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3D systems sense scanner software


3D Systems Announces Free Sense Plus Software Upgrade for Sense 3D Scanner, Available Now at Cubify - 3DPrint.com

While an exciting variety of new startups and 3D printers are stepping up and being presented to the cutting edge technology scene this year, 2015 seems to be the year of the new 3D scanner, putting it affordably into the hands, laps–and laptops–of users greedily snapping up the innovations which allow them to do so much more right from home or even just from their smartphones, whether indoors or out.

3D Systems, ever at the forefront, and certainly never lagging behind in the daily headlines regarding new and improved technology, is announcing today that they’ll be offering a software update to the Sense Plus software for their popular Sense 3D scanner, which is the only full-color consumer 3D scanner offering the largest scan-size range.

These updates, free to existing users, will make life even easier in the scanning and physical photography arena for:

  • Capturing
  • Editing
  • Sharing
  • Printing real-world objects in 3D.

While affordability and ease are essential and heavily focused on right now with 3D scanning, users should also be thrilled to hear that they will now experience scan capture speed tripling what they were used to previously, at 25 frames per second. The experience will be smoother all around, with motion tracking improved substantially as well.

Users will enjoy new features in color editing as well, and can download the upgrade free from 3D Systems platform Cubify.

Sense is a comprehensive scanning solution that’s certainly attractive for the 3D design and 3D printing community at a price of $399, which is obviously putting forth enormous affordability compared to what has been available just in the past few years. As hobbyists began to see the need for affordable 3D scanners, producing their own with open-source designs, many of the main manufacturers also hopped on board with new innovations, features, and best of all – affordability.

Not only is pricing better, but suddenly consumers have extreme desktop and smartphone accessibility with 3D scanning, allowing them to 3D scan—from wherever, at whim—and then zip right over to their 3D printers and produce 3D printed models and objects, as well as sending scanned images directly to 3D printing service bureaus if they don’t have access to a printer or they have other printing equipment or material needs.

Enjoy ‘mashing up’ your world with Sense

With Sense, 3DS offers the user the ability to:

  • Go from physical object back to the digital platform, and back to 3D printing, as scans are 3D print ready and can be uploaded to the cloud.
  • Use the fastest scanning equipment available at this quality and price level.
  • Perform mobile, handheld scans, and enjoy compatibility with the Microsoft SurfaceTM Pro 2 tablet.
  • Experience a streamlined, enhanced experienced with better tracking.
  • Perform scanning in a wide range of sizes from small to large, to enormous—with scans of ten feet tall and wide possible.
  • Use precision focus with automatic object recognition.
  • Use a full-featured editing program that’s also intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Mash it up by merging scans in Cubify Sculpt, enjoying the opportunity to get even more creative by importing and combining scans.
  • Enjoy 12 different options for language.

Have you been using the Sense 3D scanner and will you be downloading the free update from Cubify? Are there other features you hope to see included further down the line? Tell us your thoughts in the Sense 3D Scanner forum at 3DPB. com.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.

Tagged with: 3d systems • 3ds • cubify • cubify sculpt • Sense Plus software • sense scanner

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3D Systems Sense 3D Scanner In-Depth Review

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8.1Expert Score

3D Systems Sense

The 3D scanning process of 3D Systems Sense is extremely smooth and easy. It produces attractive 3D objects that can not only be easy but also quickly 3D printed.

Affordability

9

Quality

8

Speed

8

Capability

7

Practicality

7

User Expectations

10

PROS

  • Relatively affordable.
  • User-friendly software.
  • Huge scanning area.
  • Easy to operate.
  • Capable of scanning large objects.

CONS

  • Tethered by a cord.
  • Can be operated with a PC only.
  • Doesn’t work up to the mark with small objects.
  • USB cable too short.

Table of Contents

The Sense 3D scanner is very light in weight. It looks like a ray gun at some sci-fi convention. The scanner can be held in your hand and moved around the object.

The machine emits an infrared patterned beam onto the object present in front of it from its bottom. The beam gets affected by the middle webcam.

A normal webcam is present at the top of Sense which is utilized by the software to translate the images that it captures into the surface colors of the object.

Features

Below mentioned and explained are the striking features of the Sense scanner.

Simple scanning process

Sense’s scanning process is very simple. It starts with the software choosing the size of the object, either from the options provided for a person’s head, shoulders, or full-body or from a size range either small as at least 8 inches to as large as up to 3 meters.

As hinted by the software, users need to point the machine at the object, hit the space, and walk around it by following a series of on-screen prompts meant to keep you at the perfect distance from the object and track it while you move. Note that, in case you are too far away from the object, it loses the track of it.

When the scan is in progress, the software creates a rough model of the object painted in as it detects the shape.

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Ideal for medium-sized objects

Sense 3D works best with medium size parts and functional prototypes. The scanner is claimed to provide a resolution of 0.9 mm.

While the smallest scannable object on it is a cube measuring 0. 2 meters on each side. Going to the other end of the scale, Sense is capable of scanning objects as large as 3 meters on each side.

The entire system of Sense lets users rotate the object, letting you do head and shoulders scans on a rotating chair.

Editable result

The end-scan provided to you by Sense is editable. You can cut out the bits that you do not need and smoothen the object.

All of this process is fairly intuitive. This is because even when you are not satisfied with the end-scan, you still hold the power to change it according to your imagination. So that nothing gets reflected while making a model.

Good quality scan results

The simple scanning process of Sense produces decent results not only with medium-sized objects but also with larger ones. Generally, well-lit objects don’t get overlapped elements in their scans or large holes in them.

Sense does an interesting job with head and shoulders scans as well as full-person scans. Also, it does fantastic work of building a 3D mesh and then creating a simple final object from the collected data.

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Multiple file formats

The final scan can be exported in STL, PLY, or OBJ file formats. So, you do not need to worry whether the resulting scan would be compatible with most of the 3D modeling software or not.

Mostly STL files are used the most. But when it comes to delivering the color information of the object, that’s when PLY and OBJ file formats come into play.

Moreover, Sense’s software is directly linked to the 3D system’s Cubify object service which gives you the facility of ordering the 3D print that can be shipped to you. Other than that, it also lets you sell the 3D scan or a 3D printed model in different sizes and materials.

Specifications

Technology

structured light technology

Price

359 $

Depth Image Size

240 x 320 pixels

Depth Resolution

39. 4 mil (1 mm) at 1.6′ (0.5 m)

Image Size

Color: 240 x 320 pixels

Dimensions

7.0 x 5.1 x 1.3″ (17.8 x 12.9 x 3.3 cm)

Supported Operating Systems

Windows 8 (32/64-bit) and 7 (32/64-bit) Mac OS X 10.8 or later

The minimum scan volume that Sense can scan is 0.2 m * 0.2 m * 0.2 mm whereas the maximum stretch is up to 3 m * 3 m * 3 m. It has an operating range starting from 0.35 m and ending at 3 m.

The field of view of this scanner is 45 degrees * 57.5 degrees * 69 degrees. Its depth image size is 240 * 320 pixels and its depth resolution is 1 mm per 0.5 meters.

The machine’s dimensions are 17.8 cm * 12.9 cm * 3.3 cm. It can be connected using a USB cable and needs a consumption of around 2. 25 Watts.

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Price

Sense is available for $359.

First Impression

An Apple-ish flat white box carries the scanner to your place. A quick start guide and the device are present in it.

Designed to be handheld vertically, The Sense can be put on a tripod as well. Its front displays the 3D Systems logo, beneath which there is a window. An infrared laser pattern is projected from it helps to scan the object.

Setup

After unpacking your scanner you need to create an account on Cubify which is easy. It asks for general details, after giving which the account is created. Then, you need to download the sense software on your computer.

Once that is done, activate your Sense scanner in three simple steps:

  1. Plugging your scanner’s USB connector into the USB port present on the computer and clicking on the Sense icon to open the software.
  2. Choose one from the two available options of whether you have your activation code or not.
  3. Click on activate the scanner.

After that, you can start scanning the first object on the scanner.

Scan Type

Credit: 3dscanexpert

Sense uses structured light technology for processing objects of varying geometries. The process is fairly simple, it utilizes a UV light source, camera, and software for creating an end-scan file.

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Scan Quality

Credit: 3dscanexpert

Sense manages to produce decent-quality prints of objects as well as human body parts. It is able to deliver detailed scan files that are capable of producing dimensionally accurate parts.

Software

Credit: 3dscanexpert

Sense’s software can be downloaded for both Mac as well as PC from the 3D System’s website where you can register the serial number of the device and retrieve an activation code. Both versions of the software are similar in function. They are easy to use and generally ask the user if you wish to scan a person or object.

There are several settings present on the software settings screen that allow you to use it either in Landscape mode or portrait mode. The resolution setting present in the application relates to the density of the 3D data captured, not the color information. If you adjust it to a lower number, it makes usual scanning happen at a faster rate.

Note that, if you are willing to scan very large objects, you would not need extremely dense mesh. But, experts recommend using high settings for smaller objects. The frame rate option exhibits the real-time frame rate on which Sense does the capturing. This tool makes it easier for you to know how much your computer can handle!

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Customer Support

3D Systems is known worldwide for its support. There are many ways of reaching out to its technical team, the most common one being via phone or email. Also, there is much material available online which you can also refer to, for solving your doubts.

Parameters Influencing Buying Decision

Below mentioned are some of the most important factors that are good to know before buying Sense.

3D Scanner Cost: Considering the amazing list of features the scanner can provide, $359 is a very reasonable and affordable cost that the manufacturer seeks.

3D Scanner Speed: Because the process is fairly simple, it doesn’t take much time to get the end scan.

3D Scan Quality: Scan qualities of objects and human body parts processed on Sense are superb. It’s rare to find a 3D scanner that’s able to deliver this quality in the same price range.

3D Scanner Capability: Sense is capable of scanning objects of varied geometries, shapes, and sizes. Thanks to its high-quality camera and UV LED source, the complete coordination of its components leads to an optimum level of efficiency that users can utilize for producing scans that are capable of creating precise parts.

3D Scanner Practicality: The scanner can be used in various fields such as education, reverse engineering, and 3D printing.

3D Scanner User Expectations: Sense is a gift for all beginners in the field of 3D scanning. Because of the device they can get access to various features that aren’t accessible otherwise.

The Verdict

The most important highlight of Sense is the Prime Sensor that it uses for ensuring the resulting scan is of decent resolution.

Note that the component is capable of delivering fine detail like MakerBot Digitizer or the David SLS-1. The scanner is best suited for scanning subjects like people and statues in particular.

The end-scans are worthy of creating a 3D model out of them. Also, the 3D scanning process is extremely smooth and easy. It produces attractive 3D objects that can not only be easy but also quickly 3D printed.


3DSystems Sense 3D Scanner Review: Specifications, Reviews,

The 3DSystems Sense 3D Scanner is an inexpensive handheld model with outstanding performance. It is no coincidence that we chose her in order to prepare a new interesting review with bright informative photos, because her popularity is growing exponentially. It is ideal for teaching and hobby, design and architecture, and color scanning of large objects, including the human body. According to professionals, this is a productive device that creates high-quality scans. According to beginners, it is an easy-to-understand model with unified characteristics.

Features of the scanning module 3DSystems Sense

In the segment of manual equipment, the 3D scanner 3Systems Sense can rightly be considered unique. It runs on intuitive software and is equipped with excellent stuffing. Light-sensitive optics capture the slightest changes in the geometry of any object that you work with, while the device does not need direct contact with it.

Design and exterior

It's a paradox, but from a distance this device can be confused with a large stapler, its body is so compact and simple in appearance. Dimension is only 129x128x330 mm, it is comfortable to hold in your hand also due to the minimum weight of 700 g. This is important when scanning large objects with complex reliefs and textures, which this kid captures with enviable accuracy.

Only one cable is used to connect to a laptop, but due to its short length, the PC must be held almost all the time. At the same time, if Windows 10 is installed on any compatible tablet, the problem is automatically fixed.

Key features

An overview of all the performance features of 3DSystems Sense can be found on our 3DMall website, but we cannot ignore the most basic of them:

  • objects with a complex surface (saturated black, shiny, etc.) are best scanned almost closely;
  • within a second the device makes and processes 30 frames;
  • scanning area is from 200x200x200 to 2000x2000x2000 mm with an accuracy of 1 mm;
  • texture capture rate - 1920x1080 pixels.

Equipment

Equipment 3Systems Sens is concise and standard for models of this class. It includes the scanning module itself, software, a cable for connecting to a laptop or PC, as well as a user manual. The packaging is a simple light-colored box with functional holes to accommodate the scanner and cord.

Setting operating parameters

At the very first stage, you should install the software, which is expected to have the same name as the scanner itself - 3DSystems Sense. The first launch implies the need to activate the device for security purposes after pre-registration on the official website of the brand. Please note that the equipment is bound to the PC that was used to activate the module; only specialists from the manufacturer can remove it.

Immediately after starting the program offers to choose one of 3 operating modes:

  • object scanning;
  • human body scan;
  • face scan.

In the first mode, it is imperative that the object is stationary, this is the only way to achieve maximum accuracy of prints. In the process of work, a small problem may arise - additional points may not be added in real time when creating each next frame. In this case, you can try to mount the device on a tripod and save images frame by frame - the scanning speed will decrease slightly, but the quality will be incomparably higher.

When scanning a face, frames are stitched in real time, while the program signals you how to improve the quality of the process - slow down or stop completely. Body scanning implies the ability to quickly stitch together large scans made from a sufficiently large distance.

Texture can be applied automatically or during scan processing, tools such as square, brush and line are provided for editing the model.

Pros and cons of the Sense 3D scanner

If you already have a 3D printer, you have probably downloaded and printed some of the most popular objects, and then started to master 3D modeling programs on your own and realized that the official programs are quite expensive, often more expensive than your printer. It's great if you were given a gift or you downloaded the program unofficially, but like any professional program, a 3D modeling program requires a lot of time to master the basics of modeling and a lot of training. And the printer costs and you need to print and earn money on it. But there is also an easy way to create 3D objects, namely 3D scanning. The Sense 3D scanner from 3D Systems will allow you to quickly and easily create 3D objects for printing on a 3D printer.

How the Sense works

The Sense 3D Scanner is fairly lightweight, and very similar in design and shape to a sci-fi movie device. To scan, you need to hold Sense in your hands and move around the object being scanned. The scanner projects an invisible and eye-safe infrared grid onto the object, which is then detected by the scanner's webcam. Your computer converts the data received from the scanner, using the supplied software, into a 3D object. The scanner also has a regular webcam that transmits the color and brightness of the scanned object to the 3D model..

The same technology is used by Microsoft for its Xbox consoles with a gesture-based Kinect made by PrimeSense (which was recently acquired by Apple).

The scanning process is quite simple: you start the program and select the size of the object, with preset options; for a person (head and shoulders, or the whole body), or for manual control of a range of sizes: from small (from 20 cm) to large (up to 3 meters).

Following the prompts on your computer screen with the help of the software, you point the scanner at the object, press the spacebar to start the scanning process and move around the object, after a series of pictures on the PC screen, the program checks the correct distance from the object, tracks, and recommends how you to move. If you are too far away, or it loses track of the object, the program will warn you with a sound signal and a message on the screen. Thanks to this smart and friendly software, you will quickly master the process of scanning to get the best result.

Sense scan quality

The scanner has a few minor issues. For example, the included USB cable is only 2 meters long, which in some cases is a limitation if you are scanning to a desktop computer. If you are using a laptop, scanning is only limited by the battery life of your laptop. A wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) would have been preferable and would have made the scanner more flexible. Starting and stopping a scan from the scanner itself rather than using the keyboard would also be very helpful. Let's hope that 3D Systems engineers will implement this in the following models.

The biggest problem with 3D scanning in general and the Sense scanner in particular is scanning; shiny, transparent, or matte black objects. The reason for this is the low reflectivity of objects with such a coating. This can result either in the fact that the object is not detected at all, or the object is grossly distorted during scanning. When scanning the head, for example, the scanner fails to detect shiny, metallic glasses, and instead of making them transparent and separate from the face, the scanner converts them into part of the face and looks like a 3D object on the monitor is quite creepy. Therefore, we do not recommend scanning objects with low reflectivity.

What can it scan?

The Sense 3D Scanner works best with medium sized objects. If you intend to scan small objects, up to 20 cm, then the laser MakerBot Digitizer, which is designed specifically for small objects, is equipped with a turntable and simple software, does an excellent job with this task.

But for scanning people, interior items, household appliances, etc. The Sense 3D scanner fits like no other.

Results

After the scan is completed, the program processes all received data and gives you a 3D model. You can edit it by cutting out the excess (for example, if other objects you don't need got into the scanning field), smooth the object, scale it, etc. This process is quite simple. When using a regular computer mouse, you will quickly learn how to edit objects.

Preparing to print on a 3D printer

When the scan is completed, it can be exported to STL, PLY or OBJ file, these are the most common file formats used by 3D printers.

Learn more