While you may have heard about the XGRIDS PortalCam in our introduction to Photogrammetry and Gaussian Splatting, inside the camera and its ecosystem are some truly unique capabilities that deserve a closer look. What's the most effective way to do spatial capture? What is a SLAM-assisted reconstruction? How can filmmakers, real estate agents, and content creators all benefit? Let's dive in.
For those needing a refresh, "photogrammetry is the process of creating a 3D image, or gleaning 3D information about a location from 2D images." Gaussian splatting "creates a real-time radiance field from the 2D images that builds an environment with depth, height, and visual perspective." These 3D scene representations are particularly suited to high-fidelity novel-view rendering and preserving complex captured appearances.
Think of the PortalCam as a camera that can capture 2D images for a splat that are merged with visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and camera-pose estimation for spatial capture, reconstruction, 3DGS processing, sharing/export, and SDK integration. The PortalCam itself uses a multi-camera system: wide-FOV cameras provide coverage and visual overlap for spatial tracking, while forward-facing cameras help preserve finer visual details such as text and surface information. That information is then fed through onboard processing and an XGRIDS proprietary algorithm to create a hyper-detailed spatial model.
The easiest way to use the PortalCam is to start a recording and then walk around naturally while holding the included mini tripod. You can monitor your recording and adjust settings via the LCC Scan app on a smartphone. LCC stands for Lixel CyberColor, the XGRIDS software platform. These recordings are then sent through to LCC Studio software on a computer, where a 3D model is processed and generated. The reconstructed scene can be viewed, optimized, shared, exported, or integrated into supported downstream workflows.
The "scan while you walk" process is considerably faster than using a traditional 360° camera on a static tripod and works both inside and outside. This continuous walk-through capture is supported by the multi-camera system and the visual SLAM / camera-pose estimation. SLAM is primarily used during capture to estimate the camera/device trajectory and spatial relationship between frames. The captured imagery and spatial information are then processed in LCC Studio to reconstruct the final Gaussian Splatting scene.
Having both the capture and the reconstruction happen within the XGRIDS ecosystem keeps things simple and scalable, which is important for filmmakers creating a large volume of pre-visualization (previs) material or virtual production environments. It allows for rapid real-location digitization: users can capture a location continuously, reconstruct it in LCC Studio, and then use the digital location for virtual scouting, previs, techvis, virtual production, or VFX reference. Additionally, crew members around the world can move through virtual reconstructions together and make decisions about lighting, blocking, and camera movement.
Real estate is an especially strong market for the PortalCam, as potential buyers can navigate hyper-realistic 3D reconstructions that preserve the lighting conditions and measurements of the original space. The approachable price point of the PortalCam compared to similar offerings also makes it useful for content creators looking to create VR or AR environments that go beyond simple phone capture. XGRIDS even has a suite of SDKs to enable reconstructed LCC / 3DGS scenes to be integrated into Unreal Engine and Unity.
The Standard PortalCam Package includes the Basic LCC Studio license, which covers standard reconstruction, editing, and viewing. The Premium Package includes a Premium license with enhanced software performance and expanded functionality. Both kits include a charger, phone mount, protective cover, protective case, and battery. For more about the PortalCam, head to the XGRIDS website or check out the full User Manual linked on the product pages.
If you'd like to learn more about additional aspects of Virtual Production, check out our other guides and articles on B&H Explora!
