Occipital Skanect serves as a bridge between physical objects and digital creativity, transforming affordable depth sensors like the Microsoft Kinect or Structure Sensor into capable 3D scanners. This software captures full-color 3D models of people, objects, and rooms in real-time, making it an essential tool for 3D printing enthusiasts and game developers who need accessible scanning solutions. While the developers at Structure are transitioning focus to newer iOS applications, Skanect version 1.11 remains a reliable workhorse for Windows users looking to extend the life of their depth sensing hardware.
Key Features
- Real-Time Feedback: Users can watch the 3D mesh build instantly on-screen as they move the sensor, allowing them to spot missed angles or holes immediately during the scanning process.
- Watertight Mesh Generation: The software automatically fills holes and seals surfaces to create water-tight 3D models, significantly reducing the cleanup time required before sending files to a 3D printer.
- Offline Reconstruction: You can record raw data at high frame rates and process the final high-quality mesh later, which allows users with older computers to still achieve detailed results by letting the CPU or GPU work at its own pace after the scan.
- Color Texture Mapping: Skanect captures color data alongside geometry, applying photographic textures to the model for realistic assets suitable for game design or virtual reality.
- Universal Export Options: Completed scans can be saved as OBJ, STL, PLY, or VRML files, ensuring compatibility with virtually all major CAD software, sculpting tools, and 3D printing slicers.
Use Cases
This software is ideal for hobbyists and educators who want to repurpose legacy hardware like the Kinect v1 or v2 for low-cost STEM projects and classroom demonstrations. It also serves cost-conscious designers who need to digitize physical prototypes or create custom fitted parts without investing in industrial-grade scanning equipment.
For Windows users with compatible depth sensors, Skanect offers a proven, perpetual solution for capturing the real world without the subscription models often found in newer alternatives.
Version 1.11.0 — June 2024
- Enhanced compatibility with Structure Core sensors for improved depth scanning accuracy
- Optimized GPU reconstruction performance with updated CUDA support for modern graphics cards
- Refined user interface for streamlined 3D scanning workflow
- Improved real-time mesh generation with enhanced tracking algorithms
- Updated support for Structure Sensor, Microsoft Kinect, and Asus Xtion depth cameras
- Enhanced color capture capabilities for more accurate texture mapping
- Stability improvements for Windows 64-bit platform
