FAQ - Technical Problems of 3D Scanning

After the data is saved, re-open the file in the iReal software, the next step cannot be processed.

  • Check whether the datanumber in the DataImage folder where the scanning project is saved is continuous. If there are intermittent numbers, the data cannot be processed normally.
  • At the same time, check whether there are files of 0 kb in the folder. Those files will also affect the normal processing of data.
  • Check the performance of the CPU and GPU of the computer and check if the disk space of the computer is sufficient, you can quickly check them from the diagnosis function of the software.

What is the maximum distance between two markers?

To ensure a better result, it is recommended that the distance between two markers should not exceed 8-10 cm.

What kinds of items are iReal 2E’s color scanning best suited for?

Items that meet the following three conditions at the same time have the best scanning results of colors and textures:

  1. Matte, rich color, non-solid color, less black items;
  2. Items with continuous, non-repetitive, and richly varied geometric features (features alignment)/texture features (texture alignment);
  3. The size of the item is ≥30cm (iReal color camera has 1.3 million pixels, and the best scanning distance: 40 cm. The mapping result obtained by this pixel at this distance has limited clarity. If the item is too small, it may not be able to satisfy its mapping quality requirements).

What size item is the iReal 2E best suited for scanning?

The best scanning size is 0.3 – 4.0 m.

  1. The maximum size of a single scan: it is recommended not to exceed 4 m. If the size of the item is too large or the resolution setting is too small, the amount of single data can be too large, you can scan it in sections, and then start the alignment in iReal 3D software or in third-party software (if the amount of data is too large, you need to reduce the surface before alignment).
  2. It is recommended that the minimum scan size be no less than 0.3 m. The basic accuracy of iReal 2E is 0.1 mm, and the minimum point spacing is 0.2 mm. This accuracy and point spacing determine that when the size of the item is less than 0.3 m, the local details/textures/angles of the item may not meet the customer’s data restoration needs.

The above suggestions are for reference only. Specific operation methods can be adjusted based on the actual tests: whether iReal 2E can meet your data restoration needs.

Is iReal 2E 3D scanner perfect for portrait scanning?

  1. iReal 2E performs targeted optimization on portrait/human body scanning: it supports non-light 3D scanning, hair scanning and dark environment scanning. In addition, because the human body is relatively flexible, it is inevitable that we tend to move a little bit involuntarily during the scanning process, which will lead to multiple sets of data in the same part. With a common algorithm, staggered layers will occur even successfully aligned. However, according to the innovative algorithm of iReal 3D, the multiple sets of data caused by a slight movement of humans can be automatically removed, and registered together as a result, which, has greatly reduced the cost of future data recovery.
  2. iReal 2E is especially suitable for scanning busts, full-body portraits, and parts of the human body (for shape fitting design), etc. It can be used for artistic portrait customization and re-creation (bronze portraits, 3D printed portraits, sculpture portraits scene reproduction, body art, etc.), film/game/VR, AR and other CG character modeling, medical rehabilitation (spinal orthosis, cervical brace, prosthesis, arm immobilizer, orthopedic helmet, etc.) and human body part customization.

Under what conditions can the iReal 2E 3D scanner work without markers?

  1. When the scanned object has continuous, diverse and rich geometric and texture features, you can 3D scan it without markers, which greatly improves the on-site work efficiency;
  2. When the geometric and texture features of the scanned object are not that rich, you can use the mixed alignment mode, which requires fewer markers to conduct the 3D scanning;
  3. When the geometric and texture features of the scanned object are repeated or relatively fewer, such as large plain item, large curve item, or long and narrow item, you can use the markers scanning mode to ensure a smooth scanning experience, and its accuracy would be higher (up to 0.3 mm/m).

Can I use iReal 3D scanner outdoors or in a dark environment?

Yes, you can do both. The iReal 2E 3D scanner adopts infrared VCSEL structured light technology with strong adaptability to the light environment. Whether it is in a light environment, dark environment, or under indoor direct lighting or outdoor direct sunlight, the 3D data acquisition can be carried out smoothly as well.

Is iReal 2E harmful to health?

iReal 2E 3D scanner is 100% safe to human beings.

The speckle pattern emitter of iReal 2E uses infrared VCSEL, which is Class1 LASER (definition: the laser radiation level does not exceed the emission limit specified in 21 CFR Subchapter J Part 1040.10 Table I at any time during the operation of the laser. Operating power <0.4mW, it is a harmless and control-free laser). Infrared VCSEL, a low-energy light source device, has no biological hazard, will not cause damage to the human body or skin, and does not require other safety auxiliary equipment during use.

iReal 2E 3D scanner adopts infrared invisible light, which is completely eye-safe and user-friendly during the scanning process. iReal 2E is a low-energy-consumption device with three sets of cameras surrounded by fill flashes (LED cold light source). The flashes can be turned off when scanning the human body, and the light-free scanning mode avoids the flickering discomfort and realizes a true eye-safe scanning experience.

Can I scan human hair with iReal 2E 3D scanner?

Yes, you can. iReal 2E uses a combined array of structured light technology, which has better adaptability for different materials. This type of light source innovatively solves the problem of other light sources (such as LED white light/blue light) may encounter when 3D scanning human hair.

  1. iReal 2E 3D scanner can scan most hairstyles, such as thick and clustered hairstyles, which are easy to scan.
  2. It is relatively difficult to scan fluffy, discrete and curly hair because the patterns will penetrate through the hair gap when the speckle patterns are projected onto the hair surface, resulting in the two black and white cameras being unable to simultaneously recognize the speckle patterns, which makes it impossible to calculate the point cloud data correctly. Thus, you may consider wetting your hair to make it more clustered to decrease the difficulties of 3D scanning.
  3. 3D scanners can only get the rough data of human hair, which does not cover the details like hair strands. Therefore, post-processing work is required according to specific application scenarios. For example, if the scan data is used for 3D printing, the data needs to be modified; if the scan data is used for movie CG character modeling, the scan data of the hair is only for hairstyle reference, and the precise hair data needs to be further processed via third-party software, such as Zbrush, Blender, etc.

Why do I need to spray powder before 3D scan objects with certain features like highly reflective, shining black surfaces, transparency or mirror-like?

The scanning spray powder is used to effectively improve the scanning result and make the scanning experience smoother. Some scanned objects with certain features such as black and shining surfaces, highly-reflective surfaces, transparent surfaces, and mirror-like surfaces tend to be difficult to scan, by using scanning spray powder, the high-accuracy point cloud data could be obtained easier.

Can I scan black objects with a iReal 3D scanner?

The iReal 3D scanner adopts infrared structured light technology, which has better adaptability for materials and environment, it can 3D scan most black objects. However, it needs some certain surface treatment (such as scanning spray powder) when scanning shining and black material or strongly reflective black material to ensure a smooth scanning process and accurate point cloud data.

Do I need a reauthorization if I switch to another computer?

No. the iReal 3D scanner uses a Dongle for encryption. The scanning work can be done with the iReal 3D software and the plugged-in Dongle.

Plus, if customers just want to open the point cloud data (asc.) or the mesh data (stl., obj.), the Dongle is not a necessity for the software.

When the 3D scanner is not plugged in and connected, customers can still import the point cloud project files and then re-edit, generate point cloud data, mesh data and align two point cloud project files once the Dongle is plugged in.

When the 3D scanner is plugged in and connected, the scanning process can be continued based on the point cloud project file.

Contact iReal 3D to get customized 3D digitization solutions