Overview

The GSD has three 3D scanners available for use.

1. David 3D Laserscanner / HP Structured Light Scanner(SLS)

The David 3D Laserscanner is a structured light scanner, which means that it projects a pattern of light onto the object being scanned and captures the projected image, determining the shape of the object via the distortion of the pattern. The scanner is a combination of a light projector and two capturing cameras that needs to be set up on a tripod. Therefore a studio setting is best for using this scanner. the David also comes with an automatic turntable to speed up the process.

What is possible with the David 3D Laserscanner? https://www8.hp.com/us/en/campaign/3Dscanner/overview.html#software

2. Artec Eva

The Artec Eva is a powerful handheld scanner. I swiftly captures a given frame while precisely stitching that view to the previous views to create a 3D scan. It is appropriate for situations when you can't bring the scanning target/object into a studio. However the scanner needs to be connected to a laptop with an Artec Studio license and a power source at all times. The Eva is also fit for human scanning because of its fast capturing speed.

Learn more at https://www.artec3d.com/portable-3d-scanners/artec-eva

3. Structure Sensor for iPad

When used as a 3D scanner, the Structure Sensor allows you to capture dense geometry in real-time. This enables you to simulate real world physics and create high-fidelity 3D models with high-resolution textures in seconds. It can quickly scan interiors, people and objects and exports files quickly via email. This option is best when you want a quick low-mid resolution scan and don't want to be tethered in any way when 3D scanning.

What is possible with the Structure Sensor for iPad?

https://structure.io/use/3d-scanning

How it works - https://youtu.be/CvMzik6SGmM?t=119

Scanning humans with the Structure Sensor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coYebICo2O8

Quick Comparison Chart

	David/HP	Artec Eva	Structure Sensor (iPad)
Resolution	High	High	Low-Mid
Post Processing Required	Yes, within native software	Yes, within native software	No
Setup Required	Projector, two cameras, tripod, calibration, David 5 Software+License, Laptop	Eva scanner, Artec Studio Software, Laptop	No
Recommended Setting	Indoor studio with white or black backdrop depending on the object being scanned (Backdrop should contrast the object)	Indoor / Outdoor, Must have access to power source and a laptop with Artec Studio license	Anywhere; Tends to have difficulty scanning objects under strong sunlight
Shiny or Dark Objects	Has difficulty scanning, object needs to be prepared with baby powder	Can scan	Has difficulty scanning, object needs to be prepared with baby powder
Output File Types	OBJ, STL, PLY, DAVIDMESH + Textures	OBJ, STL, PLY, SCAN, SPROJ, WRL +Textures	OBJ, STL +Textures
Recommended Scan Size	Max 30cm x 30cm x 30cm	No Limit when creating multiple scans and stitching together	Min 2.5cm x 2.5cm x 2.5cm (1"x1"x1")
Scan Rooms?	No	Possible, but not recommended	Yes (Use Interior Mode)

What other options are there?

Photogrammetry with Autodesk Recap: This software allows you to upload a series of photographs of an object to their servers to generate a 3D model that can be downloaded. Students can get free access to the program, but is put on a slower "student queue" when processing photos to generate a model.

Similar softwares: Agisoft Metashape (Formerly Agisoft Photoscan)

See: Scanning Technique Comparison

Pages within this Tutorial

The following pages of this tutorial were created to help inform you of the of 3D scanning process and related material processes:

Scanning Technique Comparison

[Artec Eva] Initial Set Up and First Scan

[DAVID/HP] Initial Setup

[DAVID/HP] Calibration

[DAVID/HP] Capture Scans

[DAVID/HP] Scan Alignment and Fusion

[DAVID5] Setup for Two Cameras and Turntable

Post Production in Geomagic

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