Alternatives to the makerbot scanner
http://pulse.me/s/py54v
I would love a 3d scanner that would do small objects (figurines/minis mostly) had a turntable, 2 lasers a camera and cost under $300 with software. Based on the parts costs I think this is what a low end kit should cost ATM. So - who wants to design it ;>)
I had backed this project and they are getting close to shipping. Misses your price point, but is reasonable if it will work as good as it seems it will:
http://www.matterform.net/pre-order/
Honestly, I’m looking for a scanner that can do multiple objects at once. Like a tabletop.
I would love to build one and compared to a reprap it cant be that hard. I would guess getting an appropriate camera is the trickiest thing in hardware then you’ve got the firmware and software to worry about. Hardware I could build - making it work with software is another thing.
Did you see the: http://wedidstuff.heavyimage.com/index.php/2013/07/12/open-source-photogrammetry-workflow?
I’m reading through it now. I’m not sure I’m ready for this, but seems interesting enough to give a shutout for.
@Chris_Reyes Did you see also see this Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/45699157/fuel3d-a-handheld-3d-scanner-for-less-than-1000 ?
@Rojer_Wisner I did. The problem is it’s small volume and they’re leaving out some steps. Note the “our plan is”. Also, they are doing one sided meshes and then having to work with combining them to get a full mesh. I see more capability with a “shadow-based” moving light combined with a camera on rails. Also waiting for someone to conquer shiny objects by reversing the reflectance to a single vector source.
The technicalities of optics are beyond me, aside from a basic understanding of waves and rays. Those seem like tall orders, but within the realm of capabilities in the near future. Seems like a matter of time, money, and interests (along with a little expertise in the subject couldn’t hurt). The one link I posted earlier regarding the photogrammetry lead me to the company behind the Autodesk 123D Catch online software. That was all very large scale and proprietary as well as processor intensive. I didn’t see any pricing on the software - which likely means that it is very expensive too. It’s amazing the things we can and can’t do on computer what our brains do on a normal basis. It’s almost like magic and calculus combined. 