List of Questions
Who is VRscans for?
Initially, VRscans is for design and manufacturing firms who need their digital prototypes to be as accurate as possible. Our goal is to expand VRscans technology to other industries in the near future.
How are VRscans materials different?
VRscans are not created in the same way that typical CG materials are made. Most materials use standard BRDF models like Blinn, Ward, and GGX to estimate the way a material responds to light. These approximations can get close, but they're not exact. Instead, VRscans uses BTF measurements to fully capture a material’s unique appearance. We collect all the data needed to render a material's texture, surface reflectivity, dimensionality, and response to light in a single .vrscan file.
Can VRscans material be modified?
To preserve the scanned material’s physical accuracy, a .vrscan file cannot be modified. This file contains a complete data set, so there are no separate texture maps. Limited adjustments can be made to color, uv tiling, bump strength, etc. These parameters can be found on the VRayScannedMtl page.
What kind of materials can be scanned?
Fabric, leather, plastic, metal, wood and stone scan best, and opaque, flat materials are optimal. Glass, skin or extremely reflective materials (mirror) are not recommended.
Physical material scan requirements:
Materials with texture depth of 1mm or less
Material samples can be no less than 20x20mm and no more than 200x200mm.
Resolution limitation of 1px = 6/100mm
How does the VRscans process work?
Step 1. Send materials to be scanned
Clients provide Chaos Group with one or more physical material samples (no smaller than 20x20mm, no larger than 200x200mm).
Step 2. Materials are evaluated for scanning
Our lab techs evaluate each material to determine if it's suitable for scanning. If not, the material will be returned at no charge.
Step 3. Materials are scanned
Each scan takes several hours. Once the scan is complete, the resulting images are transformed into a seamless, tileable file. After passing inspection and strict quality control, the material scans are ready for delivery.
Step 4. Scanned files are delivered
Files are delivered by private FTP link or physical drive. Additional courier fees may apply.
Step 5. Material samples are returned
Since many materials are proprietary or copyrighted, all samples are promptly returned to the client.
What is the VRscans plug-in?
The VRscans plug-in is specially designed to import and render scanned materials. Since .vrscan files are a proprietary format, the VRscans plug-in acts as a bridge into the latest versions of V-Ray for 3ds Max and Maya.
Is a material library available? How do I access it?
There’s a growing library of VRscans materials available now. Access comes with the VRscans plug-in. Our goal is to create a vast library of physically accurate, drag-and-drop materials for the VRscans community. We’re working with manufacturers to bring in their materials as well.
How much does it cost?
Pricing starts at 300 EUR / 420 USD / 260 GBP per material scan. Contact vrscans@chaosgroup.com for a custom quote.
The VRscans plugin is also required. It is available on an annual or monthly basis.
Annual : 300 EUR / 420 USD / 260 GBP per year
Monthly : 160 EUR / 220 USD / 140 GBP per month