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Cube sense 3d scanner review
Sense Handheld 3D Scanner Review
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If you have a 3D printer, you have probably downloaded and printed a few objects, and then moved on to building your own — only to realize that 3D modeling is difficult. Often, it is easier to model an object in clay and then scan it, or just scan an existing object. That's what the $400 Sense 3D scanner from 3D Systems does: scans an object and creates a 3D model that can be modified on a computer and printed from a 3D printer or online printing service.
Overall, it does a good job of scanning large objects quickly and producing high-quality 3D models. It does have limitations, though: It can't do small objects, doesn't always pick up fine details and can't handle transparent or shiny objects.
How the Sense 3D works
The Sense 3D scanner itself is pretty light, and looks like it could double as a ray gun at a sci-fi convention. You hold it in your hand and move around the object to scan it. The scanner projects a patterned infrared (IR) beam onto the object from the bottom opening that is then detected by the middle webcam. On the PC (Windows only), the included software then translates the information into the shape of the object. At the top of the Sense is a normal webcam, which the same software uses to translate the images it captures into the surface colors of the object.
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If this process sounds rather familiar, it's because it is the same technology used in the first-generation Microsoft Kinect camera for the Xbox, created by a company called PrimeSense (which was recently acquired by Apple). A similar setup is used by the Scenect and ReconstructMe software, both of which can use a Microsoft Kinect sensor to create 3D scans. The Sense 3D comes with its own scanner, but the technology inside it is the same.
A candy bowl on a metal pedestal (left).
The scan failed to detect the glass portion (right) The scanning process is fairly simple: You start the software and choose the size of the object, with options for a person (head and shoulders, or full body), or for a size range: from small (at least 8 inches, or 20 centimeters), to large (up to 10 feet, or 3 meters).
As prompted by the software, you point the scanner at the object, hit the space bar and walk around it, following a series of on-screen prompts that try to keep you the right distance from the object, and track the object as you move. If you are too far away, or it looses track of the object, you are notified with a beep and an on-screen note in the software. You can then try to reacquire the target by matching a ghost image of the last capture with the live overlay on the screen.
While the scan is in progress, the software creates a rough model of the object that is painted in as it detects the shape. This modeled object rotates with the scanner, but you can pause it (with the space bar) and rotate around it with the right mouse button.
Pressing the space bar again restarts the scanning process, so you can check the scan and then continue.
How well the Sense 3D works
The scanner has a few minor annoyances. For example, the attached 6.75-foot (2-meter) USB cable isn't long enough to move the scanner very far from the computer. This means that when scanning a large object (such as a person), you have to carry both the scanner and the computer around as you scan, or buy a USB extension cable. A wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) would have been preferable here, and would have made the scanner more flexible. A way to start or pause the scan from the scanner itself, rather than using the keyboard, also would have been beneficial.
From the left: a 19-inch tall figure, the 3D scan, and a 3D print produced on a MakerBot Replicator.A bigger problem is that the scanner struggles with some objects — particularly, shiny, transparent or extremely matte-black ones. This is because such surfaces don't reflect the IR light pattern well.
This can lead to either the object not being detected at all, or a grossly distorted version showing up in the scan. When scanning my head, for instance, the scanner failed to detect my thin, shiny, metal glasses, and instead interpreted them as part of my face, which made scans of my head look as though I was wearing a crime-fighter mask. (Staff writer Jill Scharr had better luck, after she removed her glasses.)
What can it scan?
The Sense 3D works best with medium-size objects. Although the product specs claim that the scanner can spot details down to a resolution of 0.9 mm, I found that small details on small objects were not accurately captured. The details of cherubs forming the base of an 8-inch-tall candy dish, for instance, were only roughly recognizable in the final scan, even though all the details were larger than 0.9 mm.
3D Systems says the smallest scannable object is a cube measuring 0.2 meters (just less than 8 inches) on each side, and that seems like a good baseline — anything smaller than a loaf of bread is unlikely to scan well.
If you intend to scan smaller subjects, you might do better with the MakerBot Digitizer , which is designed for objects that would fit within an 8-inch-high by 8-inch-wide cylinder. But be prepared to pay more: It retails for $1,400 (though you can likely find it cheaper).
At the other end of the scale, the system can scan large objects up to 3 meters (just under 10 feet) on each side. That's enough for things like small couches or motorcycles. Cars are too big; they won't fit entirely into the scanner's field of view.
MORE: MakerBot 3D Scanner: 12 Minutes from Physical to Virtual
The system lets you rotate the object rather than the scanner (if you wish), so you can do head-and-shoulders scans on a rotating chair, or put someone or something on a motorized turntable. The lighting does have to be very even for this to work, though: If it is not, you get odd colors in the final model from the shadows as the subject rotates.
The scanning process also needs a lot of light. If part of the object is in a shadow or low light, the colors come out dull and muted, and the scanner struggles to track the object. Bright lights behind the object also confuse it (especially the sun, which gives off lots of IR light), again producing odd shapes or, more often, a loss of tracking, in which the system can't find the object in the image (an endemic problem with cheap 3D scanning apps).
I got the best results from scans done in bright but diffuse light, such as indirect sunlight, or with several softened surrounding electric lights. If you are planning to do a lot of scans with this device, it might be worth building a 360-degree lighting setup. If you are scanning outdoors, you should pick your location carefully and shoot with the sun high in the sky so it doesn't end up shining into the scanner and confusing it as you move around.
The results
Once the scan is complete, the program processes all of the scanned data and gives you the 3D model. You can then edit this, cutting out the bits that you don't need, (such as the surface that an object was sitting on or other nearby objects) and smoothing the object. This process is fairly intuitive: If you are comfortable using the mouse, you'll quickly learn how to edit objects.
You can also set the software to solidify the object, which fills in small parts that the scan misses, such as areas that are partially covered, or those that are too dark to be detected. However, this technique should be used with caution, as it can't fill in any larger missing parts of a scan. One scan I did of a deck chair missed parts of the legs, and the solidify feature mistakenly created a huge, solid mass underneath the chair rather than just filling in the missing sections of the leg.
The process generally produced good results with larger, well-lit objects that don't have overlapping elements or large holes in them, like people. It did an impressive job with both a head-and-shoulders scan and a full-person scan, building the 3D mesh (the mesh of scanned points and surfaces that form the object) and then creating a simple final object from this data.
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A scan of staff writer Jill Scharr after she removed her glasses.When the scan is finalized, it can be exported as a STL, PLY or OBJ file, which will work with most 3D design software. STL files are the most widely used, but they don't include any of the color information from the object. PLY and OBJ files do include this information, so those are the best formats to work with if you want to print the objects to a full-color process. Unsurprisingly, the Sense software links directly to 3D Systems' Cubify object service, where you can order a 3D print that will be shipped to you. This service also allows you to sell the 3D scan itself, or a 3D-printed model in various sizes and materials that Cubify's online printing service offers.
The 3D Sense is a capable scanner, but it is limited by the capabilities of the scanning system it employs. The PrimeSense sensor it uses is capable of decent resolution, but it can't detect and resolve the same level of fine detail that scanners like the MakerBot Digitizer or the David SLS-1 can; it just isn't suited for scanning the smaller objects that these printers can.
It can't scan very large objects (bigger than about 10 feet), either, so it is best suited for subjects like people and statues. For these types of things, the 3D Sense does a great job of creating a decent 3D model. The process of scanning has its quirks, but it is generally easy to do once you figure them out, and it produces attractive 3D objects that can be quickly and easily printed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Inexpensive | USB cable too short |
| Easy to operate | Doesn't scan objects as small as promissed |
| Scans very large objects | Lighting objects is a bit tricky |
Dimensions
7 inches x 5 inches x 1.2 inches (17.8 cm x 12.9 cm x 3.3 cm)
Scan volume
Min: 7.8 inches x 7.8 inches x 7.8 inches (20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm)
Max: 9.8 feet by 9.8 feet x 9.
8 feet (3 m x 3 m x 3 m)
Field of view
Horizontal: 45 degrees
Vertical: 57.5 degrees
Diagonal: 69 degrees
Minimum hardware recommendations
Intel Core i5™ or equivalent processor
2GB of RAM
1280 x 1024-pixel screen resolution
32-bit color
4GB available disk space
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
(No Mac OS X support)
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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. |
| 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 |
4 mil (1 mm) at 1.6′ (0.5 m)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:
- Plugging your scanner’s USB connector into the USB port present on the computer and clicking on the Sense icon to open the software.
- Choose one from the two available options of whether you have your activation code or not.
- Click on activate the scanner.
After that, you can start scanning the first object on the scanner.
Scan Type
Credit: 3dscanexpertSense 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: 3dscanexpertSense 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: 3dscanexpertSense’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.
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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 3DSystems Sense scanning module
In the segment of hand-held 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 software, which is expected to be called the same 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, only in this way you can 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.
