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Using xbox one kinect as 3d scanner


Xbox One Kinect and 3D Scanning - Scanning - Talk Manufacturing

iTech4DP

#1

Just thought I would throw this out there for any DIY’ers. I just hooked up the Xbox One Kinect to the PC and got the Microsoft 3D scan app, and it worked fantastic! I just did a few test shots to see how the depth worked out from one side and so far it’s pretty decent. I picked up the Kinect sensor used for $125CAD and the adapter for $65CAD. The software is free from the Microsoft Store, so this is a really cheap 3D scan option. The app exports the completed file in either .STL or.OBJ. Alternatively, you can download the Kinect SDK pack from Microsoft and build the .STL from raw footage.

8 Likes

3dpGeek

#2

I used to do this with windows 8 but after the release of windows 10 that feature went away. What version of Windows do you run?

iTech4DP

#3

I’m running it on Windows 10. Looks like the 3D Scan and Design app are new as of this month though.

3dpGeek

#4

Oh sweet! The “Windows Builder” has been around I’ll have to check the scanning now!

Richard_20

#5

What adapter do you need for this?

Richard_20

#6

Will it work for windows7?

3dpGeek

#7

There is a Microsoft AC Adapter for $50 though Microsoft Store

iTech4DP

#8

I know that the app won’t work on Windows 7 nor will the Kinect SDK v2. 0, but Kinect SDK 1.6+ plus might just work. It’s worth a shot.

iTech4DP

#9

This is the adapter I purchased for mine. Microsoft 9J7-00001 Kinect Adapter For Windows . Since the Canadian dollar sucks so bad right now it was $65 for me.

Richard_20

#10

Sweet I have the adapter that came with the Kinex already, just need the software to run it

Piet3r

#11

Apparently you also need quite a high-end PC for this? Can you tell us the specs of your PC?

Richard_20

#12

Windows 8 Lenovo icore4 or 5 something like that…

iTech4DP

#13

Really? I use an MSI laptop core i7, 8GB ram and it works great. I read that an nvidia chipset helps too.

l2smith3

#14

The xbox one kinect requires a very specific Intel chipset driving your USB 3.0 port. Something Microsoft fail to mention clearly in the adaptor requirements. Also 64 bit win 8.1 or higher. There is a very hard to find app from microsoft that will check your PC for compatibility but its well hidden. A lot of the very expensive software for the original kinect work poorly if at all and have terrible support.

iTech4DP

#15

Well that sure sounds like a bit of bad luck, yes you do need a 64 bit processor to run the Kinect SDK v2. 0 and the 3D Scan and Design App. USB 3.0 port is necessary as well. The results are very fluid so far for me, much better than the alternative DIY scanners out there. The Microsoft 3D scan app looks to be brand new, in the last month or so.

Here is a link to the support page for it:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/mt593367

totof1965

#16

Tried this but can’t have a good scan rate, maybe I need more light ?

Geoffrey_2

#17

Actually, if you get a kinect v1, the previous model, it´s work as well with pretty much the same quality even if the scanning time is longer. Otherwise, it work with USB 2.0, windows 7 and 32/64bits computer. The kinect v1 is also quite cheap if you succeed to get one on second hand. So it a worth to try. Keep in mind than photogrammetry is also a good alternative. In both case, keep in mind that the model should stay still during the scanning process.

Geoffrey_2

#18

I am not quite sure about the Kinect v2 but the Kinect v1 work with infrared light so you could scan even in the dark. Of course, you will get only the surface not the texture. But in 3D printing, except in you have color 3D printer, the texture of the model doesn´t matter.

monkeymake_xyz

#19

I’ve been getting fun results with my Kinect 360. I am struggling to get busts done properly at the moment but having fun with it.

Theres handles on Thingiverse but I don’t have the link close to hand. Have attached a pic of both a test print of my daughter and the handle I’ve done.

1 Like

iTech4DP

#20

Cool! Nice handle!

I was already wondering how I can make this a little more portable. Right now it’s fairly bulky to carry around an object, but it works pretty decent if I keep it stationary.

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Microsoft Kinect 3D Scanner In-Depth Review

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8Expert Score

Microsoft Kinect

Microsoft Kinect is a simple scanner that’s able to produce decent quality 3d scans at a reasonable price.

Affordability

9

Quality

8

Speed

7

Capability

7

Practicality

7

User Expectations

10

PROS

  • High-resolution scans
  • Extremely compatible software
  • Easy scanning process

CONS

  • Need good lighting to produce good quality scans

Table of Contents

The Kinect 3D scanner uses similar 3D scanning technology to photogrammetry. The process consists of taking multiple pictures from different angles of an object. The scanner comprises a camera, an infrared camera that is meant for calculating the field of depth of object as well as around.

Both the cameras used by Kinect permits users to make a decently accurate 3D scan of almost any object that they wish to scan. But how does the scanner rank when seen in terms of value: money ratio? We can only tell by looking at it in-depth. So, let’s get started.

Features

Some of the most valuable features of the scanner are mentioned and explained below.

Affordable

Because Kinect can be constructed easily and its complete information is available online for free, you don’t need to undergo any complex process of setting it up and shipping it from anywhere. Also, the parts of which Kinect is made up, are comparatively cheaper.

So, if you have a 3D printer all you have to do is buy the components that are necessary to make the scanner run and that’s it. You need not spend much on this scanner.

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DIY Kit

The complete assembly of components, as well as 3D printing of the necessary parts, can be done on your own. Just refer to the online instructions available to complete the setup.

Kinect can be constructed as other DIY kits and this makes up a great opportunity for all those who are willing to invest time in learning a little deeper about 3D scanning technology.

Easy to use software

Skanect as well as the other software that is compatible with the scanner are extremely user-friendly. Their interface allows you to reach the tool that you are searching for, extremely fast.

Also, the entire system is relatively easy to grasp. Even if you do not have any sort of technical background, it’s fine. You will still be able to operate the scanner pretty easily.

Open-source

Kinect is an open-sourced 3D scanner. This presents a great opportunity for those who wish to innovate and use a machine for obtaining the kind of work they wish to achieve. Also, it means that nothing is fixed.

The scanner can be scaled according to your project. Moreover, everything is accessible to everyone from the internet.

Specifications

Kinect is equipped with two cameras that take multiple images of an object that you wish to scan. It needs a PC adapter and a PC to produce high-quality scans of parts and functional prototypes. The device can be connected using a USB port.

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Price

Since it’s available as a DIY and needs to be purchased in terms of components, there isn’t any fixed cost for this scanner.

First Impression

Credit: all3dp

The first thing that you need to do is acquire the required hardware i.e. three things in order to start with the scanner:

  1. The Kinect: can be bought either from Xbox 360 or Xbox One. These are available from almost any electronics shop.
  2. The PC adapter: Because Kinect is made to be used in its respective Xbox and not in a PC like other scanners, you’ll have to obtain a Kinect 360 to PC adapter.
  3. A PC: It can be either a laptop or desktop with a free USB port.

The minimum requirement to get you started is:

  • Latest Kinect drivers downloaded
  • A 64-bit Processor
  • Dual-core (3. 1Ghz) or faster CPU
  • A 4GB of Ram
  • Nvidia CUDA graphic card or a Kinect Fusion compatible GPU
  • A compatible USB 3.0 port one that is offered by Intel or Renesas chipset

Setup

Credit: all3dp

Although the Kinect needs to undergo some process before starting 3D scanning with the same, it’s good to say that you can plug it into a power source and start scanning. After having plugged it into your PC, you can download its drivers. These codes will instruct your computer on how to handle the Kinect.

For users who are running it on Windows 10, it’s likely that the drivers inside will get downloaded automatically after the recognition of Kinect by your PC. In case this doesn’t happen, simply download the drivers from Microsoft. Other than this, you will have to download software that allows you to use your Kinect for 3D scanning.

To set up Skanect, open the .exe file as soon as it’s downloaded. A simple interface will await you once the process is completed. The setup will take three steps:

  1. Clicking on the New section that’s present on the menu under the title “Prepare.” By doing so, you can mess around with various settings depending on which object you wish to scan.
  2. Choosing the bounding box size that is the most appropriate for the object. Doing so lets you choose from the presets that are already provided. Instead, you can also use a custom one by clicking the slider and moving it with the mouse.
  3. Choosing a path for saving the scanned object. Note that this would not be the final model, but only the .skn file of the same that can be later opened in the Skanect.

After finishing the setup, click the start button to be taken to the next step of the scanning process.

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Scan Type

The process of scanning is quite simple. All you need to do is just hover the Kinect 3D scanner around the object as if it were orbiting the part.

While doing so, the software will use the background to help track the position of the object. So, in case you wish to rotate the object, the background will be scanning and will always be the same. This scenario applies especially to photogrammetry and for normal 3D scanning.

Ensure that there is a good amount of lighting during the entire scanning process because bad lighting won’t just make it harder, but also lead to a final render with the poorly colored model. So, take your time and ensure that the scans are done slowly and with patience.

Also, check that Kinect is passed through the entire object from all the angels. This can be done by keeping an eye on your PC. Moreover, scanning makes certain that all the areas of the object are appearing neatly.

Scan Quality

Credit: all3dp

Kinect’s scan quality is just about average. You can see the brightness is very inconsistent. And this is because of its camera not being locked. This means that the scanner will adapt the brightness based on the direction that you’re pointing to the sensor. Also, because the cameras present on the Kinect are at wide angles to each other.

Such an arrangement makes it extremely appropriate for sensing motion as well as the depth of people present in front of the TV playing games. But it has its own downsides i.e. 3D scanning on a manual turntable is almost impossible because the tracking gets confused as your arm enters the frame.

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Software

Credit: all3dp

3D Scan is a free Windows 10 application that uses your Kinect for creating 3D models. It can be downloaded from Microsoft. Other than this, you can use Skanect which is third-party software that is compatible with Kinect. It can be used by subscribing to its free or paid version.

The only difference between both of these is that the latter permits you to export the model with more faces and in color. Skanect can be downloaded from Occipital.

Customer Support

Kinect customer support is all given by its community of active users. All the solutions to your problems are available online and are accessible for free.

Parameters Influencing Buying Decision

The key factors that’ll help you decide upon the scanner are mentioned below.

3D Scanner Cost: Affordable

3D Scanner Speed: Average

3D Scan Quality: Two cameras make it possible for the scanner to deliver high-quality scans even while processing parts with intricate geometries.

3D Scanner Capability: The scanner is capable of taking multiple images of the object and then combining them to produce a single scan.

3D Scanner Practicality: It can be used for scanning everyday objects of small size and not much complex geometry.

3D Scanner User Expectations: Hobbyists, academicians, and even small manufacturers can use the scanner to achieve good results.

The Verdict

In a nutshell, Microsoft Kinect is a simple scanner that’s able to produce decent quality scans at a reasonable price. There isn’t something very fancy about the scanner, at the same time there isn’t something too lacking about the device.

Although it isn’t capable of letting you go in-depth, it doesn’t disappoint by providing bad-quality scans. Even while scanning intricate geometries, the scanner does deliver. So, enjoy the simplicity that suits your pockets.


Full-scale color 3D scanning and printing with Microsoft's 3D Builder

Of course, it's only to be expected that the company will venture into 3D printing technology after all. The 3D Builder app was developed about a year ago. With it, you can print effortlessly while uploading models or creating something new and original.

The 3D Builder app can be downloaded from the Windows Store. With it, you can download, view, edit, and print from a computer running Windows 8.1. But don't rush! One or two changes have been made to 3D Builder: now, thanks to a new product from Microsoft, you can enjoy really innovative and original works. The 3D Builder editor has been upgraded with the Kinect v2 sensor for Windows, which allows you to do full-scale color scanning yourself.

With the power of 3D Builder and Kinect, even inexperienced users can scan and print objects in full color. For example, if you want to scan yourself, then you will need someone who is very familiar with the device and the scanning process. And with Windows Kinect, you just have to stand still while the system scans you. The result is almost immediately displayed in the 3D Builder application, where you can improve the quality of the image and then print it.

With 3D Builder you can:

  • Scan color in 3D using Kinect for Windows Sensor v2;
  • improve and correct models automatically before printing;
  • fix models to prepare them for printing;
  • print directly from a 3D printer or order models through 3D Systems;
  • add inscriptions or drawings to any model;
  • combine and divide objects or cut them into pieces.

While we're all excited about bringing Kinect and 3D Builder together so you can scan yourself and your friends, Microsoft's Kinect Software Development Kit 2.0 is in the pipeline. It was supplemented with 200 new features in order to make Kinect even more convenient and accessible to users. At the same time, developers managed to place their applications for Kinect in the Windows Store, including:

  • 3D Builder;
  • Nayi Disha - an interactive application for early childhood education;
  • YAKiT is an application for creating 2D/3D character models.

“This has been frequently requested by users, and we're excited to give you the opportunity to personalize your PC experience even more with gesture control, body movement, and object recognition available to Windows users worldwide. Access to the Windows Store opens up a whole new market for businesses and consumers,” said a Microsoft spokesperson of the Kinect-integrated apps available in the Windows Store.

For best results, Microsoft highly recommends running 3D Builder with a Kinect v2 sensor for Windows.

All of these are completely free to download, except for the adapter to connect the Xbox One Kinect to a PC via USB 3.0. It can be purchased for $49.99.

Slicing an object in 3D Builder

The new Kinect Adapter for Windows also requires a USB 3.0 port, which costs 19$9, won't work with Xbox 360 Kinect sensor. The Kinect for Windows Application Development Kit (SDK) version 2.0 is currently available for free download. There are simply no additional fees for the commercial use of this software.

Source: Ink-Market.ru.

Kinect 2 Base 3D Scanner - 2013

The Kinect 3D Scanner is a high quality scanner for less than $100. Interesting? Read on.

So you've got a 3D printer. What's next?

Next you need to get 3D models for printing from somewhere.

There are several options:

- Option 1: Download from the 3D models catalog.

- Option 2: Draw the model in the 3D editor.

– Option 3: Scan an existing object.

The last option is often essential. For example, you want to get a copy of some item that your friends have. They took it for 5 minutes, scanned it and in a couple of hours you will have your own copy of the item.

Or, let's say you have some object, but it doesn't suit you a bit. Well, we need the same one, but with mother-of-pearl buttons. The scanner will allow you to scan an object, then correct it in a 3D editor and print it with the characteristics you need.

So, we have decided. We need a 3D scanner.
What does the market offer us? Yes, almost nothing. There are a lot of pro devices for architects, sculptors, etc. The cost is 2-20 thousand dollars. The average person cannot afford such a scanner.

There is also a great option in the form of a specialized 3D scanner. Such a model was recently introduced by MakerBot. The scanner is called the makerbot digitizer. Its cost in Ukraine is more than 20,000 UAH. Great device, but also too expensive. Although, if quality and convenience are important to you, then Digitizer is the best choice in the entire 3D scanner market.

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If you are limited in funds, then the only way out is Kinect. Microsoft Kinect. is the most affordable 3D scanner on the market today. Moreover, the device boasts excellent workmanship and good performance.

Why are we talking about Kinect right now?

Because Just a month later, the Xbox One will enter the market. The prefix will be equipped with the second generation Kinect. The device has a USB 3.0 interface, a powerful processor and a new generation high-quality camera.

This means that in just a month we will be able to get a super-quality 3D scanner for “ridiculous” money.

In the meantime, let's explore How the first generation Kinect can help us.

There are 2 programs that allow you to turn your game controller into a professional 3D scanner:

1) Skanect software. This program can create a 3D view of a room with all the objects in it. It is the brainchild of French developers from Manctl.

To create a 3D model of the surrounding space, users need only briefly rotate the Kinect around them. Exactly until a clear image appears on the computer screen, which can be observed from any side. To refine individual fragments of the model, you will have to point the camera at the desired objects again. The proportions of the virtual room remain exactly the same as in the prototype, so you can even measure distances between objects on a computer.

Manctl is one of 11 startups that won $20,000 in funding and support from Microsoft through the Kinect Accelerator program. This program encourages the development of new uses for the popular accessory, such as aiding education, medicine, and combating childhood autism.

We are primarily interested in the ability to create a 3D copy of real objects.

An early version of the program is already available for free download on the Manctl website.

2) Kinect Fusion - Included with the Native Kinect SDK.

Kinect Fusion was featured at SIGGRAPH in 2011 and announced as a future update to the Kinect for Windows SDK last November. It quickly creates highly detailed 3D models by taking depth data from Kinect for Windows sensors and averaging over a sequence of hundreds or thousands of frames. This allows the system to create a more detailed model.

3D models of large objects or environments can be generated by moving the Kinect sensor around a specified object or environment, while smaller objects can be scanned by moving an object in front of the sensor. In addition, Kinect Fusion can also be used for 3D augmented reality applications and with 3D measurements.

Which one to choose? You decide. They will probably both be compatible with the next generation Kinect.

Learn more