Most of how my 3D scanner works lies in the software itself. It’s taken me a while to write. Which should be expected figuring the complexity of the device and the fact that I’m working on it alone. LoL I mean I was confident I would finish this within a few weeks but as I started to dive into how the technology worked it made me wonder how I could automate scanning large amounts of things with accuracy and with something I could make at home. Utilizing simple prototyping boards and parts laying around from old 3D printers. I started designing around what I had and could afford to use at my disposal.
The software creates detailed point clouds by setting sequence of user defined scan points. then scans the object in every direction and uploads the scan and sequence to a remote server. A website helps share scans with other users. this allows other people to stream line automated scans of similar sized object.
Below is a short video of my software (Earl Grey) running on my scanner.
Below was the result of my scanners earliest point clouds.
The latest revision of my scanner is able to create even more detailed point clouds with great accuracy. Right now it’s only equipped with a $15 generic webcam. I’m working on revising this model with a better camera that allows for more angles to be collected at the same time. I’ve also added a laser grid to help scan objects better with out destroying it buy spray painting it.