How long does it take to get a DPI and/or RealSense hardware ordered from DotProduct?
New orders typically ship within 3-5 business days of order receipt via FedEx Ground, FedEx 2-Day, or FedEx Overnight.
What export formats does Dot3D support?
DP, PTS, PTX, PLY, PTG, E57, LAS, and LAZ files can be exported directly from Dot3D Pro on iOS and Android. On Windows, Dot3D Pro and Dot3D Edit can also export to RCS and POD formats for direct import into AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Inventor, Bentley, etc. Our highly compressed binary DP format will import straight into a growing list of 3D applications including Autodesk ReCap, Trimble Realworks, Leica Cyclone, CloudCompare, and many more.
How much does the DPI-10/SR cost?
The list price for the DPI-10/SR is $4995 USD, including one perpetual or 3-year Dot3D Pro license. If perpetual, 12 months of Dot3D Pro Software Support & Maintenance are included. This does not include the tablet. The DPI-10/SR is compatible with the Microsoft Surface Go (1, 2, or 3). Shipping, taxes, and import duties are extra.
Can a DPI Kit replace a laser scanner?
On smaller scale indoor projects, yes it can. DPI handheld 3D scanning kits are ideally suited to capture tight and confined spaces, or smaller scenes with lots of geometry and shadowing. On larger scale projects it will not replace but can augment traditional 3D laser scanning work flows to capture areas where it is not practical to set up a scanner. For best accuracy we recommend using surveyed or scale-bar targets. The built-in, calibrated PrimeSense senor in our DPI Kits is not able to capture in sunlight. For 3D scanning in bright daylight conditions, we recommend the Intel RealSense D415 depth camera, which is also available as an add-on kit for DPI scanners.
How is the DPI Kits different from Kinect-based devices?
The main difference is the Dot3D Pro software that drives the DPI Kit. Dot3D Pro has been developed to work on tablets. No laptop or PC is required. Also, DPI Kits are designed for completely self-contained, one or two handed operation. Another key difference is that the data registration is achieved in real time. With Dot3D Pro, you find out immediately if you've captured the data you set out to capture. We also provide real time feedback about the integrity of the data collected and calibrate each DPI Kit thoroughly and individually for highest accuracy. We believe the future of 3D data collection is with phones and tablets, not laptops and PCs.
How many points can DPI Kits collect per second?
The question does not exactly apply to our technology. Our DPI Kits capture 320x240 points 30 times per second. Most of these points do not end up in the final point cloud, but are instead used to refine an existing point cloud.
What is the Accuracy of the DPI Kits in MM?
Short answer: Typical single-frame accuracy will be between 1mm (at close ranges) and 15mm (at long ranges). Global typical scene accuracy will be between 0.2% and 1.2% of the measured distance, depending on a number of factors like use of targets, scanning range and environment temperature.
Long answer: The way the DPI Kits (and the majority of other camera-based scanners) operates is significantly different to a Laser Scanner: Due to the limited Field-Of-View of the depth camera, a dataset is stitched from many camera frames, all of which have different position and orientation in space. Every frame has some small amount of error in the data and pose which will accumulate over the space of data collection. The more frames are stiched (spatially, not necessarily over time!), the more error will accumulate. This is the way all self-tracking camera-based scanners operate. A good portion of the error can be removed by post-processing (optimizing) the data (automated, on-board), especially when there are loops (overlapping areas) in the data. However, some error will always remain. Therefore it is important to distinguish between local and global accuracy: Local accuracy (measuring short distances in local parts of the scene) will always be high and comparable to a laser scanner. Global accuracy (measuring long distances across different parts of the scene) will be lower due to error accumulation and is typically between 0.5% and 1.2% of the measured distance.
If high global accuracy is desired we recommend the use of surveyed targets which can be used to eliminate accumulated error and can drastically improve long-distance accuracy. Phi.3D has a special component in the software to do this automatically during global optimization of the data. If no survey-equipment is available but global accuracy is still important we recommend using measured distances between targets. These can be supplied to the system and act as a corrective constraint during global optimization of the data.
Long answer: The way the DPI Kits (and the majority of other camera-based scanners) operates is significantly different to a Laser Scanner: Due to the limited Field-Of-View of the depth camera, a dataset is stitched from many camera frames, all of which have different position and orientation in space. Every frame has some small amount of error in the data and pose which will accumulate over the space of data collection. The more frames are stiched (spatially, not necessarily over time!), the more error will accumulate. This is the way all self-tracking camera-based scanners operate. A good portion of the error can be removed by post-processing (optimizing) the data (automated, on-board), especially when there are loops (overlapping areas) in the data. However, some error will always remain. Therefore it is important to distinguish between local and global accuracy: Local accuracy (measuring short distances in local parts of the scene) will always be high and comparable to a laser scanner. Global accuracy (measuring long distances across different parts of the scene) will be lower due to error accumulation and is typically between 0.5% and 1.2% of the measured distance.
If high global accuracy is desired we recommend the use of surveyed targets which can be used to eliminate accumulated error and can drastically improve long-distance accuracy. Phi.3D has a special component in the software to do this automatically during global optimization of the data. If no survey-equipment is available but global accuracy is still important we recommend using measured distances between targets. These can be supplied to the system and act as a corrective constraint during global optimization of the data.
How much data can I collect with a DPI-10 or DPI-10SR before the memory fills up?
The maximum size of each individual dataset is limited by on-device working memory (RAM). The Dot3D Pro software will provide visual feedback about how much of this limit is reached during collection. Typical maximum scene sizes are between one and two medium-sized rooms, depending on operating range and level of detail captured. With the expanded RAM of DPI-10 tablets, you may be able to capture as many as 160 million 3D points per scan,.
It should be noted that during capture, the way the data size increases is over screen content covered and not over time. For example: Scanning lots of surface area from a distance will increase scene size as well as scanning detail from short distance. On the extreme ends this means that a scene will still be very small even if a user scans just one particular spot for a very long time. On the opposite this also means that scanning large areas very quickly will not reduce data size and typically only result in high noise levels and low accuracy which is undesirable. When scanning from close distances more scene size will be occupied than capturing from large distances due to the higher level of detail captured.
It should be noted that during capture, the way the data size increases is over screen content covered and not over time. For example: Scanning lots of surface area from a distance will increase scene size as well as scanning detail from short distance. On the extreme ends this means that a scene will still be very small even if a user scans just one particular spot for a very long time. On the opposite this also means that scanning large areas very quickly will not reduce data size and typically only result in high noise levels and low accuracy which is undesirable. When scanning from close distances more scene size will be occupied than capturing from large distances due to the higher level of detail captured.
Does the extension pole kit include a pole?
No, we do not supply the poles because the shipping cost for a pole exceeds the pole value. A regular survey pole will work and we provide an adapter that fits a standard survey pole with a 5/8"- 11 male end.
If you can find a pole with a 3/4 inch x Number 5 ACME male thread, this will also work. This is common for painter poles and the like.
For example, here are some choices:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-8-ft-16-ft-Sherlock-Extension-Pole-00R0570000/100187303
www.mcmaster.com/#77305t66/=185e08k
If you can find a pole with a 3/4 inch x Number 5 ACME male thread, this will also work. This is common for painter poles and the like.
For example, here are some choices:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wooster-8-ft-16-ft-Sherlock-Extension-Pole-00R0570000/100187303
www.mcmaster.com/#77305t66/=185e08k
What tablets will the DPI-10/SR work with?
DPI-10/SR handheld 3D scanning kits are compatible with the Microsoft Surface Go OR the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4. Past models have supported the Galaxy Tab S2, NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet, HP Slate 7 Extreme, and NVIDIA EVGA 7".
What are the recommended system requirements for a Windows tablet to operate Dot3D Scan/Pro for 3D scanning?
OS: Windows 10 & up
Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 or higher
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 & up
RAM: 4 GB or more
USB: 1+ USB 3.0 ports
Graphics: OpenGL 3.3 or higher
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5 & up
RAM: 4 GB or more
USB: 1+ USB 3.0 ports
Which 3D cameras are supported / recommended for use with Dot3D Pro, Dot3D X, or Dot3D Lite?
Does the DPI-10/SR work outdoors?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. The DPI-10 and DPI-10SR will work outdoors under any one or more of the following conditions: shaded area, early morning, evening, significantly overcast, or at night (with the DPI Light Kit). If scanning in bright, direct sunlight is required, please consider adding an Intel® RealSense™ Kit, available as a standalone or as an add-on to the DPI-10/SR. As to indoor scanning, the DPI-10/SR will work great in almost any interior environment, although the DPI Light Kit is recommended for any particularly dark areas.
What is the largest area you can capture in one scan with Dot3D Pro?
DP Sample Scan: 750 Square Foot 2BR Apartment
In the past, this was limited to approximately one small to medium sized room per scan. With the release of Dot3D Pro on tablets with improved specs and more RAM, we are now enabling the ability to scan much larger areas in each scan (up to 5x). By activating the larger scene capture functionality on a more powerful device, you can extend scene size to up to 160 million points per scan (or approximately 750-1000 square feet). This maximum area can vary greatly depending on your hardware specs, the nature of the scene to be captured, and the level of detail/complexity needed. We achieved the results in the sample scan above with a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with 4 GB of RAM, but also acknowledge that we were pushing the limits of the technology at this stage. This data set was captured in one continuous scan with the Intel RealSense D415 depth camera and Dot3D Pro. We are very excited to be expanding these possibilities, although these larger captures will require some more strategic scanning and patience for processing time.
For such larger area scanning, you would need to put down some AprilTags throughout the scene, would want to start and end at the same tag(s), would want to use the planarity constraints function to flag flat surfaces while scanning, and as best practice for the highest accuracy would ideally reference some of the longer distances in the scene with scale bar targeting. For single room scanning, these practices are all more optional, but still recommended. Please also keep in mind that it often makes sense to break up a larger scene into 2-5 scans and combine them using the append feature in the field or cloud to cloud registration afterwards. This workflow could also be used to combine larger scans to capture very large areas in 2-5 scans, up to say 2000-3000 square feet.
In the past, this was limited to approximately one small to medium sized room per scan. With the release of Dot3D Pro on tablets with improved specs and more RAM, we are now enabling the ability to scan much larger areas in each scan (up to 5x). By activating the larger scene capture functionality on a more powerful device, you can extend scene size to up to 160 million points per scan (or approximately 750-1000 square feet). This maximum area can vary greatly depending on your hardware specs, the nature of the scene to be captured, and the level of detail/complexity needed. We achieved the results in the sample scan above with a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with 4 GB of RAM, but also acknowledge that we were pushing the limits of the technology at this stage. This data set was captured in one continuous scan with the Intel RealSense D415 depth camera and Dot3D Pro. We are very excited to be expanding these possibilities, although these larger captures will require some more strategic scanning and patience for processing time.
For such larger area scanning, you would need to put down some AprilTags throughout the scene, would want to start and end at the same tag(s), would want to use the planarity constraints function to flag flat surfaces while scanning, and as best practice for the highest accuracy would ideally reference some of the longer distances in the scene with scale bar targeting. For single room scanning, these practices are all more optional, but still recommended. Please also keep in mind that it often makes sense to break up a larger scene into 2-5 scans and combine them using the append feature in the field or cloud to cloud registration afterwards. This workflow could also be used to combine larger scans to capture very large areas in 2-5 scans, up to say 2000-3000 square feet.
What is the difference between the DPI-10 and the DPI-10SR?
The DPI-10 is our flagship, versatile handheld 3D scanning kit, with a working range of 2-12 ft (0.6-3.7 m). This is the best option for rooms, larger scenes, and maximum versatility across varying scan areas. The DPI-10SR is the shorter range version, with a working range of 1-6 ft (0.3-2 m). Given the closer minimum range, the DPI-10SR is better suited for scanning equipment, objects, and very tight spaces. This also makes it the better option for capturing discrete details at slightly higher density. However, since it cannot see past 6 ft at any point, the DPI-10R struggles much more in terms of scanning rooms or larger spaces. Both scanners are powered by the same Dot3D Pro software and tablet, but include different versions of the 3D depth camera. A discount is available on orders of both models.
Which tablets are recommended for use with Intel® RealSense™ depth cameras?
Please click here for more info on this topic in our Knowledge Base.
What are the differences between the Surface Go and the Galaxy Tab S6 tablets for the DPI-10/SR?
Please visit our knowledge base for more on this topic: desk.zoho.com/portal/dotproduct/kb/articles/dpi10tablets