3D scanner created from hacked camera and firmware

July 10, 2013
A computer engineer named Giancarlo Todone developed a $50 do-it-yourself system that uses a single hacked Canon Powershot camera and some custom firmware to create a 3D scanner.

A computer engineer named Giancarlo Todone developed a $50 do-it-yourself system that uses a single hacked Canon Powershot camera and some custom firmware to create a 3D scanner.

The project, known as DephtInition, uses a technique called focus stacking, where a multiple images taken at different focal lengths are combined to give a resulting image with a greater depth of field than any of the individual images. In this case, Todone captured a number of images with his Canon camera and analyzed the brightness of the pixels in relation to each other. He then used an algorithm to discern areas of focus and assign “focus ranks” to parts of the image, which enabled him to create a depth map, according to TechHive.

After estimating the focus rank of each pixel for each shot, Todone combined his depth map with the RBG images to create the final 3D imagingpoint clouds using MeshLab to display the pictures.

While the DephtInition system may be the cheapest 3D scanner available, Todone did encounter a few issues along the way. Specifically, it is really only useful for capturing subjects that are perfectly still, and the subject has to be illuminated just right for the computer to pick up the depth data needed for the process.

That said, the inexpensive DephtInition is an innovative way to turn a camera into a 3D scanner, and has provided the code, along with a point cloud, for free on his blog.

View Giancarlo Todone’s blog.
View the TechHive article.

Also check out:
Vision-enabled humanoid robot builds 3D visual maps
Artec Eva 3D scanner used to create TV commercial with video game character
3D imaging machine helps physicians identify cancer earlier

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About the Author

James Carroll

Former VSD Editor James Carroll joined the team 2013.  Carroll covered machine vision and imaging from numerous angles, including application stories, industry news, market updates, and new products. In addition to writing and editing articles, Carroll managed the Innovators Awards program and webcasts.

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