A low-cost, real-time 3D scanning platform built using Python, C++, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and LiDAR technology.
Originally developed as a capstone project at the University of Windsor, Object Scanner was designed to demonstrate that accurate 3D scanning can be achieved using affordable, readily available hardware while providing a modular platform for future development and experimentation.
Commercial 3D scanners are often prohibitively expensive for students, hobbyists, and small organizations. Object Scanner was created to provide an affordable alternative capable of producing real-time point cloud visualizations using open-source software and off-the-shelf hardware.
The system combines embedded firmware, desktop software, and custom hardware into a complete scanning platform capable of:
- Capturing real-time LiDAR/IR measurements
- Controlling dual-axis motion using stepper motors
- Processing scan data on a Raspberry Pi
- Visualizing point cloud data in real time
- Exporting captured scan information for future processing
- Real-time 3D point cloud visualization
- Python desktop application using PyQt5
- Arduino-based motion controller
- Raspberry Pi deployment
- SQLite scan data storage
- Live serial communication between hardware and software
- Configurable scan parameters
- Exportable scan data
- Modular architecture for future sensor upgrades
- Python
- PyQt5
- SQLite
- Matplotlib
- PySerial
- Arduino
- C++
- Stepper Motor Control
- Serial Communication
- Raspberry Pi
- TF-Luna LiDAR / IR Sensor
- NEMA Stepper Motors
- CNC Shield
- A4988 Drivers
+----------------------+
| Python GUI |
| (PyQt5) |
+----------+-----------+
|
Serial Connection
|
+----------v-----------+
| Arduino |
| Motion Controller |
+----------+-----------+
|
+---------------+----------------+
| |
Stepper Motors LiDAR / IR Seonsor
| |
+---------------+----------------+
|
Scan Coordinates
|
+----------v-----------+
| SQLite Database |
+----------+-----------+
|
Real-Time 3D Visualization
Object-Scanner/
Arduino/
Embedded firmware
Assets/
Images and UI resources
Database/
SQLite scan database
Models/
3D printable components
Python/
Desktop application
Releases/
Executable releases
Scripts/
Raspberry Pi startup scripts
- Python 3.11+
- PyQt5
- Matplotlib
- PySerial
- SQLite3
Install dependencies:
pip install -r requirements.txtLaunch the application:
python scanner.pyConnect the Arduino via USB and configure the correct COM port before starting a scan.
Potential future enhancements include:
- Multi-threaded scan processing improvements
- Higher resolution scanning
- Additional sensor support
- Mesh generation
- STL export
- Network-based control
- Improved scan filtering algorithms
This project provided valuable experience in:
- Embedded systems
- Python application development
- Hardware/software integration
- Real-time data visualization
- Multithreaded programming
- SQLite databases
- Raspberry Pi deployment
- Project planning
- Team collaboration
Software Development
Software Design • Embedded Systems • Automation
Email: patmaynard452@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-maynard-b97a05b5/
Mechanical Design • Embedded Systems • Automation
Email: LinkedIn:
This project is released under the MIT License.