreover, to get a uniform result, beware that the model fits the screen, so adjust the model or position the scanner in a way it captures the images properly.

2) CHOOSING THE OBJECT

Smartphone scanners are not meant for scanning thin or moving objects such as tree-leaves. As far as possible, avoid objects with plain geometry because they lack geometric complexion and results in reflection, which hampers the overall quality of the output. For the same reason, avoid transparent objects as differentiating them from the background becomes a tough task for the 3D scanning services. And, you will end-up wasting your time on objects which are impossible to represent using a three-dimensional scan.

3) 3D SCANNING FACES

3D scanning services offer a bouquet of advantages when used in integration with a Smartphone. And, if you’re looking to scan the face of an individual, start scanning from ear to ear by walking around the person. Ensure you capture the face from different angles so that you don’t end up missing some of the critical features of the face. However, to obtain a perfect scan, you need to maintain an equal distance from the person while scanning the face. The hair of the individuals might not appear in the best possible way. Try to place the person you’re scanning in a background with a single and bright color. This way the scanner can differentiate between the head from the background, thereby giving a high-quality scan.

Search the Play store or iTunes for a scanning app that fits your daily requirement. Furthermore, focus on hiring 3D scanning services to create high-quality images, which you can share with your friends and family members.

Photogrammetry – 3D scanning with just your phone/camera

Have you ever wished that you could easily transfer a real object into a digital file? The technology is here, but most of us simply do not have access to high-end 3D scanners that can reconstruct the digital geometry of a physical model. Not to mention that some objects can be way too big for any traditional 3D scanner. However, there is another, much cheaper way to create 3D models corresponding to real-world objects.

What is photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry (or SFM – Structure From Motion) is a process that estimates the three-dimensional coordinates of surface points using pictures of a single physical object taken from different angles. At least that’s the oversimplified one-line explanation. You take a bunch of pictures of the object from all possible directions, then you use these photos as an input for a specialized software. This software will look for features that are visible in multiple pictures and try to guess from which point was the picture taken. Knowing the camera positions and orientations, it creates a 3D point that corresponds to the 2D feature on the photo (basically a pixel). Ideally, you’d get a finished 3D mesh as an output. But often it might be better to process the reconstructed points into a mesh manually for much better results.

Software

The list of available photogrammetry software is pretty long. The problem is that most of the programs are either very expensive or limited in features in the free version. Some programs even offer cloud-based computation, which is handy, but further increases the cost.

Using the 3D Scanner on my Samsung Phone

Create fun 3D images with your Galaxy Note10+, Note10+ 5G, S20+ and S20 Ultra by capturing an object using the 3D Time of Flight (ToF) depth camera. Simply download 3D Scanner on your on your compatible Galaxy phone to begin creating your very own 3D models.

Follow the below guide the learn how to use the 3D Scanner feature on your Galaxy phone.

Please Note: The 3D Scanner is only available on the Galaxy Note10+, Galaxy Note10+ 5G, S20+ & S20 Ultra. Functionality may differ depending on various factors including shooting conditions - being outdoors, object characteristics - object is too large, too small, highly reflective or extremely dark. The measurement range is approximately in between 20x20x20 (cm) by 80x80x80(cm).

1Launch your Camera app

2Swipe through the camera modes and select MORE

3Select Bixby Vision

3Agree to the Pop up Permissions.

Agree to the Privacy Policy, Bixby Vision partners and pop up permissions

4Under Apps select 3D Scanner

5Download and Open 3D Scanner.

6Tap the record button when you have the object within the guided lines.

For best results, scan things that are at least 20cm tall and aren't dark, transparent or reflective. Also make sure there's nothing else nearby that could be scanned by mistake. Ensure you hold your phone 20 - 80cm away from what you want to scan.

7Slowly circle around the object ensuring you scan all areas indicated in blue.
Once complete, tap on the stop button.

8Once the model is complete, you will be able to view the completed 3D scan where you can convert to AGIFs and create videos or images with other objects or people.

Transferring to a PC

You can easily transfer you 3D scan to your PC to further edit, simply connect your Galaxy phone and PC using a Samsung approved cable then drag and drop the zipped file onto your desktop or downloads on your PC. Ensure you have unlocked your Galaxy phone and allowed permissions to access your data saved on the device.

1Open up File explorer and select your Galaxy phone