The Object Digitizer: An Open Source 3D Scanner

Using a cheap Lidar sensor to gather data in a cylindrical coordinate system, utilizing said data to create a point cloud, and converting that point cloud into a watertight three dimensional model could lead to easier creation of .STL files, suitable for replication via 3D printing, in a much more affordable way. This document will go over the method for gathering data, printable models created, applications used to create 3D models, and the intersection of the gathered data and the applications used to create 3D models. Requirements of this system will be discussed. The hardware, technologies, and algorithms used to implement the system as well as how this system should be utilized will be discussed. Results of using this system to take data and create a model will be demonstrated. Finally, known limitations of the system will be discussed along with future additions that could solve those problems