We are lucky to have a 3D scanner. But if you don’t? Here is a great ‘free’ alternative - The DAVID Laser Scanner.
DAVID offers a starter kit with more precision equipment, but you probably have all you need at home. Assuming you have a computer. So what do you actually need to scan?
What do I need to build a 3D scanner?
- A camera (e.g. web cam) For better results, choice one with low noise, a glass lens, and high resolution camera for capturing surface color (gray scale is better for surface geometry)
- A hand-held line laser (If you are good with a soldering iron . . . you can get a Line Laser for $4 http://www.dealextreme.com/p/red-laser-module-focused-line-3-5v-4-5v-16mm-5mw-5928) And you might have one at home already, I got a Black and Decker line laser for father’s day a few years back. The thinner the line the more accurate.
- Two plain boards in the background (poster board)
- A Windows PC
- Our free software DAVID-laserscanner (Download)
I personally have not tried it yet, but this is my focus this year and I will and will compare it to a our present scanner. I know that one advantage is you can open your eyes during the scan providing you uses the right laser. (*Use at your own risk)
Here is the website: http://www.david-laserscanner.com/
Here is a video overview.
