Hardware design framework

[seanngpack]

Big idea:

• Low-cost, modular 3D scanner that allows for sensor swapping

Target Audiences:

• Educators, Hobbyists, Makerspaces, Student Groups

Constraints:

• not too big objects (weight+size limit for motor torque requirements)
• accommodate sensors such as Kinect, Intel sensors, etc.

Components:

• High-geared DC motors with encoders for high torque and low turn speed
  -- Motor controllers/drivers
  -- How to power the motors (sufficient current)
• Arduino Nano
• Bluetooth module (ideally separate from Arduino) or any other wireless comms

Design Choices:

• Modular camera mount (adjustable, specific mounts for specific sensors)
• Camera frame/arm/boom (fourbar vs. linear rod etc.)
• Camera distance from turntable adjustable/modular vs. fixed (impacts software)
• Electronics in base of camera mount or base of turntable
• Location of Bluetooth module
• How to control turntable (wireless vs. wired)
• How to make a turntable (slim, stable, consistent, hidden motor vs. exposed motor)
• Modular table surface (swap between calibration fixture, scanning surface, etc)
  -- Held by friction/screws vs. peg+hole vs. magnets
• How to connect to computer (one cable solution best solution)
  -- Currently: Arduino goes to computer via Bluetooth and camera goes to computer via cable
• Cable management

Stretch Goal:

• High resolutions for small objects like D&D figures
• Integrated motor control (remove Bluetooth, one direct cable for Arduino and sensor signals)
• Replacing the Arduino with an even cheaper microcontroller (have to write the firmware for it)
  -- Make circuitboard Arduino