3D Scan your Environment with AI (Free Tool)

Nik Kottmann
9 Dec 202304:16

TLDRThis tutorial introduces Luma AI, a free tool for creating 3D NeRF scans of environments. NeRF, or Neural Radiance Fields, is a novel method that uses AI to capture even metallic and reflective surfaces. The video demonstrates recording a subject with a simple camera, uploading the footage to Luma Labs for processing, and then creating and animating a camera path to render a smooth and engaging 3D animation. Tips for capturing the video and custom camera animations are provided, along with shortcuts using preset trajectories. The creator also offers free 3D assets from the tutorial on their Blender kit profile.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Luma AI is a free tool for creating NeRF (Neural Radiance Fields) scans of your environment.
  • 📱 You can use a smartphone, like an iPhone, to record a video of the subject for scanning without needing an expensive camera.
  • 🔄 Move around the subject in circles at least three times, capturing different heights for a comprehensive scan.
  • 👀 Luma AI can handle metallic and reflective surfaces, which is a difference from traditional photogrammetry methods.
  • 📹 After recording, upload the video to Luma Labs to start the scanning process, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
  • 🎨 The scan can be viewed from various angles in the 3D viewport, showcasing the detailed outcome of the NeRF scan.
  • 📹 To create a camera animation, set the focal length and add key frames to define the camera's movement.
  • ⏱ Adjust the duration of the animation by manipulating the key frames on the timeline to create a smooth sequence.
  • 🎥 Render the video with your choice of aspect ratio, resolution, and frame rate to export the final animation.
  • 🔄 Luma AI offers preset camera animations like 'orbit' and 'oscillate' for quick and easy animation setups.
  • 💻 The tutorial is provided by Nick, who also offers free 3D assets from his Blender kit for download.

Q & A

  • What is the tool called that is used for creating Nerf scans in the video tutorial?

    -The tool used for creating Nerf scans in the video tutorial is called Luma AI.

  • What does the term 'Nerf' stand for in the context of the video?

    -In the context of the video, 'Nerf' stands for 'neural radiance fields', which is a method for scanning environments.

  • What is the main advantage of using Luma AI over traditional photogrammetry approaches?

    -The main advantage of using Luma AI over traditional photogrammetry approaches is that it utilizes artificial intelligence and can capture metallic and reflective surfaces.

  • What kind of device is recommended for recording the video for Nerf scans in the tutorial?

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

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

    -You should move around the subject in circles at least three times when recording the video for a Nerf scan.

  • What is the approximate time it takes for Luma AI to process a scan after uploading the video?

    -It usually takes around 30 minutes for Luma AI to process a scan after uploading the video.

  • How can you view the 3D scan once it is processed in Luma AI?

    -You can view the 3D scan in the 3D viewport after it has been processed.

  • What is the term used for the camera path in the animation created in Luma AI?

    -The term used for the camera path in the animation is 'trajectories'.

  • What are the two preset camera animations mentioned in the tutorial?

    -The two preset camera animations mentioned in the tutorial are 'orbit' and 'oscillate'.

  • How can viewers access the 3D assets created in the tutorial?

    -Viewers can access the 3D assets created in the tutorial by visiting the blender kit profile mentioned by Nick in the video description.

  • What is the aspect ratio and resolution used for rendering the video in the tutorial?

    -The tutorial uses an aspect ratio of 16x9 and sets the resolution to full HD for rendering the video.

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 to scan environments and create camera animations, including metallic and reflective surfaces. The speaker shares their recent experience using the tool for a client and emphasizes that high-end camera equipment is not necessary, as an iPhone can suffice for capturing the video needed for scanning. The process involves moving around the subject in circles and at different heights to ensure comprehensive coverage from multiple perspectives.

🎥 Tips for Capturing Nerf Scans and Uploading Process

The speaker provides additional tips from Luma AI for capturing Nerf scans, advising viewers to pause the video and read these tips before starting. After recording the video, the user is instructed to upload it to Luma labs' servers to initiate the scanning process. The paragraph explains that the scan processing typically takes about 30 minutes and once completed, the user can view the 3D scan from various angles in the viewport.

🎨 Creating and Customizing Camera Animations

This section describes how to create camera animations for the Nerf scan. The user is guided to set the focal length of the camera to adjust the field of view, from a zoomed-in perspective at 50mm to a wider angle at 15mm. The process of animating involves placing the camera at the desired start point, adding key frames at various positions, and then playing back the animation to review. Adjustments can be made to the speed and duration of the animation by manipulating the key frames on the timeline.

🖥️ Rendering and Exporting the Nerf Animation

The paragraph explains the final steps of rendering and exporting the Nerf animation. The user can choose the aspect ratio and resolution, with options for full HD at 30 FPS. The rendering process is initiated by clicking the 'render' button. Additionally, the tutorial mentions the availability of preset camera animations for those who prefer a quicker approach, with options such as 'orbit' for a looping rotation around the subject or 'oscillate' for a slight movement effect.

📚 Conclusion and Resource Sharing

In conclusion, the speaker expresses satisfaction with the tutorial and encourages viewers to ask questions in the comments section if they have any. They also mention that all 3D assets created during the tutorial are available for free download from the speaker's Blender kit profile, with a link provided in the video description. The tutorial ends with a sign-off from the speaker, Nick, who looks forward to the next video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nerf

Nerf, in this context, is an acronym for 'Neural Radiance Fields,' which refers to a cutting-edge technology that uses artificial intelligence to scan and reconstruct 3D environments or objects. It is highlighted in the video as a method that surpasses traditional photogrammetry by being able to capture metallic and reflective surfaces effectively. The script mentions creating Nerf scans using Luma AI, illustrating its application in generating detailed 3D representations.

💡Luma AI

Luma AI is identified as the free tool utilized in the video for creating Nerf scans. It represents the software that facilitates the process of scanning environments and objects to produce 3D animations. The tutorial demonstrates how to use Luma AI to upload video footage and process it into a 3D scan, emphasizing its user-friendly nature and the quality of the results.

💡3D Scan

A 3D scan is the process of capturing the shape and appearance of real-world objects or environments and converting them into three-dimensional digital models. In the video, the creation of Nerf scans is a form of 3D scanning that the presenter uses to generate detailed 3D views of a subject, which can then be manipulated and animated within the Luma AI platform.

💡Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the context of the video, AI is crucial to the Nerf scanning process, enabling the tool to intelligently interpret and reconstruct the 3D environment from video footage.

💡Metallic and Reflective Surfaces

The video script discusses the advantage of using Nerf scans over traditional methods, specifically mentioning the ability to capture 'metallic and reflective surfaces.' This refers to the challenge of scanning surfaces that reflect light in a way that can distort or complicate the creation of accurate 3D models, which Nerf technology overcomes.

💡Camera Animation

Camera animation in the video refers to the process of creating dynamic movements for a virtual camera within a 3D environment. The presenter demonstrates how to set keyframes for the camera within the Luma AI tool to produce a smooth and visually appealing animation that navigates around the 3D scan.

💡Keyframe

A keyframe is a frame in an animation sequence that defines a change or a significant point in the movement. The script describes how to use keyframes in Luma AI to set the starting and ending points of the camera's movement, creating an animation path that can be played back and adjusted for timing and smoothness.

💡Rendering

Rendering is the process of generating a two-dimensional image or video from a three-dimensional computer model. In the tutorial, after setting up the camera animation, the presenter discusses rendering the final video, which involves exporting the 3D animation as a video file, choosing aspects such as aspect ratio and resolution.

💡Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen, typically used to describe the shape of the video output. The video mentions choosing an aspect ratio for the final rendered video, with options including 16x9, which is a common widescreen format.

💡Preset Camera Animations

Preset camera animations are pre-defined camera movement patterns that can be applied to a 3D animation to save time and effort. The video script provides examples such as 'orbit' and 'oscillate,' which are ready-to-use camera paths that automatically rotate or move the camera around the subject in the 3D environment.

💡Full HD

Full HD, also known as 1080p, is a resolution standard for video displays that offers a high-definition viewing experience. In the context of the video, the presenter sets the resolution to Full HD when rendering the video, indicating a preference for high-quality output suitable for detailed 3D animations.

Highlights

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

NeRF stands for neural radiance fields, a method for scanning environments.

Luma AI uses artificial intelligence to capture metallic and reflective surfaces.

A demonstration of creating an animation for a client using NeRF scans.

Instructions on recording a video of the subject using an iPhone.

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

Pausing the video to read tips from Luma AI before starting to capture.

Uploading the video to Luma labs to start the scanning process.

The scan processing time is approximately 30 minutes.

Viewing the 3D scan in the viewport and exporting it as a video.

Setting the focal length of the camera for the animation.

Creating a camera animation by adding key frames at different positions.

Adjusting the speed of the animation by extending the duration of key frames.

Distributing key frames on the timeline for a smoother animation.

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 3D assets from the creator's Blender kit profile for free.

The tutorial concludes with an invitation for further questions in the comments section.