Planar Positioning System for 3D Scanning

3D scanning is a key tool, especially for researchers and students. Unfortunately, there aren’t any cost-effective options out in the market for these groups of people. Currently the market for a 3D scanning system is either on the low end with pricing under $300 but limited capabilities in terms of the size of objects able to be scanned, or on the high end with pricing above $1000. Our project intends to bridge that gap and provide a cheap, efficient, DIY (do-it-yourself) version of a 3D scanner. Using planar positioning and LIDAR (Light Imaging and Ranging) measurements combined with computer algorithms on systems such as MATLAB we intend to create a 3D scan of an object with the goal of eventually 3D printing it. We hope to reach an accuracy of 80%, knowing that through iterative design process we can continue to increase accuracy up to the physical limitations of the LIDAR sensor. Our project also supports the idea of DIY systems for education and curiosity among students, but also provides a framework for researchers to develop low cost platforms in the study of tomography. Overall, we hope that this system will allow students, researchers and amateur enthusiasts a way to use, modify and understand 3D scanning and apply it to projects, research, or any other needs they might have.