Structure Capture App Settings Guide

This sets the Depth map voxel density/size, which increases/decreases mesh detail at the cost of processing power. This affects image resolution and noise in your scan. (Voxels are little cubes that fill up the bounding box. If you have too many voxels, then your iPad will slow down, heat up and become laggy, so more is not always better)

CAUTION: Any value below 1 mm can quickly eat all available memory

For smaller subjects, we recommend using a voxel size between 1-3mm for optimal results. Smaller voxels capture more details. (Note that smaller voxel sizes require more memory, more computational power (the scanning becomes laggy as the CPU can't keep up), and the resulting scan is noisier. Also, the resolution of the final mesh is usually better.

For larger subjects, we recommend increasing the voxel size >3mm to the point in which you are happy with the results. Larger voxel sizes average out noise more effectively.

We generally recommend selecting OBJ files as most post-processing softwares are able to import these files, but it ultimately depends on which file format you require.

OBJ files are commonly used in 3D modeling applications and are supported by many software tools. They are versatile and suitable for transferring complex 3D models. (Note: this is the only format that supports texture).

PLY files are used in a variety of applications, including computer graphics, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D scanning. They are particularly useful for storing point cloud data. (Note: this file type will not show texture/color).

STL files are commonly used in 3D printing and rapid prototyping. They are also used for transferring surface geometry between different 3D modeling software. (Note: This file type will not show texture/color).

This sets the scene/area for tracking and scanning.

Use ONE finger to slide the bounding box to the center of the object, toward and away from you. Then use TWO fingers to resize the bounding box to make sure it is larger than the object.

Turning this "ON" selects the highest available resolution for color frames (1280x720).

Turning this "OFF" selects VGA resolution for color frames. Turn off if color meshes are not needed.

This determines how the bounding box positions itself.

'User Defined' lets the user set the bounding box size and distance from the sensor.

'Auto (Table Top)' automatically detects a ground plane and positions the bounding box on top of it (only the bounding box size is editable).

Turning this "ON" will make it easier to scan things floating in the air. For example, a foot floating in the air will be easier to scan with this turned on.

Turning this "OFF" searches for, adjusts, and aligns Structure Sensor to the ground plane/ground surface. (Note that turning this off and scanning an object in the air will be more difficult because the bounding box might shift to the bottom of something other than what you are trying to scan.)

This determines the tracking mode for your sensor.

'Object' is ideal for subjects that are ~6 foot / 2 meters or smaller

'Turntable' is good if the subject is on a lazy susan or similar and the sensor is in a fixed position

'Area' is optimal if you are doing first person point of view scanning

This sets the Depth map voxel density/size, which increases/decreases mesh detail at the cost of processing power. This affects image resolution and noise in your scan. (Voxels are little cubes that fill up the bounding box. If you have too many voxels, then your iPad will slow down, heat up and become laggy, so more is not always better)

CAUTION: Any value below 1 mm can quickly eat all available memory

For smaller subjects, we recommend using a voxel size between 1-3mm for optimal results. Smaller voxels capture more details. (Note that smaller voxel sizes require more memory, more computational power (the scanning becomes laggy as the CPU can't keep up), and the resulting scan is noisier. Also, the resolution of the final mesh is usually better.

For larger subjects, we recommend increasing the voxel size >3mm to the point in which you are happy with the results. Larger voxel sizes average out noise more effectively.

We generally recommend selecting OBJ files as most post-processing softwares are able to import these files, but it ultimately depends on which file format you require.

OBJ files are commonly used in 3D modeling applications and are supported by many software tools. They are versatile and suitable for transferring complex 3D models. (Note: this is the only format that supports texture).

PLY files are used in a variety of applications, including computer graphics, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D scanning. They are particularly useful for storing point cloud data. (Note: this file type will not show texture/ color).

STL files are commonly used in 3D printing and rapid prototyping. They are also used for transferring surface geometry between different 3D modeling software. (Note: This file type will not show texture/color).

For scanning body parts/limbs like a foot

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.36 / Max: 1.02

Choose this preset if you are intending to scan an arm, a foot, or any other object that requires a free-floating, groundless bounding box

Smallest scan size: Hand/wrist

Ideal scan size: Lower limb

Largest scan size: Torso

For general scanning; this is a good middle ground for indoor scanning. The largest limitation is that it needs to be used indoors, and its minimum focal length is slightly longer than the Body Preset. 

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.453 / Max: 1.005

Choose this preset most of the time

Smallest scan size: Foot

Ideal scan size: Torso

Largest scan size: Body

For scanning objects where there is direct or indirect sunlight on the scene either outdoors or indoors if the object is large (e.g. a head or larger)

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.56 / Max: 12+

Choose this preset when scanning outdoors or where direct/indirect sunlight is on the scene

Smallest scan size: Mailbox

Ideal scan size: ATV

Largest scan size: Tractor

For scanning objects larger than a person or a large area

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.56 / Max: 12+

Choose this preset when scanning an entire person's body or a large object/area

Smallest scan size: Doorframe

Ideal scan size: Wall section (e.g. fireplace)

Largest scan size: Small room (e.g. office, kitchen, bedroom)

For scanning objects smaller than a foot at close range

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.325 / Max: 0.75

Choose this preset for small objects at close range

Smallest scan size: Hand/wrist

Ideal scan size: Grapefruit

Largest scan size: Head

For scanning both close range and long range, but it may be less accurate than either the Default preset or the Body preset. This preset increases range at the expense of depth resolution.

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.355 / Max: 5.89

This is an ST02-specific preset and is selected based on what distance range you intend to scan from

Smallest scan size: Torso

Ideal scan size: Body (at distance of 2+ meters)

Largest scan size: Book case

For scanning dark objects and/or if indoors and the object is small (e.g. smaller than a head). This preset allows for significantly better detection of dark and reflective objects

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.67 / Max: 5.72

Choose this preset when scanning a dark or reflective object

Smallest scan size: Dark Grey mug

Ideal scan size: Dark Grey teapot

Largest scan size: Dark Grey chair

For scanning for larger objects or smaller areas

Ideal distance (m) - Min: 0.56 / Max: 10+

This preset is selected based on what distance range you intend to scan from

Smallest scan size: Torso/lower body

Ideal scan size: Body

Largest scan size: 2-person couch