Unleash the power of 360 cameras with AI-assisted 3D scanning. (Luma AI)

Olli Huttunen
15 Jun 202311:50

TLDRThe video introduces Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF), a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes 3D modeling using AI. It explains the process of creating NeRF models through Luma AI's user-friendly app or more complex Python methods. The video highlights the advantages of NeRF over traditional photogrammetry, such as capturing reflections and transparent objects. It also explores the potential of using 360 cameras for NeRF scanning, the importance of shooting conditions, and the challenges of post-processing. The video concludes by discussing the future possibilities of NeRF in Unreal Engine and encourages viewers to experiment with this emerging technology.

Takeaways

  • 📱 The use of 360 cameras in 3D modeling is a promising area, offering new possibilities for capturing environments.
  • 🤖 Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) is an AI-driven technology that revolutionizes 3D scanning and modeling, creating volume models from camera recordings.
  • 🔍 NeRF is an advancement over traditional photogrammetry, capable of producing more accurate and detailed 3D models.
  • 📹 There are two ways to create NeRF models: a complex, technical method requiring Python and terminal commands, or the user-friendly Luma AI cloud service.
  • 📲 Luma AI's app allows users to create NeRF models by simply recording a subject from various angles and uploading the video for processing.
  • 🎥 Luma AI can create new camera movements and renders within the scanned environment without returning to the shooting location.
  • 🔄 NeRF models can handle reflections and transparent objects, which have been challenging in traditional photo modeling.
  • 📷 360 cameras are compatible with NeRF, offering wider area coverage and ease of use, especially for capturing subjects from all sides.
  • 🌤️ The best conditions for shooting NeRF models are overcast weather with minimal shadows and even lighting.
  • 🛠️ While NeRF models have limitations when exported as surface models, they offer unique opportunities when used as volume models in platforms like Unreal Engine.
  • 🚀 NeRF technology is still developing rapidly, and its future applications and improvements are highly anticipated.

Q & A

  • What is a neural Radiance Field (NeRF)?

    -Neural Radiance Field, or NeRF, is a technology that uses AI to create 3D models from images or videos. It's an advancement over traditional photogrammetry, producing a volume model that can be explored in three-dimensional space.

  • How does NeRF differ from traditional photogrammetry?

    -NeRF uses AI to make calculations based on the environment recorded by a camera, allowing it to produce a volume model with more accurate details, such as reflections and transparent objects, which are difficult to capture with traditional photogrammetry.

  • What are the two ways to create NeRF models?

    -The two ways to create NeRF models are by installing Python programs and running terminal commands, which is more complicated, or by using a user-friendly cloud service like Luma AI, which offers an app for creating NeRF models.

  • How does Luma AI's app work?

    -Luma AI's app allows users to create NeRF models by selecting an object and scanning it with a video from all sides. The video is then sent to Luma's cloud for processing, and after about 30 minutes, the user can rotate the model and view it from different angles.

  • Can NeRF models be created with a 360-degree camera?

    -Yes, Luma AI supports 360-degree cameras and understands large shots taken with double fisheye lenses. It also supports the equirectangular image format, which is typical for 360-degree cameras.

  • What are the advantages of using a 360-degree camera for NeRF scanning?

    -A 360-degree camera covers a wide area and is often used with a selfie stick, making it easier to capture subjects from various angles. Features like stabilization and horizon lock are beneficial for maintaining image quality during the scanning process.

  • How does Luma AI handle the removal of the photographer from the final 3D model?

    -Luma AI removes the photographer from the picture during post-processing, as the person is constantly moving relative to the background. Only objects that remain stationary are included in the final model.

  • What are the ideal conditions for NeRF scanning?

    -The best conditions for NeRF scanning are overcast weather with few shadows and even lighting on the subjects. This helps to avoid issues with the model's accuracy and texture.

  • What are the limitations of NeRF models when exported into a 3D program?

    -When exported into a 3D program, NeRF models may not be very accurate and can have many loose vertices, making them prone to fraying if the surface is softened. They may require extensive cleaning and smoothing out of surfaces.

  • What is the potential of NeRF models in Unreal Engine?

    -NeRF models can be downloaded into Unreal Engine as volume models, opening up possibilities for unique lighting, camera movements, and other creative applications. This integration with Unreal's features is very exciting and offers new possibilities for 3D modeling.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Introducing Neural Radiance Fields for 3D Modeling

The video begins with an exploration of the capabilities of modern smartphones, particularly in relation to 360 cameras and their potential for 3D modeling. The host, olithutunen, introduces Neural Radiance Fields (Nerf), a technology that revolutionizes 3D scanning and model creation by using AI to interpret camera-recorded environments and produce volume models. The video discusses two methods for creating Nerf models: a complex, technical approach involving Python and terminal commands, and a user-friendly cloud service called Luma AI, which allows for easy model creation through a mobile app. Luma AI enables the creation of new camera movements and rendering of scenes without returning to the shooting location, and it supports both video and still photo inputs.

05:02

📸 Using Luma AI and 360 Cameras for Nerf Scanning

The second paragraph delves into the practical aspects of using Luma AI and 360 cameras for Nerf scanning. It explains that 360 cameras, with their wide field of view and ease of use, can capture subjects from all angles, which is beneficial for Nerf modeling. The video highlights the importance of camera stabilization and features like horizon lock for successful scanning. It also addresses the challenge of removing the photographer from the final model and suggests optimal shooting conditions. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the potential applications of full equirectangular images, particularly in capturing tight spots or environments where traditional cameras may not be suitable.

10:02

🚀 Future Possibilities with Neural Radiance Fields

The final paragraph discusses the potential future applications and developments of Neural Radiance Fields. It emphasizes the novelty of the technology and its rapid evolution within the AI field. The video mentions the possibility of translating Nerf models into surface models for use in 3D programs, although acknowledging the current limitations and inaccuracies. The host expresses excitement about the potential of integrating Nerf models into Unreal Engine as volume models, which could open up new possibilities for lighting, camera features, and depth of field. The video concludes with a recommendation to try Nerf modeling, especially with a 360 camera, and encourages viewers to like and subscribe for more content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡360 cameras

360 cameras are devices capable of capturing a spherical view of the environment, recording everything around them. In the context of the video, they are used for 3D modeling by capturing a subject from all angles, which is beneficial for creating comprehensive Nerf models. The script mentions the use of an Insta 360 camera, highlighting its stabilization and horizon lock features as important for consistent scanning.

💡Neural Radiance Field (Nerf)

Neural Radiance Field, or Nerf, is a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes 3D scanning and modeling. It uses artificial intelligence to analyze a series of images or videos taken from various angles and creates a detailed 3D representation of the environment. The video explains that Nerf models can capture reflections and transparent objects, which are challenging with traditional photogrammetry methods. Nerf is presented as a more advanced alternative that allows for the creation of volume models that can be explored in three-dimensional space.

💡Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is the technique of making measurements from photographs, especially for surveying and mapping purposes. In the video, it is contrasted with Nerf, as it typically involves creating polygon surfaces from a collection of photos. The script suggests that Nerf is a step forward from photogrammetry, offering more accurate and detailed 3D models.

💡Luma AI

Luma AI is a cloud service mentioned in the video that simplifies the process of creating Nerf models. It offers an easy-to-use app that allows users to create 3D models by scanning objects with their phones. The service processes the video footage in the cloud, enabling users to rotate and explore the 3D models from different angles. Luma AI is presented as a user-friendly alternative to the more complex, technical approach of creating Nerf models manually.

💡Equirectangular image format

The equirectangular image format is a way of representing 360-degree panoramic images as a single, non-rectangular image. It is typically used by 360 cameras and is supported by Luma AI for processing Nerf models. The script explains that this format allows for the creation of large shots that encompass the entire scene, which is beneficial for 3D modeling.

💡Volume model

A volume model is a type of 3D model that represents an object or environment as a continuous volume rather than a collection of polygons. In the video, Nerf models are described as volume models that can be rotated and explored within a 3D space. This contrasts with traditional polygon-based 3D models and allows for a more realistic representation of the scanned environment.

💡Rendering

Rendering in the context of 3D modeling refers to the process of generating a 2D image or video from a 3D model. The video mentions that after processing with Luma AI, users can render the Nerf models into videos, which can then be explored from different angles. Rendering is a key step in bringing the 3D models to life and making them interactive.

💡Selfie stick

A selfie stick is a device used to extend the reach of a camera, allowing for wider or more elevated shots. In the video, it is mentioned as a useful tool for capturing 360-degree images with a 360 camera, particularly when trying to reach high or low angles for 3D scanning. The selfie stick aids in creating comprehensive Nerf models by enabling the camera to capture the subject from all sides.

💡Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is a powerful game development engine that can also be used for creating and rendering 3D models. The video discusses the potential of importing Nerf models into Unreal Engine as volume models, which opens up new possibilities for lighting, camera movements, and other creative applications. This integration showcases the versatility and potential of Nerf technology in various fields.

💡Low poly, medium poly, high poly

These terms refer to the level of detail in a 3D model, with 'low poly' indicating fewer polygons (and thus less detail), 'medium poly' offering a moderate level of detail, and 'high poly' representing a high level of detail with more polygons. The video mentions these options when discussing the export of Nerf models into other 3D programs, highlighting the trade-off between detail and the complexity of the model.

Highlights

Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) is a technology that revolutionizes 3D scanning and model creation.

NeRF uses AI to calculate and produce a volume model from camera-recorded environments.

NeRF is an advancement over traditional photogrammetry modeling.

There are two ways to create NeRF models: a complex Python route and a user-friendly Luma AI cloud service.

Luma AI allows users to create NeRF models by videoing objects from all sides.

Luma AI processes videos in the cloud, enabling users to rotate and explore 3D models from different angles.

NeRF models can show reflections and transparent objects, which are difficult in photo modeling.

Luma AI supports various materials uploaded through a web browser, including still photos.

360 cameras can be used for NeRF scanning, and Luma AI understands double fisheye lenses and equirectangular image formats.

360 cameras cover wider areas and are easier to position for capturing subjects from all sides.

Insta 360 cameras have stabilization and horizon lock features, which are beneficial for NeRF scanning.

Post-processing with Insta 360 Studio allows for editing and centering subjects in the video.

Luma AI removes the photographer from the final model, keeping only stationary objects.

Overcast weather is recommended for shooting to minimize shadows and ensure even lighting.

NeRF models can be exported into Unreal Engine as a volume model, opening up new possibilities for lighting and camera movements.

NeRF technology is young and developing rapidly, offering a fresh perspective on 3D modeling.

The video encourages viewers to try NeRF modeling with their 360 cameras for fun and exploration.