miachel-brown

[miachel-brown]

Keyboard Makeover: Turning Figurines into Custom Keycaps!

So, my friend gifted me a set of cute figurines for “good luck” and “prosperity” decor. Nice? Sure. But too basic for me! So, I had this lightbulb moment to turn them into keycaps for my mechanical keyboard using my MIRACO 3D scanner!

First, I carefully scanned the figurines’ details, then imported the 3D model into Maya to tweak the fit and add cool expressions. After slicing it for printing, I went all out with some DIY painting. Although I’m no art genius, the final keycaps were beyond awesome—this keyboard feels totally reborn!

When my friends saw the finished product, they were mind-blown, calling me a DIY wizard. Now, every time I type, it’s like I’m on a space mission! This project gave me a truly one-of-a-kind keyboard and a newfound love for DIY! 🎉

[miachel-brown]

DIY Halloween Horror: Custom Scary Prosthetic Hand with a 3D Scanner! 🎃

Halloween's around the corner, and I wanted something unique this year! So, I decided to make my own terrifying prosthetic hand—here’s how it went!

1️⃣ 3D Scan Magic: I scanned my hand with the MIRACO 3D scanner. Every line and wrinkle was captured perfectly. Felt like I was seeing a digital twin! 👻

2️⃣ C4D Design: Imported the scan into Cinema 4D, added some creepy textures and cracks. A little tweaking here, a little shading there—it started looking freakishly real!

3️⃣ Printing the Monster: Sliced the model in Chitbox, then printed it layer by layer. Watching it slowly emerge was so satisfying—and kind of eerie!

4️⃣ Painting the Scare: Time to add color! I went wild with reds and darks, adding depth to make it look aged and, well… disturbingly lifelike.

Result? A spooky prosthetic hand that’s ready to shock at any Halloween party! Give it a try if you want to add a creepy custom touch to your Halloween look! 🎨👹

[miachel-brown]

From Ukulele to Ukulele Lamp: My Wonderful DIY Journey

Recently, the DIY guitar making craze has swept the world. Seeing my friends around me making guitars, I also ignited the desire to create. But the first step for me as a "craftsman" is not to make a guitar, but to transform the ukulele in my hand into a unique table lamp. Yes, a ukulele lamp! So, the story begins.

I first took out my MIRACO Plus 3D scanner and prepared to scan the ukulele. For me, the process of scanning this small instrument is like making a micro-movie about it. MIRACO Plus performed very well, as if to say, "Don't worry, the complex textures and details are all in my hands!" I just need to shake it gently, and the scanner quickly captures every curve and detail of the ukulele. Although I was a little nervous, when I saw the results of the scan, I couldn't help but cheer: "Great!"

Next, I imported the scanned data into Maya software and started the modeling process. At first, my fingers were a little clumsy, like trying to play a new chord. But slowly, I found the rhythm, and the model gradually took shape under my fingertips. Looking at this model made by my own hands, the sense of accomplishment in my heart is simply indescribable.

To make this table lamp more artistic, I added warm lighting effects during post-rendering. Imagine that when the light casts charming light and shadow through the body of the ukulele, at that moment, I seem to hear melodious music flowing in the room. Whenever night falls, I light up this uke lamp, and the surrounding environment instantly becomes warm and cozy, as if the whole room is whispering.

In the process of completing this DIY project, I found that making is not just putting things together, but the process of incorporating my own emotions and creativity into it. Every detail of the ukulele is full of my hard work, and this uke lamp not only illuminates my room, but also illuminates my heart.

So, if you are also interested in DIY, why not try using a 3D scanner and modeling software to create something unique. Perhaps you will find that every object around you has the potential to become a work of art, just like my uke lamp. In short, life is too short, why not make it more brilliant?

[miachel-brown]

3D scanning has become much more affordable and accessible compared to just a few years ago when you would have been looking at paying $30k or more for scanners. These days, you could be packing an all-singing and dancing scanner for under $800.

 “So what?” you say, “I’ve never needed a 3D scanner before; why would I need one now?”  

Because they are fantastic devices with a wealth of uses that will save you time and money at home or work.

So, let’s look at reasons to get a 3D scanner.

Saving Time Whether you’re reverse engineering, prototyping, designing, animating, or doing anything that requires making 3D models, you know it’s a time-consuming process involving lots of manual measurements with tape measures, calipers, and constant checks to verify that your 3D model is accurate. 

Imagine the time you could save if you didn't have to manually measure complex objects. With a 3D scanner, this is a reality. In a matter of minutes, you can capture an object and create a 3D model, a process that would have taken hours or even days with traditional methods. 

Saving Money That’s right. It's going to save you money, possibly in multiple ways. The obvious way is that time is money; thus, saving you time also saves you money. It might even help you make more money by streamlining your work processes enough to increase your capacity.

Another way it can help save money is that with consistently accurate 3D data, you won’t waste materials in trial-and-error testing to discover if something fits.

3D Printing With access to a 3D printer, you can make just about anything, but only if you have a 3D model. Sure, you could fire up Blender and create it from scratch, but that isn't easy, and even if you know what you’re doing, it’s still time-consuming.

With a 3D scanner, the world is your oyster for models. Have a flower pot with a neat design, but it’s too small, then scan it, scale it up in software, and print a new one. Want a copy of a cool statue in town? Give it a scan, and make your own.

[miachel-brown]

Why is 3D scanning expensive?

There are several factors that contribute to the cost of 3D scanning, making it relatively expensive:

Specialized Equipment: 3D scanning requires the use of specialized equipment such as laser scanners, structured light scanners, or photogrammetry setups. These devices are often expensive to purchase and maintain, contributing to the overall cost.

Skilled Operators: Operating a 3D scanner effectively requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Skilled operators who can properly set up the equipment, calibrate it, and capture accurate scans are in demand and often come at a higher cost.

Time-Consuming Process: 3D scanning is a time-consuming process that involves capturing data from multiple angles or frames. Depending on the complexity and size of the object, scanning can take hours or even days to complete. The longer the scanning process, the higher the cost.

Data Processing: After capturing the scans, the data needs to be processed to create a usable 3D model. This step involves aligning and merging the captured data, cleaning up artifacts or noise, and generating the final model. Data processing requires powerful computer hardware and specialized software, which can be costly.

Quality Assurance: Ensuring the accuracy and quality of the scanned data requires additional steps such as checking for errors, aligning multiple scans, and refining the model. Quality assurance adds to the overall cost as it involves manual inspection and verification.

Post-Processing and Editing: Depending on the intended use of the 3D model, post-processing and editing may be necessary. This can involve smoothing surfaces, filling gaps or holes, adding textures, or optimizing the model for specific applications. These additional steps add to the cost.

Licensing and Intellectual Property: In some cases, the 3D scanning process may involve scanning copyrighted or proprietary objects. Obtaining the necessary licenses or permissions to scan and use such objects can incur additional costs.

It's important to note that while 3D scanning can be expensive, the costs have been decreasing over time as technology advances and becomes more accessible. Additionally, the benefits and applications of 3D scanning, such as in industries like medicine, architecture, or entertainment, often outweigh the initial investment.

[miachel-brown]

Can I use my phone as a 3D scanner?

Yes, you can use your phone as a 3D scanner, but there are significant differences between using a phone and a professional 3D scanner.

Accuracy and Precision: Professional 3D scanner are designed for high precision and accuracy, capturing intricate details with minimal error. They often use structured light, laser, or photogrammetry techniques to ensure precise measurements. In contrast, phone-based scanning apps may lack the same level of accuracy due to limitations in hardware and software algorithms. They may struggle to capture fine details or accurately reconstruct complex geometries.

Resolution and Quality: Professional 3D scanners typically offer higher resolution and quality output compared to phone-based scanning apps. They are capable of capturing detailed surface textures and geometries, making them ideal for applications requiring high-fidelity 3D models. Phone-based scanners, on the other hand, may produce models with lower resolution and quality, which may suffice for basic scanning tasks but may not meet the standards of professional applications.

Speed and Efficiency: Professional 3D scanner are engineered for efficiency and speed, allowing for rapid data capture and processing. They often feature advanced hardware and software optimizations to streamline the scanning workflow. Phone-based scanning apps, while convenient and portable, may be slower and less efficient due to hardware limitations and processing constraints. Scanning with a phone may require more time and effort to achieve satisfactory results compared to using a dedicated 3D scanner.

Flexibility and Versatility: Phone-based scanning apps offer greater flexibility and versatility in terms of accessibility and portability. Since most people already own smartphones, using them as 3D scanners eliminates the need for additional hardware investments. Additionally, phone-based scanning apps allow users to scan objects remotely and in various environments, providing greater flexibility in scanning locations. However, they may lack the specialized features and capabilities of professional 3D scanners, limiting their suitability for certain applications requiring advanced functionality.

In summary, while it is possible to use your phone as a 3D scanner, there are significant differences in accuracy, resolution, speed, and functionality compared to professional 3D scanners. Phone-based scanning apps offer convenience and accessibility but may not match the precision and performance of dedicated 3D scanning equipment. The choice between using a phone or a professional 3D scanner depends on the specific requirements of your project and the level of precision and quality needed.

[miachel-brown]

Revolutionizing industries with 3D scanning

This cutting-edge technology is changing the industry. From construction and manufacturing to healthcare and entertainment, 3D scanning is reshaping how we work and interact. Let's explore its incredible potential.

Building and Construction: 3D scanning replaces traditional blueprints, simplifying collaboration and increasing project efficiency.

Manufacturing and Engineering: 3D scanning ensures accuracy, identifies defects and optimizes production workflows.

Healthcare and Medicine: 3D scanning enables personalized treatments, surgical planning and customized solutions.

Fun and Games: Use 3D scanning to create lifelike characters, stunning visuals, and immersive experiences.

Among the many 3D scanner brands, the one that impressed me the most is Revopoint. They are committed to creating a distinctive scanning experience, and their recently launched MIRACO 3D scanner is really eye-catching, with its all-in-one design and powerful performance. Experience the benefits.

We look forward to the future development of the 3D scanning industry bringing convenience to more industries, and we also look forward to Revopoint bringing better creativity!

[miachel-brown]

The Application of 3D Scanners in Facial Recognition

3D scanners have revolutionized the field of facial recognition, offering higher accuracy and improved performance compared to traditional 2D methods. In this article, we will explore the application of 3D scanners in facial recognition technology.

Enhanced Accuracy: Unlike 2D facial recognition, which relies on images, 3D scanners capture facial depth and structure. This additional data provides more accurate and robust identification, making it difficult to deceive the system with photographs or masks. 3D scanners can detect subtle features such as facial contours and texture, enabling reliable and precise identification.

Improved Performance: 3D scanners offer superior performance in challenging conditions, such as low lighting or occlusions. The ability to capture a three-dimensional representation of the face allows for more reliable recognition, even in varying environmental conditions. This ensures better performance and reduces false positives or negatives.

Anti-Spoofing Measures: 3D scanners can incorporate anti-spoofing measures to detect and prevent fraudulent attempts to deceive the facial recognition system. By analyzing facial depth and movement, the scanner can distinguish between a live face and a static image or video, adding an extra layer of security.

Versatile Applications: 3D scanners in facial recognition have a wide range of applications. From access control systems in secure facilities to law enforcement and border control, the technology provides fast and accurate identification. It can also be applied in healthcare for patient identification, personalized medicine, and monitoring emotional states for mental health assessments.

Privacy Concerns: While the benefits of 3D scanners in facial recognition are evident, privacy concerns must be addressed. Regulations and policies should be implemented to ensure the proper use and protection of personal data. Transparency and consent are essential to maintain public trust in the technology.

The application of 3D scanners in facial recognition offers enhanced accuracy, improved performance, and versatile applications in various industries. From security to healthcare, this technology provides reliable identification and authentication. However, privacy concerns must be addressed to ensure responsible and ethical use. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further improvements and innovations in the field of facial recognition with the integration of 3D scanners.

[miachel-brown]

I recently got my hands on a 3D scanner and boy, did I go on a scanning spree! From household items to my pet's toys, I scanned everything in sight. But the real fun began when I decided to scan my favorite helmet and get creative with it.

After the scanning process, I was left with a digital replica of my helmet. It was like having a virtual version of my beloved headgear. But I didn't want to stop there. I wanted to add my own personal touch and unleash my inner designer.

With a stroke of genius (or maybe just plain luck), I got to work on my digital masterpiece. I tweaked the design, added some flashy patterns, and even threw in a touch of glitter. Who says helmets can't be fashionable, right? I wanted my head to be both safe and stylish.

But the real challenge came when it was time to bring my creation to life. Armed with my trusty 3D printer, I embarked on a journey to turn my digital design into a tangible, wearable helmet. It was like playing mad scientist, mixing technology with creativity.

After a few failed attempts and some minor mishaps (let's just say my first print looked more like a potato than a helmet), I finally nailed it. The end result was a stunning, one-of-a-kind helmet that turned heads wherever I went. It was a unique blend of functionality and fashion, a true masterpiece of modern craftsmanship.

So there you have it: my adventure with a MIRACO 3D scanner, a dash of imagination, and a sprinkle of humor. Who knew that a simple helmet could become a canvas for creativity? The possibilities are endless when you combine technology with a touch of whimsy. So go ahead, unleash your inner designer, and let your imagination run wild. Who knows what amazing creations you'll come up with next?

[miachel-brown]

Capturing Essence: The Marvel of 3D Scanning

In the world of technology and innovation, 3D scanning has become a powerful tool that allows us to capture the essence of people in incredible detail. With a 3D scanner in hand, we can transform a person into a digital avatar, preserving their likeness for eternity. It's like freezing a moment in time, but in a virtual realm.

The process begins with the subject standing or sitting in front of the 3D scanner. This device, equipped with multiple cameras and sensors, captures the person's shape, texture, and even color. It's a bit like being photographed from every angle simultaneously.

As the subject remains still, the scanner does its magic, capturing thousands of data points to create a precise 3D model. It's a fascinating sight to see the person's image slowly materializing on the computer screen, as if they are being reborn in a digital form.

Once the scanning is complete, the data is processed using specialized software. This is where the real artistry happens, as the scanned model is refined, cleaned up, and prepared for its digital journey. Imperfections are smoothed out, textures are enhanced, and colors are adjusted to create a stunningly realistic representation.

The final result is a digital masterpiece – a lifelike avatar that can be used for various purposes. From creating personalized figurines to virtual reality experiences, the possibilities are endless. Imagine having a miniaturized version of yourself, or stepping into a virtual world where you can interact with your own digital twin.

Thanks to the marvels of 3D scanning, we can now capture and immortalize the essence of individuals in ways we never thought possible. It truly is a testament to the boundless potential of technology and its ability to bring our wildest imaginations to life.

[miachel-brown]

The Whimsical Wonders of 3D Scanning in Toy Crafting

Ever pondered how your cherished toys leap from the realms of imagination right into your eager hands? Well, fasten your seatbelts because we're embarking on an exhilarating journey through the enchanting universe of 3D scanning in the domain of toy creation!

Gone are the struggles of yore in toy crafting, where designers grappled with clay and molds. Enter the superhero of the toy realm: the 3D scanner. Picture this – a scanner armed with lasers, gracefully orbiting a toy prototype, meticulously capturing every contour and crevice with the finesse of a toy surgeon. It's like magic, but with an extra dose of cool!

So, how does it work? Envision your toy as a rockstar center stage in 3D. The scanner casts its laser spotlight, delineating the toy's every move – the twists, turns, and curves that render it uniquely extraordinary. It's akin to a red-carpet moment for toys, with our 3D scanner playing the role of an exuberant paparazzo.

But hold on, there's more! The scanner doesn't merely stop at creating a digital twin; it goes above and beyond. It captures the essence, the soul of the toy, ensuring that every feature inducing giggles is faithfully preserved. That infectious laughter when squeezing a rubber ducky? Absolutely, the 3D scanner's got it covered!

Now, let's delve into the perks. 3D scanning knows no bounds – whether your toy is a pint-sized action hero or a larger-than-life dinosaur, the scanner embraces them all. It's the ultimate equalizer, uniting toys of all shapes and sizes in the grand carnival of playfulness.

And guess what? The digital revolution doesn't conclude with the scan. Thanks to our 3D scanner, such as MIRACO 3D scanner, the creative minds behind the toys can tweak and twirl the digital model until it's just right. It's akin to having a virtual toy workshop where dreams are sculpted, and laughter is the primary ingredient.

In conclusion, dear toy aficionados, the epoch of 3D scanning in toy crafting is like the most fantastic playdate ever. It breathes life into your favorite characters, ensures no toy is left out, and unleashes creativity in the digital wonderland. So, the next time you squeeze that rubber ducky or exchange high-fives with your action hero, bear in mind – there's a playful 3D scanner behind the scenes, conjuring up the magic!

[miachel-brown]

Guardians of Cultural Heritage: 3D Scanners

Cultural heritage plays a vital role in preserving our history, identity, and collective memory. However, the passage of time and external factors pose significant threats to these precious artifacts. Fortunately, the emergence of three-dimensional (3D) scanners has provided a powerful tool for safeguarding and preserving cultural heritage.

Preservation: 3D scanners have revolutionized the preservation process of cultural artifacts. By capturing detailed and precise 3D models, these scanners enable the creation of digital replicas that can be accessed and studied by researchers, historians, and the public. This technology allows for the preservation of fragile or deteriorating artifacts, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations.

Documentation: 3D scanners have become invaluable in documenting cultural heritage sites. With their ability to capture intricate details, 3D scanners enable the creation of accurate digital records of historical buildings, archaeological sites, and monuments. This documentation serves as a valuable resource for conservation efforts, architectural restorations, and educational purposes. It also allows for virtual tours, giving people the opportunity to explore and experience these sites from anywhere in the world.

Restoration: The application of 3D scanner in cultural heritage restoration is truly remarkable. By creating a digital representation of an artifact or structure, restoration experts can analyze and recreate missing or damaged parts with precision. This technology aids in the restoration process, ensuring authenticity and preserving the original design and character of the artifact or structure.

Education and Research: 3D scanners have become essential tools for education and research in the field of cultural heritage. They allow scholars and students to study artifacts and architectural structures in great detail, facilitating in-depth analysis and understanding. Researchers can also use these digital replicas for virtual reconstructions, hypothesizing about the original appearance and function of ancient artifacts or structures.

The emergence of 3D scanners has transformed the way we preserve, document, restore, and study cultural heritage. These scanners have become the guardians of our history, protecting and sharing the rich legacy of our ancestors. As technology advances, the potential for 3D scanners in cultural heritage preservation continues to grow, promising a brighter future for the protection and appreciation of our cultural heritage.

[miachel-brown]

Hello everyone, today I want to introduce to you our old friend — MIRACO 3D scanner. As a wireless all-in-one professional portable 3D scanner, it can freely switch between panoramic and close-up modes, meeting the needs of capturing a wide range and presenting details. The close-up mode is suitable for capturing small objects with intricate details, providing a model accuracy of 0.05 mm. On the other hand, the panoramic mode excels at capturing larger objects with an accuracy of 0.3 mm. MIRACO features a 48-megapixel RGB camera for clear and detailed scanning. It is equipped with a 2K high-definition AMOLED immersive display, enabling real-time preview of the scanning results and ensuring hand-eye coordination during the scanning process. This design caters to the on-the-go handling of models anytime, anywhere. The display screen can also flip 180°, allowing for self-scanning operations.

Don't you want to give this 3D scanner a try?

[miachel-brown]

As expected, Revopoint's first wireless integrated professional portable 3D scanner, MIRACO, has been unveiled. As Revopoint's annual flagship product, MIRACO features an advanced four-depth camera structure, an infrared light system, with a single-frame repeatability of up to 0.02mm and a minimum point distance of 0.05mm, ensuring precise capture of every detail. MIRACO can cover a working distance of 100mm to 1000mm, with scanning capabilities for objects ranging in size from 10mm to 4000mm, from large aircraft components to small coin screws. Additionally, MIRACO adopts an All-in-One design, integrating scanning, display, and post-processing, allowing the entire process to be completed without the need for a computer or smartphone, dedicated to providing a more flexible scanning experience.

[miachel-brown]

In this article, we will go over the top ten most common 3D scanning mistakes. So buckle up, peel your eyes, and get ready to avoid all these common 3D scanning errors in the future.

Not Adjusting the Exposure

Or even failing to set it to auto causes many new 3D scanner users to immediately conclude they’ve got a lemon of a product on their hands. Because if the exposure isn’t adjusted, the depth cameras may have an issue clearly seeing the item in front of them.

Again, this is a relatively simple one to fix, adjust the depth camera’s exposure until there are as few red or blue splotches on the object in Revo Scan’s preview window as possible. And don’t forget to set the RGB camera’s exposure as well if doing a color scan.

Not Treating Surfaces

Failing to remember middle-school physics lessons happens to the best of us sometimes. Anyway, as it turns out, structured light scanners have a tough time dealing with dark and shiny surfaces as they absorb or scatter light, respectively. Though fear not, this can easily be remedied by using some scanning spray to create a micro-thin matte surface on the item you want to scan.

Another common surface error is not placing marker points on an object that doesn’t have any distinct features for the scanner to track during the scan. Because if all the surfaces are flat and featureless, then everything looks the same to the scanner, so it has no idea where it is or going.

Picking the Wrong Settings

Yep, even if you get the preparation right, you’ll have a lousy time if you pick the wrong settings for the scan. You’ve sprayed the car’s surface and placed your marker points, but the scanner’s still losing track. That would be because you forgot to switch to the marker tracking mode before starting the scan.

Movement

Too fast or too slow, neither is suitable for getting good 3D scans. Too fast will most likely result in a loss of tracking, and too slow will lead to too much over-scanning of the same area, impacting the quality of your final model. This applies to both scanning handheld or with a turntable. So the best approach for handheld scans is like the tortoise and the hare. In other words, slow and steady will get you the best 3D scan.

For turntable scanning, just don’t set the turn table’s speed too low. Anything under 40 seconds for a rotation should be fine.

Environment

Most Revopoint 3D scanners use infrared light, so any light source emitting infrared light will interfere with the scan. For example, direct sunlight, be it outdoors or streaming through a window, will impact the quality of a scan. Meaning it’s essential to control the lighting where ever you’re scanning. 

If you want to scan outside, it’s best to do it at dusk or on a very overcast day when there is still some light but the sun isn’t glaring down on the object you’re scanning.

Losing Track

You’re halfway through the scan, you’ve paused the scan to adjust the object’s position for the rest of the scan, and you start scanning again to capture the rest, but the scanner loses track instantly. It’s frustrating but easily fixed by simply restarting the scan with the scanner aimed at a previously scanned area. You need to do this to give the scanner a point of reference, or else it has no idea where the newly captured frames should go.

Setting the Point Distance Too High

You’ve nailed your scan, but the model looks blobish with smeared details. What could be the issue? Did the company lie about the accuracy? Did you mess it up in a new way? Nope, you set the point distance too high during the fusion process, and all the fine details were lost. This is only a problem with objects with many fine details. If dealing with something that has mainly flat featureless surfaces, setting the point distance to a wider spacing is ok.

Not Fusing

You’ve finished scanning and are looking at the point cloud, and it’s a bit messy looking. Better redo the scan? Nope, better try fusing it first. This is because, at the moment, you’re looking at a collection of point clouds rather than one unified cloud. To fix this, simply fusing your point cloud will clean up a lot of the mess, and most other faults can be edited out after fusing with the point cloud editing tools in Revo Scan.

Wrong Tool for the Job

Different structured light scanners are designed for scanning different sizes of objects, so picking the suitable scanner makes a world of difference in getting a good scan painlessly as possible. In the case of our 3D scanners, it’s MINI for small objects, POP 3 for medium things, and RANGE for big items. This is, of course, not to say that impossible to scan an object of a different size than a scanner is optimized for, but you’ll need a lot of scanning skills to pull it off. And will need to understand that if you try to scan a coin with the RANGE, fine details will be lacking compared to scanning it with a MINI.

Unevenly Colored 3D Models

The 3D model’s color shade keeps on changing across the model’s surface. This is the result of doing a color scan of an unevenly lit object that may also have had heavy shadows in certain areas when it was scanned. For an evenly colored 3D model, ensure that the item is evenly lit with soft light and there are no hard shadows on the item.

[miachel-brown]

You may have noticed that the Revopoint POP 3, among other things, is packing an inertial measurement unit, commonly shortened to IMU, inside it. So, IMUs aren’t exactly new technology, having been around since the 1940s and even used in the Apollo missions to help guide the rockets. But, like many technologies, they have shrunk to small chip sizes over time, which has helped them spread across a whole gamut of devices, from drones to your phone to even Nintendo Wii controllers. So let’s look at what’s an IMU and how it helps POP 3 scan better.

What Do IMUs Do?

In a nutshell, IMUs are used to track position, orientation, and velocity. And devices with an IMU typically use this data for navigation as it helps a device know where it is. Or if you’ve ever checked your step count on your phone, this data was likely obtained from the device’s IMU, which recorded the phone’s motion as you walked.

How Does It Work?

Inside the IMU are tiny gyroscopes, accelerometers, and sometimes magnetometers to measure angular attitude, acceleration, and magnetic field, respectively. In POP 3’s case, there are 9 sensors, one of each for each axis, to detect the pitch, roll, and yaw as you move POP 3. Then an algorithm analyzes this data to determine the scanners’ speed and direction.

Gyroscopes

Measures the angular attitude of POP 3. The tiny gyroscopes in an IMU work through small masses vibrating with an equal amount in opposite directions. Then the Coriolis forces acting on the masses determine the angular attitude.

Accelerometer

As the name suggests, this measures the acceleration of a device as you move it. It does it by using something called the Piezoelectric effect, which uses microscopic crystal structures to generate a voltage when they vibrate. And the level of voltage generated indicates the acceleration occurring to the device.

Magnetometer

Otherwise known as an electronic compass, it measures the strength and directions of the Earth’s magnetic field. And are in IMUs to provide a point of reference that the gyroscope and accelerometer use to compare their results against. This helps to prevent the IMU positioning from drifting too much. However, even with the help of a magnetometer, IMUs still sometimes need to be recalibrated to maintain accuracy.

How Does an IMU Help a 3D Scanner?

POP 3’s IMU helps you scan in a few ways. Firstly, it helps to smooth the frame stitching as you scan because now the scanner knows its precise position for each capture frame, making it easier to stitch the frames together accurately by checking their positional data.

Secondly, POP 3 is better at dealing with shaking and being moved too quickly when scanning by hand because it can use the IMU data to work out if it’s in an unexpected position caused by either of these and then delete the faulty frames caused by it.

[miachel-brown]

With the advancement of technology, the application fields of 3D scanning are expanding, involving areas such as reverse engineering and mechanical manufacturing. The scope of application for 3D scanners is continually broadening.