3D Scan your Environment with AI (Free Tool)

Nik Kottmann
9 Dec 202304:16

TLDRIn this tutorial, learn how to create stunning Nerf scans using Luma AI, a free tool that leverages artificial intelligence to capture environments, including metallic and reflective surfaces. The process involves recording a video around the subject, uploading it to Luma AI's servers, and then processing it to view in 3D. Users can animate the camera, adjust focal lengths, and create keyframes for smooth animations. The tutorial also covers exporting the scan as a video, choosing aspect ratios, and using preset camera animations for ease. The creator, Nick, invites viewers to download the 3D assets from his Blender kit profile for free.

Takeaways

  • 🎥 The tutorial introduces how to create Nerf scans using Luma AI, a free tool.
  • 🤖 Nerf (Neural Radiance Fields) is a novel method for scanning environments and creating camera animations.
  • 📱 No expensive camera is needed; a smartphone like an iPhone can be used for recording the subject.
  • 🔄 Move around the subject in circles, covering various heights and perspectives for a comprehensive scan.
  • 📹 Upload the recorded video to Luma Labs' servers to initiate the scanning process.
  • ⏳ The processing of the scan typically takes about 30 minutes.
  • 📐 After processing, the scan can be viewed from different angles in the 3D viewport.
  • 🎥 To export as a video, create a camera animation by setting keyframes and adjusting the focal length.
  • ⏱️ Adjust the timing of keyframes to control the speed and duration of the animation.
  • 📹 Choose from preset camera animations like 'orbit' or 'oscillate' for ease of use.
  • 📦 Download the 3D assets created in the tutorial from the instructor's Blender kit profile for free.

Q & A

  • What is a Nerf scan?

    -A Nerf scan, short for neural radiance fields, is a method that uses artificial intelligence to scan an environment and create detailed 3D representations, including capturing metallic and reflective surfaces.

  • What tool is used for creating Nerf scans in this tutorial?

    -The tool used in this tutorial is Luma AI, a free tool that facilitates the creation of Nerf scans.

  • What type of camera is recommended for creating Nerf scans?

    -The tutorial suggests using an iPhone for recording the video, implying that an expensive camera is not necessary for creating Nerf scans.

  • How should you move around the subject when recording a video for a Nerf scan?

    -You should move around the subject in circles, covering different heights and perspectives, and aim to go around it at least three times.

  • What is the typical processing time for a Nerf scan after uploading the video to Luma AI's servers?

    -The processing time for a Nerf scan is usually around 30 minutes.

  • How can you view the 3D scan after processing?

    -After the scan is processed, you can view it in the 3D viewport on Luma AI's platform.

  • What is the first step in creating a camera animation for the 3D scan?

    -The first step is to set the focal length of the camera by adjusting the value to control the zoom level.

  • How do you add keyframes for the camera animation?

    -To add keyframes, place the camera where you want to start, press the 'add keyframe' button, then move the camera to the next desired position and add another keyframe.

  • How can you adjust the speed of the camera animation?

    -You can adjust the speed by going to the last keyframe, extending the duration on the timeline, and distributing the keyframes to create a smoother animation.

  • What are the options for rendering the final video?

    -You can choose the aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate for the final video. The tutorial suggests using a 16x9 aspect ratio, full HD resolution, and 30 FPS.

  • Where can viewers find the 3D assets created in the tutorial?

    -The 3D assets can be downloaded for free from the tutorial creator's Blender kit profile, with the link provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Creating Nerf Scans

This tutorial introduces the concept of creating Nerf (Neural Radiance Fields) scans using Luma AI, a free tool that leverages artificial intelligence to capture environments, including metallic and reflective surfaces. The video demonstrates how to use the tool by recording a video of the subject with a smartphone, moving around it in circles and at different heights to cover various perspectives. The process involves uploading the video to Luma AI's servers for processing, which typically takes about 30 minutes.

📹 Tips for Recording and Processing

The script provides tips from Luma AI for capturing the video, emphasizing the importance of pausing the video to read the tips before starting. Once the video is recorded, the user is guided to Luma labs to upload the video and wait for the scan to be processed. The script highlights the user's satisfaction with the scan quality and the ability to view it from different angles in the 3D viewport.

🎞️ Creating and Exporting Camera Animations

The tutorial explains how to create a camera animation by setting the focal length and adding keyframes to define the camera's movement. The user is shown how to adjust the animation's duration and distribute keyframes evenly across the timeline for a smoother playback. The script also mentions the option to use preset camera animations like 'orbit' or 'oscillate' for a more dynamic effect.

📦 Rendering and Downloading 3D Assets

The final steps involve rendering the video, where the user can choose the aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate. The script provides options for rendering and exporting the video, with a focus on full HD resolution at 30 FPS. The tutorial concludes with an invitation for viewers to ask questions in the comments section and a mention of a free Blender kit profile where all the 3D assets created in the tutorial can be downloaded.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nerf

Nerf, or Neural Radiance Fields, is a cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence to create detailed 3D representations of environments or objects. In the context of the video, Nerf is used to scan the environment and create camera animations, allowing for a more immersive and realistic visual experience. The script mentions creating Nerf scans using a free tool called Luma AI, which demonstrates the accessibility of this technology.

💡Luma AI

Luma AI is the name of the free tool introduced in the video for creating Nerf scans. It represents the democratization of advanced 3D scanning technology, making it available to users without the need for expensive equipment or extensive technical knowledge. The video tutorial shows how to use Luma AI to upload a video, process it into a 3D scan, and then export it for further use, highlighting the user-friendly nature of the tool.

💡3D Viewport

A 3D viewport is a visual interface in 3D modeling or animation software that allows users to view and manipulate 3D objects in a three-dimensional space. In the video, the 3D viewport is where the user can view the processed Nerf scan, rotate it, and examine it from different angles. This feature is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and quality of the 3D scan before proceeding with further steps like camera animation.

💡Camera Animation

Camera animation refers to the process of creating movement and transitions for a virtual camera within a 3D environment or video. The video script describes setting up keyframes to animate the camera, which involves defining the camera's position, angle, and focal length at specific points in time. This animation adds dynamism to the static 3D scan, making it more engaging and visually appealing, as demonstrated by the tutorial's goal of creating a video animation from the Nerf scan.

💡Keyframe

A keyframe is a specific point in time within an animation sequence where the position, scale, rotation, or other properties of an object are recorded. By setting keyframes, the user can create a smooth transition between these points, resulting in a dynamic camera movement. In the script, the user is guided through placing keyframes to animate the camera's path around the subject, which is a fundamental technique in creating camera animations for 3D scans.

💡Focal Length

Focal length is the distance between the optical center of a camera lens and the point where it converges, affecting the field of view and magnification of the captured image. In the video, adjusting the focal length is part of the camera animation setup, allowing the user to control the zoom level and perspective of the 3D scan. This adjustment is crucial for creating a realistic and visually compelling animation, as it mimics the way a physical camera lens would behave.

💡Rendering

Rendering is the process of generating a final image or animation from a 3D model or scene. It involves calculating the lighting, textures, and other visual elements to produce a realistic representation. In the video, rendering is the final step before exporting the video, where the user can choose the aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate. This step is essential for converting the 3D animation into a format that can be shared or viewed, as it determines the quality and appearance of the final output.

💡Exporting

Exporting in the context of digital media refers to the process of converting and saving a file in a specific format for use or distribution. The video script mentions exporting the Nerf scan as a video, which involves rendering the animation and saving it in a video format like MP4. This step is the culmination of the tutorial, allowing the user to share their 3D animation with others or use it in other projects.

💡Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a technique used to create 3D models from 2D images, typically by analyzing multiple photographs of an object or scene to infer depth and spatial relationships. The script contrasts Nerf with traditional photogrammetry approaches, highlighting that Nerf can capture metallic and reflective surfaces, which are challenging for photogrammetry. This comparison underscores the advantages of Nerf in creating more accurate and detailed 3D scans.

💡Metallic and Reflective Surfaces

Metallic and reflective surfaces are materials that can be difficult to accurately represent in 3D scans due to their shiny and mirror-like properties, which can cause reflections and glare. The video emphasizes that Nerf technology, unlike traditional photogrammetry, is capable of capturing these surfaces, which is significant for creating realistic 3D models of objects with complex materials.

💡Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or video frame. It is an important consideration when rendering and exporting videos, as it affects how the content is displayed on different screens and devices. In the video, the user is given the option to choose an aspect ratio, such as 16x9, which is the standard for widescreen televisions and monitors, ensuring that the exported video will be compatible with a wide range of viewing platforms.

Highlights

Creating Nerf scans using Luma AI, a free tool.

Nerf stands for Neural Radiance Fields, a new scanning method.

Nerf scans can capture metallic and reflective surfaces using AI.

No need for an expensive camera; an iPhone can be used for recording.

Move around the subject in circles, covering different heights for a comprehensive scan.

Luma AI provides tips for capturing the video for the scan.

Upload the video to Luma AI's servers for processing.

Processing a scan typically takes around 30 minutes.

The 3D viewport allows viewing the scan from different angles.

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

Adjust the focal length for different zoom levels in the animation.

Add keyframes to animate the camera's movement.

Adjust the timing of keyframes to control the speed of the animation.

Render the video with customizable aspect ratio and resolution settings.

Luma AI offers preset camera animations for ease of use.

The tutorial provides a link to download 3D assets for free.

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