Aug 4, 2015 | By Simon
When the first iPhone came out in 2007, the ability to perform a number of tasks that were previously only able to be performed on a desktop computer revolutionized how people worked on-the-go. Today, thanks to more apps than one could seemingly know what to do with, the ability to work on-the-go answering emails, taking photographs or scans and holding conference calls couldn’t be any easier.
Now, we’re on the verge of seeing the same kind of revolution happen with the way that we’re able to capture the world in 3D around us. Among others who are actively developing a 3D scanning solution for mobile devices include Australian start-up Eora 3D.
Founded in Australia by three young Australian entrepreneurs, Eora 3D was founded after the young entrepreneurs were faced with a $20,000 bill for a 3D scanner and devised a plan for building their own iPhone-powered 3D scanner that could be built and sold to others like them for significantly less.
The founders, Rahul Koduri, Richard Boers and Asfand Khan, ultimately wanted to focus on creating a 3D laser scanner that was able to verify the accuracy of a large parabolic dish used to focus sunlight on solar panels. The resulting product that they developed costs just $199 and can be powered by an iPhone 5 or 6 models, with both Android and Windows options on the horizon.
Unlike other smartphone scanners that we’ve seen that rely on a user to walk around an object rather than have the object rotate in front of them, the Eora 3D comes with a small Bluetooth-controlled turntable that allows objects of up to 200 millimetres tall be rotated, scanned and captured. According to the founders, the process of taking a high quality scan file takes just a few minutes and can generate up to 8 million points. Finished files can be exported in the most popular 3D file formats including .ply, .obj and .stl. For larger objects the scanner includes a tripod mount on the bottom to keep the smartphone stable during the scanning process.
Because the laser scanner relies primarily on the smartphone’s existing computer and camera to do the heavy image capturing and processing in tandem with the green laser supplied by the scanner, the team was able to keep the cost for the final product extremely low for end users.
"Our aim is precision because we've designed this for use with manufacturing," said Koduri.
"Studying the laser beam as it passes across the surface of an object is much more precise than simply using multiple cameras to create a 3D scan from photographs. Just taking photos would be faster, but using a laser creates a much more precise colour 3D model with sub-100 micron accuracy."
While 3D scanning has gone hand-in-hand with 3D printing for the last few years, the virtual and augmented reality movement has helped generate even more interest in 3D capture within the past year. Regardless of what the end user uses it for though, the team designed it with manufacturing in mind.
"Our 3D scanner is perfect for scanning clay models and other organic shapes which can be difficult to produce from scratch using CAD software," added Koduri.
"We already have a jewellery designer in Sydney who uses the scanner to proof moulds before sending them to the manufacturer. We're also working with 3D Printing Studios, an Australian 3D printing service which is making our scanner available to a handful of customers – it's all about putting accurate 3D scanning within reach of more people."
The talented and innovative young team have already setup a supply chain with manufacturers in China and are ready to enter production. However to help generate attention and cover initial manufacturing costs, the team is preparing to launch the Eora 3D scanner on Kickstarter in September. In the meantime, interested users can find out more over at the Eora 3D website.
Posted in 3D Scanning
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