Cheap 3D scanner

Abstract

Ever since the Microsoft Kinect was first revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009, it has captured the imagination of the world with the potential applications that could arise with a device that could not only process environmental information in 3D, but also affordable enough to be a commonplace household item.

3D printers have also entered public limelight in recent years. With the advancements in fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology, and the costs of commercially available 3D printers rapidly decreasing, the general populace is now closer than ever to achieving the dream of creating almost anything one could think of.

The Cheap 3D Scanner aims to create an inexpensive solution to scan real world objects into digital 3D files by leveraging on the Microsoft Kinect hardware and the Kinect software development kit. These digital 3D files can be processed and subsequently sent to a 3D printer which will create physical models or replicas of said objects.

Enhancements to the project have also been added to improve the user experience, such as intuitive voice commands and user interface improvements.