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Isense 3d scanner for ipad air


3D Systems iSense for iPad/iPhone 3D Scanner Review

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This compact, versatile 3D scanner works well but has limitations and a high price tag.

Tom's Guide Verdict

This compact, versatile 3D scanner works well but has limitations and a high price tag.

Pros
  • +

    Simple-to-use app

  • +

    fits tightly onto iPad/iPhone

  • +

    scanning process is simple and easy to follow

  • +

    includes basic editing tools

Cons
  • -

    Scanning sometimes fails in bright sunlight

  • -

    small details are often not captured

  • -

    expensive

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Why should PC users have all the fun of 3D scanning their friends and family, in hopes of printing out 3D models? The iSense is a new 3D scanner from 3D Systems that works with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display or the fourth-generation iPad to create 3D models that can be printed on any 3D printer.

Roughly the size of a cigar, the iSense comes with a plastic bracket that attaches it to the back of the iPhone or iPad. (We tested the model that attached to the iPad mini with Retina display.) A cable connects the scanner to the device's Lightning port, and 3D Systems provides a free app that interprets the data and builds the model.

The iSense is a structured light scanner, which means that a small projector on the device emits a pattern of infrared (IR) light. You don't see this IR light, but the camera on the device does, and it uses the reflection of this light pattern to find the shape of the object. This process doesn't work on glass or especially shiny objects, as they reflect the light away.

Scanning Process

To build a 3D model, you point the camera built into the device at the object you want to scan. As you start the scan, the app creates a 3D box showing the volume of the area where the camera will scan. You can pinch and zoom to make the scan area smaller or larger. The iSense can scan objects between 1 and 5 feet away from the device, which means it won't work for very small objects (less than about 2 or 3 inches high) or big ones (larger than about 6 feet high). It works fine for a cat or a person, for instance, but you can't scan an entire car.

As you move around the subject and scan, the iSense and its app detect this movement, using it to build the new parts of the 3D model. A preview of the model is overlaid on the camera image in gray; any parts that are too close appear in red. You can pause the scan or restart from buttons on the screen.

Occasionally, the app asks you to hold still while it grabs a key frame that it uses to track the object. In our tests, it did this more often with complex and large objects, often asking us to stop every 5 seconds or so.

When you have moved all the way around the object (or as far around as you can), you should have a complete scan.

After you've scanned the object, the app processes the scan and creates the 3D model — a process that usually takes less than a minute. You can edit the model with a number of simple tools for tasks like cropping off the surface the object was sitting on, or trimming out scanning errors and bits you don't need. You can also solidify the 3D model, filling any holes, and turn the scan into a solid 3D model for printing.

MORE: How to Buy the Right 3D Printer

The scanning process with iSense is pretty smooth on most objects. We were able to scan and create models of objects ranging in size from small figurines to a full human being. It didn't work on moving objects, though: When we tried to scan a cat, the movement of the cat's head as it quizzically wondered what strange thing this human was doing confused the app. A sleeping cat could be scanned, though, as long as we let it lie. Likewise, we could scan people, as long as they stood still.

Printing Scans

Finally, you save the completed 3D model, usually to 3D Systems' own Cubify hosting service. From there, you can print the finished scan in a variety of materials and colors. (The cost of printing varies according to which material you use.) I've made a sample scan available at the Cubify service.

Alternatively, you can download the objects as .obj files to make them ready for 3D printing at home, or to use them with a different online service. If you do this, however, the color information is saved as a separate file that some services may not be able to read. When we tried to print our object through Shapeways, we had to do some conversion in another program before we could get a scanned 3D model correctly set up. Unfortunately, true-color 3D printers for the home are not yet available, so do-it-yourself prints will be only in one color.

Scanning Results

I did find that the scanner struggled to capture details on some small objects, though. The handle of a coffee cup, for instance, was only partly captured, and the final scan looked more like it had a hook than a handle. The scanner worked best on objects larger than a foot or so, and with smooth, flat surfaces. It was capable of producing a recognizable scan of a face, but don't expect it to capture every nuance of a smile.

iSense also struggled when the object was under bright sunlight, as the IR light from the sun makes it difficult for the camera to pick out the pattern it uses to detect the object. This could be difficult if you are trying to scan an outdoor sculpture on a sunny day, for instance. As you move around the sculpture to capture all of it, the camera may struggle with the parts where the sun is behind it, as it will also pick up the IR light from the sun.

The iSense is an interesting device, and it is definitely portable. Attached to an iPhone, it can easily slip into a pocket, making it convenient for on-the-road scanning. However, it has many limitations. Its ability to capture detail is weak, and it struggles in some lighting conditions. It also seems rather expensive: At $499, it costs $100 more than the Sense 3D scanner that works with a computer. If you want to create 3D scans of friends, family, pets and the odd statue, then go for it, but I think the cost overwhelms the usefulness of this device for most users.

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Follow Richard Baguley @rbaguley or on Google+. Follow us @TomsGuide, on Facebook and on Google+.

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Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.

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3D Scanners: 22 products

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  • Shining 3D EinScan-​SE

    • Easy operation
    • Automatic software
    • Compatibility

  • Shining 3D EinScan-​SP

    • Easy operation
    • Automatic software
    • High compatibility

  • AESUB Orange Scanning Spray 400 ml

    • Long-lasting
    • Self-evaporating
    • For precise 3D scanning

  • Creality CR-​Scan 01 incl. Turntable

    • For use without marking points
    • Ready for immediate use
    • High precision

  • AESUB Blue Scanning Spray 400 ml

    • Self-evaporating
    • Time and cost savings
    • Pigment-free

  • SCANTIST 3D Permanent Spray 200 ml

    • To optimise the scanning quality
    • Contains pigments - but no titanium dioxide (TiO2)
    • Very fine homogeneous coating

  • AESUB White Scanning Spray 400 ml

    • Free of titanium dioxide
    • Very low layer height
    • Consistent and homogeneous coating

  • AESUB Green Scanning Spray 1. 000 ml

    • Long-lasting
    • Self-evaporating
    • For large models

  • AESUB AESUBdots Black & White Reference Points 7 Model types

    • 6000 pieces/roll
    • For easy 3D scanning

  • FabConstruct 3D-​Scanner Matting Spray L500 500 ml

    • For shiny and reflective objects
    • Simple application
    • For fine details

  • AESUB AESUBdots Retro Reference Points 2 Model types

    • 3,000 pieces/roll
    • For easy 3D scanning

  • SCANTIST 3D Vanishing Spray 200 ml

    • Evaporates / sublimates automatically after application
    • Contains no pigments - no titanium dioxide (TiO2)
    • Very fine homogeneous coating

  • Shining 3D Industrial Pack EinScan-​Pro 2X / Pro 2X Plus / Pro HD

    • Turntable
    • Tripod
    • Automatic scans capability

  • Shining 3D Colour Pack EinScan Pro HD

    • Colour scans
    • Practical add-on
    • For models of the EinScan Pro series

  • Shining 3D Reference Points Targets (5,000 pieces) 1 set

    • 5000 pieces
    • For 3D scanners

  • AESUB Spray Gun

    • Battery powered
    • 800ml container
    • Optimised spray nozzle

  • Shining 3D Carrying Case for Scanners and Accessories

    • Safe storage
    • Easy transport

  • Shining 3D Einstar

    • Easy to use
    • Inexpensive
    • Diverse applications

  • Shining 3D EinScan-​Pro HD & Solid Edge (Shining Edition)

    • High resolution for fine details
    • Modular design
    • Less restrictions

  • Shining 3D EinScan-​H & Solid Edge

    • Versatile and easy to use
    • Full body scan
    • Authentic colour shot

  • Shining 3D EinScan HX

    • Hybrid Blue Laser & LED
    • High efficiency
    • Reliable results

  • Shining 3D EinScan-​HX & Software Bundle (Solid Edge + Essentials)

    • Hybrid Blue Laser & LED
    • High efficiency
    • Reliable results

All prices incl. VAT.

Turn your iPad into a 3D scanner with this accessory

La La 3d technology is part of what the future of this sector will be and therefore many companies are involved in related projects. P is known to everyone for the project Tango, a tablet developed by the Google ATAP team that has 3D capabilities and can be applied to the world of video games. Among other things, this device is capable of scanning various types of objects, people, and even spaces such as rooms. B Accessory for iPad what we are dealing with in these lines is not that difficult, although it does have some of those features.

3D scanning along with 3D printing are considered useful tools to be used in the coming years, but there are already signs of their impact and their usefulness today. A few months ago, 3D Systems presented at CES in Las Vegas in 2014 a device that allows you to scan 3D objects that can then be printed on one of the company's printers. A little later, last summer, they took another step forward by introducing iSense 3D Scanner for iPad , an accessory that allows these actions.

This company competes with 3D Primesense , the developer of 3D vision systems that was responsible for manufacturing Microsoft's first Kinect and which was later acquired by Apple in a million-dollar move from Cupertino. As we said, to find ourselves, we can come up with an accessory that gives the iPad similar (albeit much simpler) functionality to the Project Tango tablet by simply attaching it to the top of one side and connecting Lightning port.

content

  • 1 Main functions
  • 2 Specifications, requirements and price

Main functions

Apple (Apple is still the world's largest tablet manufacturer) by integrating the necessary features to capture an image in three dimensions. people, household items, sculptures, etc. what we find on the street thanks to two cameras and a sensor unit that combines. In addition, thanks to its design that fits perfectly and measures less than 3 mm thick and 100 grams of , it is not too cumbersome to transport and use in various situations and applications.

As explained on their website, you can visit this link, the device is optimized to scan objects of a wide variety of sizes, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters. The specifications indicate this information, the ability to capture objects 20 centimeters to 3 meters (cubic), enough to scan an entire machine, for example.

There are several additional features that will improve the user experience. The clearest example of this is the Automatic Object Recognition System , which will greatly aid in successful scanning. In the same way, iSense offers a simple and fast editing program for adapting 3D models to files that can be printed on a 3D printer. And this is one of their big bets, those who have a 3D printer of this brand ( 3D Cube ) will be able to easily move designs from digital to physical and from physical to digital, even when we are away from home with the help of a cloud printing system.

Specifications, requirements and price

As you can see, not all iPads are compatible, in which case the iSense 3D Scanner can be used with iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 4 and iPad Retina Provided they have at least would update iOS 7. Their change in vision is approximately 45 degrees vertically and 58 degrees horizontally. The device works at ranges from 40 centimeters to 3 and a half meters object, outside of these measures it may be ineffective. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that gives the an autonomy of 3 to 4 hours of use for the and up to 1,000 hours of standby time.

As expected, its price is not available for all budgets. This fits 429 euro in any of its versions and this is another aspect to consider is that the accessory is only compatible with a model from the previous four models we reviewed, it cannot (under optimal conditions) be used with Other tablets have a signature that does not fit. The delivery time should not be very long, so if you can afford it and are interested in this accessory, it will be in your home shortly after the order is completed. nine0003

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3D scanner ISENSE | Base of suppliers on Qoovee

Product description

A novelty from 3D Systems is the iSense 3D scanner. It is designed to turn your iPhone and iPad into a handheld 3D scanner. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around with you. With the iSense 3D scanner, making a 3D model of your friend is as easy as taking a photograph. The iSense 3D Scanner scans the object with maximum accuracy, without missing the smallest details of the object. You can scan objects up to 3 meters in size. After scanning, 3D models can be saved in STL format, which is suitable for all 3D printers for later printing. Specifications: Minimum scan area: 200 x 200 x 200mmMaximum scan area: 3000 x 3000 x 3000mm Visibility: horizontal 58° vertical 45°Accuracy scans: from 0.9mm (depending on object distance). Object distance: 0.4 to 3.5 m Scanner type: manual Texture capture: yes Battery life: 3-4 hours scanning, 1000 hours (standby) Software compatibility: iOS 7 or later Compatible with iPhone 6, iPhone 6+, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad 4th generation or iPad mini Retina Dimensions: 119.2 x 29 x 27.9mm Weight: 99.2g Warranty: 6 months.

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