Kinect 2.0 Scan Helper

thingiverse

This is a simple yet effective Scan Helper designed specifically for Kinect V2 (Xbox One) devices. With Microsoft's 3D Scanner App, users can scan objects both free hand and using a turntable, but these methods have their limitations. Many objects lack sufficient reference points to accurately detect position and orientation, making up-and-down scanning particularly challenging. Free-hand scanning is often imprecise, causing issues when the Kinect gets too close or too far from the object. To overcome these challenges, this Scan Helper offers a more precise solution. Place an object on a fixed platform and move the Kinect around it with consistent distance and viewing angle. This setup significantly improves scan quality by combining the precision of platform scanning with the scanner software's ability to use background movement as a reference point. To create the Scan Helper, simply attach a metal pipe to a long shaft, then slide the Kinect along it to maintain a stable distance. Begin scanning while moving the Kinect in a perfect spherical motion to capture all sides of the object. My sample scans were taken under suboptimal lighting conditions and with short cables (and a cramped room, to boot!), yet they produced better results than any previous scan. I've also provided step files for editing, allowing users to customize their own Scan Helper with accurate sizes tailored to their chosen pipe.