Tag Archives: scanning

Week 11 – The scanning revolution

This week in BADM 395, we explored the emerging world of 3D scanning, modeling, and printing. First, we watched a video from Jay Leno’s garage featuring a 3D scan and model of an antique auto part. The 3D modeler was able to scan the part, render it in a 3D workspace, alter key aspects of the piece to reinforce structural stability, and print the piece in a few hours. This was very encouraging to see 3D printing technology used for such a good use by Jay Leno, whose late-night show I thoroughly enjoyed. Professor Sachdev showed us his 3D scanning apps on the iPad, its capabilities, and current uses. Although the first few programs did not properly add our models to the cloud, we were eventually able to access the necessary files. Over the course of an hour and a half, I worked with Vishal to fix the holes in the model and add a base to the bust. Problems with the base and holes prevented me from printing until the last minutes of class. Despite the Cura and the printer estimating a five-and-a-half-hour duration, I revisited the MakerLab three hours after the print to find the printer displaying the “Print Finished” screen without the model. I checked the bin of abandoned finished projects but did not find my print. The models in the bin did not look like me and I did not find one with a base. Either the printer severely distorted my likeness, there was an unforeseen issue with printing, or my model is being kept somewhere else. I will post an update next week with a resolution to this mystery, so for now, here’s my model in Autodesk:

PICTURE

This week, we attempted to further our work on the final project but have ultimately decided to change the course of our final project. Our original idea to have a hot plate powered by a solar panel is not currently feasible with the given technology. Solar technology is still very inefficient and is not viable to quickly heat up a hot plate. Although we were happy with the direction of our project, we cannot worry about the sunk cost time spent on the old idea. Instead, we will be creating custom fit headphones using the technology used in this week’s class session. The 3D scanning technology will allow us to get an accurate model of someone’s ear and create fitted headphones. Runners, hikers, rock climbers, and the hard of hearing could all benefit from our custom-fit headphones.

Scanning and Prototyping (Week 11)

This week, we learned how to scan with the Kinect hardware attached to the iPad. Kinect is a motion-sensing input device that Microsoft developed for Xbox. I was surprised that it could so easily be used for 3D scanning. However, the hardware and app we used to scan each other worked really well! Below is a picture of the Kinect and stand used for Xbox.

When the Kinect was attached to the iPad, it looked like this:

We had to move slowly around the subject we were scanning. It was important to have good lighting and no objects that could distract the sensor in the background.

Above is a picture of someone being 3D scanned. Since we were having trouble uploading new images, I’ve just attached photos from Google. So the above isn’t someone in our class!

We learned how to use Meshmixer to refine the scan and get it ready for printing. I wasn’t able to print mine this week, but hope to be able to do it some time in the next.

This week, my group also made our Project Testing Plan and began assembly of our people counter. For project testing, we will use other students and a contact at BrewLab as well as CU At Home.

Our first prototype will not use the laser sensors. Instead, it will use a push button. It will count up every time the button is pushed. Once we figure out how to connect all the wires and upload the code, we will move on to the more complex laser sensors.

One other thing I learned this week is that an OBJ file carries color with it. The hope is that this will be the standard file in the future, but some softwares can’t handle the color and will convert it to monochrome.