A new UK-based startup, Smart 3D Company, Ltd., has come out with an innovative and easy-to-use device that, combined with a smartphone, will allow users to scan small objects in 3D, as well as take pictures or shoot 360° time lapse videos. The device is not only useful for photographers or 3D printer users, but also architects, engineers, graphic designers, bloggers and many more.
PIXELIO, in combination with free software installed on your smartphone (eg. Autodesk 123D Catch), will allow users to scan objects in 3D, thanks to a universal device holder that mounts to any smartphone. The quality of 3D scans is suggested to yield greater reproduction of the finest details of an object, which may not be possible to obtain with hand-held scanners, as the mount maintains a steady position as it rotates around an object. In addition, the startup’s patented “Virtual Finger” technology, which replicates the touch of a human finger as the phone moves around an object, ensures that scans or images will not blur. Combined with an app like Autodesk 123 Catch, 3D models can then be exported for 3D printing.
In addition, PIXELIO is equipped with a handful of other features designed to enhance the usefulness of the device, including a wireless phone charging function, and the incorporation of a clock and LED lamp. Pixelio is not only a 3D scanner, however, as it also allows its users to create seamless panorama shots, 360-degree videos, and even time-lapse videos. Its small size also allows for it to be portable, making it a mini 3D scanning laboratory as well as mini photo studio. Essentially, Pixelio works by connecting any smartphone (or even go-pro camera) to its 360-degree rotating mount and then through apps installed on the phone the device can capture anything from a 3D scan of an object to a 360-degree photo
In order to create 3D scans using Pixelio, you need only download the free Autodesk 123D Catch app, which through the smartphone camera allows for almost any object to be 3D scanned. Additionally, by incorporating their Virtual Finger Technology, all you need to do is press a button which triggers the app’s “scan” touch and the 3D scanning will commence. Once scanned, the 3D model can be printed directly on a 3D printer. For photography and videos, you can use apps such as Arqspin in order to capture 360-degree shots or product photos
Pixelio is also equipped with several other features to help accommodate its user. For instance, it has a wireless phone charging option, an LED indicator, an adjustable rotation speed, a tripod mount, and a built in timer, useful for setting shutter speeds for time-lapses. Images and videos captured through Pixelio can be saved to either MP4 or GIF formats, while anything scanned will be saved as a 3D file.
For more information please visit: www.pixelioscanner.com
