3D Scan your Environment with AI (Free Tool)

Nik Kottmann
9 Dec 202304:16

TLDRIn this tutorial, the host demonstrates how to create 3D NeRF scans using Luma AI, a free tool that employs artificial intelligence to scan environments and capture even metallic and reflective surfaces. The process involves recording a video of the subject from various angles, uploading it to Luma Labs for processing, and then creating and animating a camera path within the 3D viewport. The result is a smooth, engaging 3D animation that can be rendered and exported as a video. The host also mentions the availability of preset camera animations and 3D assets for download.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Luma AI is a free tool that uses neural radiance fields to scan environments and create 3D animations.
  • 🎥 To create a NeRF scan, record a video of the subject using a phone, moving around it in circles at least three times to capture different perspectives.
  • 🔍 Luma AI can capture metallic and reflective surfaces, unlike traditional photogrammetry approaches.
  • 📂 After recording, upload the video to Luma Labs to start the scanning process, which usually takes around 30 minutes.
  • 📐 Once the scan is processed, it can be viewed from various angles in the 3D viewport.
  • 🎞 To export the scan as a video, create a camera animation by setting the focal length and adding keyframes for the desired camera movement.
  • 🔄 Adjust the speed of the animation by changing the duration of the keyframes on the timeline.
  • 🖥 Render the video with options for aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate.
  • 🔄 Luma AI offers preset camera animations like 'orbit' and 'oscillate' for quick and easy animations.
  • 📚 The tutorial provides tips from Luma AI to ensure the best scanning results.
  • 🌐 Free 3D assets created in the tutorial can be downloaded from the instructor's Blender kit profile.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the tutorial in the video?

    -The tutorial aims to show viewers how to create NeRF scans using a free tool called Luma AI, which is used to scan environments and create camera animations.

  • What does NeRF stand for in the context of the video?

    -NeRF stands for Neural Radiance Fields, which is a method used to scan environments and capture details such as metallic and reflective surfaces.

  • What is the difference between NeRF and traditional photogrammetry approaches mentioned in the video?

    -The difference is that NeRF utilizes artificial intelligence and can capture metallic and reflective surfaces, which traditional photogrammetry might not handle as effectively.

  • What device does the video suggest using to record the subject for NeRF scans?

    -The video suggests using an iPhone to record the subject, indicating that an expensive camera is not necessary for creating NeRF scans.

  • How should one move around the subject while recording the video for NeRF scans?

    -One should move around the subject in circles, going around it at least three times, and capturing different heights to cover as many perspectives as possible.

  • What are some tips provided by Luma AI for capturing NeRF scans?

    -The video suggests pausing to read the tips provided by Luma AI before starting to capture, although the specific tips are not detailed in the transcript.

  • How long does it usually take for a NeRF scan to be processed after uploading to Luma Labs?

    -It usually takes around 30 minutes for a NeRF scan to be processed after uploading to Luma Labs.

  • What can be done in the 3D viewport after the NeRF scan is processed?

    -After the scan is processed, one can view it from different angles in the 3D viewport and export it as a video.

  • How is a camera animation created for the NeRF scan in the video?

    -A camera animation is created by setting the focal length, placing the camera at the desired start point, adding key frames at different positions, and adjusting the timing of the key frames to create a smooth animation.

  • What are the options for aspect ratio and resolution when rendering a video of the NeRF scan?

    -The options for aspect ratio include different preset options or a custom one, and the resolution can be set to full HD with a frame rate of 30 FPS.

  • What preset camera animations are available in Luma AI as mentioned in the video?

    -The preset camera animations available in Luma AI include 'orbit', which makes the camera rotate around the subject, and 'oscillate', which adds a bit of movement to the camera.

  • Where can viewers find and download the 3D assets created in the video?

    -Viewers can find and download the 3D assets on the creator's Blender kit profile for free, with the link provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Creating Nerf Scans with Luma AI

This paragraph introduces a tutorial on how to create Nerf (Neural Radiance Fields) scans using Luma AI, a free tool that employs artificial intelligence for scanning environments and creating camera animations. It highlights the tool's ability to capture metallic and reflective surfaces, which is a departure from traditional photogrammetry. The speaker shares a personal experience of using the tool for a client and provides a brief overview of the process, which begins with recording a video of the subject using a simple device like an iPhone.

📱 Recording Video for Nerf Scans

The speaker provides detailed instructions on how to record a video for creating Nerf scans. The process involves moving around the subject in circles at least three times and varying the height to capture different perspectives. Additional tips from Luma AI are suggested to be read before starting the capture. After recording, the video is uploaded to Luma labs for processing, which typically takes around 30 minutes.

🖥️ Reviewing and Animating the 3D Scan

Once the scan is processed, it can be reviewed in a 3D viewport. The speaker expresses satisfaction with the scan quality and proceeds to demonstrate how to create a camera animation. This involves setting the focal length, placing the camera at the desired start point, and adding key frames to define the camera's path. The animation can be adjusted for speed and smoothness by manipulating the duration and distribution of key frames on the timeline.

🎨 Rendering and Exporting the Animation

The paragraph describes the final steps of rendering and exporting the Nerf scan as a video. The user can choose the aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate for the video. The speaker also mentions the option to use preset camera animations for convenience. The tutorial concludes with an invitation for viewers to ask questions in the comments and a mention of a free 3D asset download available on the speaker's Blender kit profile.

Mindmap

Keywords

3D Scan

3D Scan refers to the process of capturing the shape and appearance of a real-world object or environment and translating it into a three-dimensional digital model. In the context of the video, 3D scanning is achieved using a free tool called Luma AI, which employs neural radiance fields to create detailed and accurate scans of the environment, including metallic and reflective surfaces.

Nerf (Neural Radiance Fields)

Nerf is an acronym for 'Neural Radiance Fields,' a cutting-edge technique in computer graphics that uses artificial intelligence to reconstruct 3D scenes from a series of 2D images. The video demonstrates how this technology can be utilized to scan environments and create lifelike 3D models, which can then be used for animations or other applications.

Luma AI

Luma AI is the name of the free tool introduced in the video that facilitates the creation of Nerf scans. It represents a user-friendly interface for capturing and processing 3D scans, making it accessible to a broader audience without the need for expensive equipment or specialized knowledge.

Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. Traditional photogrammetry is contrasted with the AI-based approach in the video, where the latter allows for the capture of more complex surfaces like metallic and reflective materials that are challenging for standard photogrammetry.

Metallic and Reflective Surfaces

These terms refer to materials that have a shiny, mirror-like appearance and can be difficult to accurately capture in 3D due to their reflective properties. The video highlights the capability of Luma AI to scan such surfaces effectively, which is a significant advantage over traditional scanning methods.

Capture

In the context of the video, 'capture' refers to the act of recording a video of the subject using a device like an iPhone. The video serves as the raw data from which the 3D scan is generated, with the subject being moved around in circles to ensure all angles are covered.

3D Viewport

The 3D viewport is the area of the Luma AI interface where the processed 3D scan can be viewed and interacted with. It allows users to examine their scans from different angles and make adjustments as necessary before proceeding to create animations or export the model.

Camera Animation

Camera animation in 3D software refers to the process of creating a sequence of movements for a virtual camera within a 3D scene. In the video, the creator sets keyframes to define the path and timing of the camera's movement, resulting in a dynamic and engaging animation of the scanned object.

Keyframe

A keyframe is a specific moment in an animation sequence where a particular property, such as position or scale, is set. The video script describes how to add keyframes to define the start and end points of the camera's movement, creating a smooth transition between different camera angles.

Render

Rendering is the process of generating a 2D image or video from a 3D model. In the video, once the camera animation is set, the creator uses the render function to export the 3D scene as a video, choosing parameters like aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate to define the final output quality.

Preset Camera Animations

Preset camera animations are pre-defined camera movement patterns that can be applied to a 3D scene to save time and effort. The video mentions 'orbit' and 'oscillate' as examples of such presets, which provide quick ways to create common camera movements like circling or bobbing around the subject.

Blender Kit

A Blender Kit refers to a collection of assets, such as 3D models, textures, or materials, that can be used in the Blender 3D software. The video creator offers a free download of the 3D assets used in the tutorial, which can be accessed through a link provided in the video description.

Highlights

Introduction to creating Nerf scans using Luma AI, a free tool.

Nerf stands for neural radiance fields, a new method for scanning environments.

Luma AI's advantage over traditional photogrammetry for capturing metallic and reflective surfaces.

Demonstration of recording a video of the subject using an iPhone.

Tips for moving around the subject in circles and capturing from different heights.

Instructions to pause the video and read tips from Luma AI before capturing.

Process of uploading the video to Luma labs for scan processing.

Approximate 30-minute processing time for the scan.

Reviewing the scan in the 3D viewport from various angles.

Exporting the scan as a video by creating a camera animation.

Setting the focal length of the camera for different zoom levels.

Creating key frames for the camera animation to define the path.

Adjusting the speed of the animation by extending key frame durations.

Smoothing the animation by distributing key frames on the timeline.

Rendering the video with options for aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate.

Using preset camera animations like orbit and oscillate for quick setups.

Invitation to download free 3D assets from the creator's Blender kit profile.

Closing with an invitation for questions in the comment section and a signature sign-off.