Hi Davidians,
I wrote a software "AutoScan3D" which synchronises one or several camera CANON DSLR and Arduino turntable to achieve better resolution in scans and a more convenient way to work with "image grabber" so here is my results and a description of key features of AutoScan3D :
AutoScan3D Designed by: David BENOIT
Key advantage:
Higher quality, and time saving, thanks to multi-camera processing
David Laserscanner (DLS) allows you to scan in real time with a single video camera. With its "Image grabber" functionality, AutoScan3D achieves higher performance while using DLS processing in non-real time. Indeed, at shooting stage, AutoScan3D can control and synchronize several cameras (3, 4 or even more), which divides by 3 ou 4 the time needed for shooting. With several cameras, carefully placed at different shooting angles, shadow areas are avoided, thus minimizing scanned object handling. Moreover, the scan quality will be increased thanks to the acceptance criterion that will be lowered for 3D points in fringe areas. This criterion varies from 0 to 1, and its default value is set to 0.5 for a single point. For instance, camera 1 will assign a liability rating of 0.4, camera 2 will assign 0.6 and camera 3 will assign 0.2. Working only with camera 1, the point would be rejected and a new shooting session would be necessary. With the multi-camera system, the usual 0.5 acceptance criterion will be raised, and the global scan quality will be positively impacted.
High precision
The precision of a 3D scan is directly related to the precision of the images captured at shooting stage. Automated control of a DSLR Canon camera allows for leaving aside the low resolution of live video, and diving into the high definition provided by 24x36mm sensors. Also, it allows to benefit from the whole range of Canon optics, and especially the L-series macro optics (professional range) with its exceptional line resolution. AutoScan3D can control any DSLR Canon device and contributes to open DLS onto new definition horizons. But this is not the only benefit that can be drawn from AutoScan3D.
More effective, much quicker
AutoScan3D provides a simple solution for scanning with DSLR cameras in association with David Laserscanner (DLS) system. While DLS displays a structured light pattern directly onto the object scanned, the operator needs to take a picture of this projection. The operation is renewed for every pattern. In order to obtain a quality scan, up to 54 different patterns can be used for calibration, and 54 for every shooting angle. If it is estimated that 8 rotations and 3 different positions of the object on the turntable will be needed in order to avoid shadow areas, one can estimate the actual number of manipulations needed as follows: 54 + ( ( 8*54 ) * 3 ) = 1350! And this does not account for handling incidents like pushing your videoprojector, calibration landmark or camera while adjusting your object position or your camera. And that leads you to start it all over again. AutoScan3D allows you to work in a real professional way. It reduces the manipulations from 1350 to only 4: you will only need to press the "c" key for calibration, then set your object into 3 different positions on your rotating platform, pressing the "s" key for each of them. And that's all you'll need to do to get 1350 pictures, with no risk of having to start it all again.
Whom is it designed for?
Every David Laserscanner user who wants to achieve higher scan quality. With its gain in time and effectiveness, AutoScan3D is a low-price solution for artworks reproduction or 3D projects related to movies or video games, that call for increased realism.
What does it not do?
AutoScan3D has not been designed for quick scanning, as it requires a precise organization, and a strict workflow.
Specifications
Here are the specifications for AutoScan3D v0.1 (beta version), as of June 12th, 2014.
Supports Canon multi caméra.
Allows control of any number of rotations. For example 8 rotations for 45° around Y axis.
Allows control of any number of communication port for turntable (Arduino compatible).
Allows control of delay time betwwen each pattern by two kinds of increment : 50 ms or 200ms.
Allows control of pattern number send to videoprojector.
Compatible with all kinds of DLS 3.10 patterns.
Compatible with Canon DSLR which supports Canon EDSDK v2.14 :
EOS-1D C / EOS 6D / EOS M / EOS M2
EOS-1D X / 1D Mark III / 1Ds Mark III / 1D Mark IV
EOS 40D / 50D / 5D Mark II / 5D Mark III / 7D / 60D / 60Da / 70D
EOS Rebel XSi / 450D
EOS Rebel XS / 1000D
EOS Rebel T1i / 500D
EOS Rebel T2i / 550D
EOS Rebel T3i / 600D
EOS Rebel T4i / 650D
EOS Rebel T3 / 1100D
EOS Rebel T5i / 700D, EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D
EOS Rebel T5 / 1200D / Hi. Conçu et testé sur Canon 5DII.
Compatible with DLS 3.10 texturing.
Compatible only David Laserscanner 3.10.
Compatible only Windows 7 64bits, Windows 8 should works but no supports.
Compatible with David Laserscanner protocol for messages and commands.
Availability and price.
There will be no Mac, linux and android version of this softwre. There will be no support for Nikon camera or any other brands.
Our sofware will be available lately in JUly, if tests are passed. This date is not a contractual date, it's just an indication.
This beta version for 1 camera will cost 99€, and the multi camera version will cost 249€.
This product needs a good practice and understanding of "image grabber" in David Laserscanner. Do not buy this product, if you are a DLS beginner.
First learn DLS and then use AutoScan3D.
Don't use this beta version for critical project like production project with short timeline ! it's a beta software with no support. Use at your own risk.
This sofware is provided as this, and can't be reponsible of any data lost !
Version 1.0 has actually no release date and no price.