Kscan3d Full Version Review: Pros and Cons of Using Kinect or Xtion Sensors for 3D Scanning
Kscan3d Full Version: A Comprehensive Review
Have you ever wanted to create 3D models of real-world objects without spending a fortune on expensive equipment and software? If so, you might be interested in Kscan3d, a 3D scanning software that works with Microsoft Kinect or Xtion sensors. But what is Kscan3d exactly, and what can it do for you? And more importantly, how can you get the full version of this software to unlock its full potential? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will give you a comprehensive review of Kscan3d full version, including its features, benefits, drawbacks, pricing, installation, usage, and alternatives. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of whether Kscan3d full version is worth your time and money.
Kscan3d Full Version
What is Kscan3d?
A brief introduction to the software and its features
Kscan3d is a 3D scanning software developed by LMI Technologies, a company that specializes in 3D measurement and inspection solutions. Kscan3d lets you create 3D model files of real-world objects using a Microsoft Kinect or Xtion sensor. These sensors are originally designed for gaming and motion tracking purposes, but they can also capture depth information and color images of objects in front of them. Kscan3d uses this data to generate and align 3D meshes automatically, creating a digital representation of the scanned object.
Kscan3d has many features that make it a powerful and versatile tool for 3D scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike. Some of these features are:
It supports multiple sensors, including Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect for Windows v1/v2, Xtion Pro/Live/PrimeSense Carmine.
It allows you to scan objects of various sizes and shapes, from small figurines to large furniture.
It has a user-friendly interface that guides you through the scanning process step by step.
It has various options to adjust the scan quality, resolution, accuracy, and speed.
It has a built-in editing tool that lets you crop, smooth, fill holes, reduce noise, and optimize your 3D models.
It supports various file formats for exporting your 3D models, such as OBJ, STL, PLY, and VRML.
It is compatible with other 3D software and applications, such as Blender, MeshLab, SketchUp, ZBrush, and 3D printing services.
How does it work with Kinect or Xtion sensors?
Kscan3d works by using the infrared projector and camera of the Kinect or Xtion sensor to create a depth map of the object in front of it. A depth map is a grayscale image that shows how far each pixel is from the sensor. The darker the pixel, the closer it is; the lighter the pixel, the farther it is. Kscan3d then uses the color camera of the sensor to capture a color image of the object. By combining the depth map and the color image, Kscan3d can create a 3D point cloud of the object. A point cloud is a collection of points in 3D space that represent the surface of the object. Each point has a position (x, y, z) and a color (r, g, b).
To create a complete 3D model of the object, you need to scan it from different angles and positions. Kscan3d helps you do this by showing you a live preview of the scan on your computer screen. You can see how much of the object has been scanned and how well the scans are aligned. You can also adjust the settings and parameters of the scan to improve the quality and accuracy. Once you have scanned the object from all sides, Kscan3d will automatically merge the scans into a single 3D mesh. A mesh is a polygonal representation of the object's surface that consists of vertices, edges, and faces. You can then edit and export your 3D model as you wish.
Why do you need Kscan3d full version?
The limitations of the free version
Kscan3d offers a free version of its software that you can download from its official website. However, the free version has some limitations that might affect your scanning experience and results. Some of these limitations are:
The free version only allows you to scan objects up to 30 cm in height and width.
The free version only allows you to export your 3D models in OBJ format.
The free version only allows you to use one sensor at a time.
The free version does not support advanced features such as multi-sensor scanning, texture mapping, hole filling, noise reduction, and mesh optimization.
The free version does not provide technical support or updates.
The benefits of the full version
If you want to enjoy all the features and capabilities of Kscan3d without any restrictions or limitations, you need to get the full version of the software. The full version has many benefits that make it worth your investment. Some of these benefits are:
The full version allows you to scan objects of any size and shape.
The full version allows you to export your 3D models in various file formats such as STL, PLY, and VRML.
The full version allows you to use multiple sensors simultaneously to scan larger or more complex objects.
The full version supports advanced features such as texture mapping, hole filling, noise reduction, and mesh optimization that enhance the quality and realism of your 3D models.
The full version provides technical support and updates from LMI Technologies.
How to get Kscan3d full version?
The official website and pricing
The easiest and safest way to get Kscan3d full version is to buy it from its official website. You can choose between two options: a perpetual license or a subscription license. A perpetual license means that you pay a one-time fee and own the software forever. A subscription license means that you pay a monthly or yearly fee and use the software as long as your subscription is active. The pricing for each option is as follows:
License TypePrice
Perpetual License$299 USD
Subscription License (Monthly)$29 USD
Subscription License (Yearly)$299 USD
To buy Kscan3d full version, you need to create an account on the website and provide your payment information. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. After your payment is confirmed, you will receive an email with a download link and a license key. You can then download and install the software on your computer and activate it with your license key.
The alternative sources and risks
Some people might be tempted to look for alternative sources to get Kscan3d full version for free or at a lower price. For example, they might search for cracked versions, torrent downloads, or key generators on the internet. However, this is not recommended for several reasons. Some of these reasons are:
It is illegal and unethical to use pirated software. You are violating the intellectual property rights of the developers and exposing yourself to legal consequences.
It is risky and unsafe to download software from untrusted sources. You might end up with malware, viruses, spyware, or ransomware that can harm your computer and compromise your personal data.
It is unreliable and unsatisfactory to use cracked software. You might encounter errors, bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues that can ruin your scanning experience and results. You might also miss out on the technical support and updates from the developers.
Therefore, it is better to avoid alternative sources and stick to the official website to get Kscan3d full version. You will get a legitimate, secure, and high-quality software that will meet your 3D scanning needs and expectations.
How to use Kscan3d full version?
The system requirements and installation process
Before you can use Kscan3d full version, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. These are:
Operating System: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory: 8 GB RAM or higher
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or higher
Storage: 10 GB available space or higher
Internet Connection: Required for activation and updates
Sensor: Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect for Windows v1/v2, Xtion Pro/Live/PrimeSense Carmine
To install Kscan3d full version on your computer, you need to follow these steps:
Download the installer from the email you received after purchasing the software.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Connect your sensor to your computer using a USB cable or an adapter.
Launch Kscan3d and enter your license key when prompted.
Wait for the software to activate and update.
The basic steps to create 3D models with Kscan3d
To create 3D models of real-world objects with Kscan3d full version, you need to follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Connect your sensor and launch Kscan3d
Make sure that your sensor is connected to your computer and recognized by the software. You can check this by looking at the status bar at the bottom of the screen. It should show the name and serial number of your sensor. If not, you might need to troubleshoot your sensor connection or driver installation.
Launch Kscan3d and select "New Project" from the file menu. You can also open an existing project if you want to resume or edit a previous scan. You will see a live preview of what your sensor is capturing on the main window.
Step 2: Calibrate your sensor and adjust the settings
To ensure that your sensor is working properly and accurately, you need to calibrate it before scanning. To do this, you need to place a calibration board in front of your sensor and follow the instructions on the screen. The calibration board is a printed pattern that helps the software determine the position and orientation of your sensor. You can download and print the calibration board from the official website or use any checkerboard pattern with known dimensions.
After calibrating your sensor, you can adjust the settings of your scan according to your preferences and needs. You can access the settings by clicking on the gear icon on the toolbar. Some of the settings you can change are:
The scan mode: You can choose between single scan or continuous scan. Single scan means that you capture one scan at a time by pressing a button or a keyboard shortcut. Continuous scan means that you capture multiple scans automatically as you move your sensor around the object.
The scan resolution: You can choose between low, medium, or high resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and accurate your scan will be, but the slower and larger the file size will be.
The scan range: You can choose between near, normal, or far range. The range determines how far your sensor can capture depth information from the object. The closer the range, the more accurate your scan will be, but the smaller the field of view will be.
The scan speed: You can choose between slow, normal, or fast speed. The speed determines how quickly your sensor captures depth information from the object. The faster the speed, the smoother and easier your scanning process will be, but the lower the quality and accuracy will be.
You can also adjust other settings such as color capture, hole filling, noise reduction, and mesh optimization. You can experiment with different settings to find the best combination for your scanning project.
Step 3: Scan your object from different angles
Once you have set up your sensor and settings, you are ready to scan your object. You need to place your object on a flat and stable surface and make sure that it is well-lit and visible to your sensor. You also need to make sure that there are no other objects or people in the background that might interfere with your scan.
To scan your object, you need to move your sensor around it and capture it from different angles and positions. You can either hold your sensor by hand or mount it on a tripod or a stand. You can also rotate or move your object if necessary. The goal is to cover as much of the object's surface as possible with overlapping scans. You can see a live preview of your scans on your computer screen and check how well they are aligned and merged.
If you are using single scan mode, you need to press a button or a keyboard shortcut to capture each scan. If you are using continuous scan mode, you need to press a button or a keyboard shortcut to start and stop the scanning process. You can also pause and resume the scanning process at any time. You can delete or redo any scan if you are not satisfied with it.
Step 4: Align and merge your scans into a single mesh
After you have scanned your object from all sides, Kscan3d will automatically align and merge your scans into a single 3D mesh. This process might take some time depending on the number and size of your scans. You can see the progress of the alignment and merging on your computer screen.
If the alignment and merging are successful, you will see a complete 3D model of your object on the main window. You can rotate, zoom, pan, or tilt the model to inspect it from different perspectives. You can also use the measurement tool to measure the dimensions of your model.
If the alignment and merging are not successful, you might see gaps, holes, overlaps, or distortions in your model. This might happen if your scans are not enough, not accurate, not consistent, or not overlapping. In this case, you can try to fix your model by using the editing tool or by scanning more parts of your object.
Step 5: Edit and export your 3D model
The final step is to edit and export your 3D model as you wish. You can use the built-in editing tool to crop, smooth, fill holes, reduce noise, and optimize your model. You can also use other 3D software and applications to further edit or enhance your model.
To export your 3D model, you need to choose a file format that suits your purpose and destination. Kscan3d full version supports various file formats such as OBJ, STL, PLY, and VRML. Each file format has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of compatibility, quality, size, and features. You can also choose whether to include color information or texture mapping in your exported file.
To export your 3D model, you need to click on the export icon on the toolbar and select a file format from the drop-down menu. You then need to choose a location and a name for your file and click on save. Your 3D model will be exported to your chosen location and ready for use.
What are the pros and cons of Kscan3d full version?
The advantages of Kscan3d full version
Kscan3d full version has many advantages that make it a great choice for 3D scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike. Some of these advantages are:
It is affordable and accessible compared to other 3D scanning solutions that require expensive equipment and software.It is easy and fun to use, with a user-friendly interface and a simple scanning process.
It is versatile and flexible, with various options and features to customize your scan according to your preferences and needs.
It is compatible and integrable, with various file formats and applications to use your 3D models for different purposes and destinations.
It is reliable and accurate, with advanced features and algorithms to ensure the quality and realism of your 3D models.
The disadvantages of Kscan3d full version
Kscan3d full version also has some disadvantages that might affect your scanning experience and results. Some of these disadvantages are:
It is dependent and limited by the sensor's performance and capabilities. The sensor might not capture some details, colors, or textures of the object, or might have errors or noise in the depth data.
It is sensitive and affected by the environmental conditions and factors. The lighting, background, movement, or reflection of the object might interfere with the scan or cause artifacts or distortions in the model.
It is time-consuming and labor-intensive to scan large or complex objects. You might need to scan the object from many angles and positions, or use multiple sensors to cover the whole surface of the object.
It is not suitable or practical for scanning some types of objects. For example, objects that are transparent, shiny, dark, hairy, or moving might not be scanned well or at all by the sensor.
Conclusion
Kscan3d full version is a 3D scanning software that works with Microsoft Kinect or Xtion sensors. It lets you create 3D models of real-world objects using a simple and easy process. It has many features and options that make it a powerful and versatile tool for 3D scanning enthusiasts and professionals alike. It also has some limitations and drawbacks that might affect your scanning experience and results. You can get Kscan3d full version from its official website for a reasonable price, or try the free version first to see if it meets your expectations. Kscan3d full version is a great choice for anyone who wants to create 3D models of real-world objects without spending a fortune on expensive equipment and software.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kscan3d full version:
What are the differences between Kscan3d full version and Kscan3d Lite?
Kscan3d Lite is a simplified version of Kscan3d full version that is designed for beginners and hobbyists. It has fewer features and options than Kscan3d full version, but it is also cheaper and easier to use. Kscan3d Lite only supports Kinect for Xbox 360 sensors, only allows single scan mode, only exports in OBJ format, and does not support texture mapping, hole filling, noise reduction, or mesh optimization.
Can I use Kscan3d full version with other sensors than Kinect or Xtion?
No, Kscan3d full version only works with Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect for Windows v1/v2, Xtion Pro/Live/PrimeSense Carmine sensors. These are the only sensors that are compatible with Kscan3d's algorithms and features. If you want to use other sensors such as LIDAR or structured light scanners, you need to use other software that supports them.
How can I improve the quality and accuracy of my scans with Kscan3d full version?
There are several ways to improve the quality and accuracy of your scans with Kscan3d full version. Some of these ways are:
Use a high-quality sensor that has a good resolution, frame rate, depth range, and field of view.
Use a suitable scan mode, resolution, range, and speed that match your object's size, shape, and complexity.
Use a good lighting condition that is bright, even, and natural. Avoid direct sunlight, shadows, or reflections that might affect the sensor's performance.
Use a plain background that is contrasted with your object's color. Avoid cluttered or moving backgrounds that might confuse the sensor or cause artifacts in your model.
Use a stable surface that does not move or vibrate during the scanning process. Avoid shaking or tilting your sensor or object while scanning.
Use multiple sensors if possible to scan larger or more complex objects from different angles and positions.
Use the editing tool to crop