This article will teach you how to scan legs and feet with Artec Eva. Additionally, feel free to check this video about legs 3D-scanning and post-processing,
General information
To make scanning as easy as it can get, we recommend using mobile scanning setup, such as battery and tablet/laptop in hand for full mobility, this way you won't be limited by any cords and can move freely around the scanned person.
Scanning legs is easier than scanning arms since legs are usually thicker and have more geometry. The only parts that can really prove challenging are feet, so let's talk about how to scan feet easily and split two cases (feet with and without pressure).
Scanning feet without pressure
1. For this scan person who is getting scanned needs to somehow fixate his leg so it would be about 40-50 cm higher than ground level so it can be scanned from below.
2. The foot must be relaxed so it wouldn't move. The preferable position of the foot is shown on the picture below:
3. Since the bottom of the foot is the most difficult place, it should be your starting spot. Scan it once and don't return scanner there. Be sure to capture heel and both sides, then move to the back side of the ankle and around the leg. From here it should be really easy.
4. Be sure to scan the top side of the foot and toes. Make sure that there are no blind spots that were left non-scanned.
A short note about post-processing in this case:
- Make Global registrations set to "Geometry"
- Any sort of watertight fusion should be enough for a good model
- The part of a body that was scanned to improve the tracking can be easily removed by a swipe of an eraser brush
Scanning feet under pressure
This type of scanning is often used for creating orthopaedic footwear or shoe soles.
We have made some experiments with a custom-made glass table and we ended up using this one:
Note: if needed, here is a dedicated article, describing various editions of the glass tables, that we had experimented with.
1. When scanning leg with feet under a pressure through a glass, the most important thing is the position. The perfect position is depicted on two pictures below:
While position on this picture will be much more difficult to scan:
2. The scanning begins at the bottom of the foot. Move the scanner left and right, while keeping it pointed at the foot to scan its sides.
3. Now carefully move scanner into position from which scanner will see both foot and ankle.
4. From here you can move scanner higher while keeping ankle in the field of view. From here scanning rest of the leg should be easy - just move around the leg and be sure to scan toes and heel. Always hold scanner slightly tilted towards the leg to increase the amount of visible geometry.
A short note about post-processing in this case:
- Since scanning with glass table is done in one scan, there is no need for alignment
- Launch Global registration set to "Geometry" and after that launch any sort of watertight fusion
We are here to help! If you have any questions or issues, please do not hesitate to contact our team by emailing support@artec-group.com or by clicking on "Ask Support" button on the upper part of the screen. We will always be happy to assist you and will get back to you as soon as we can.