scAnt - Open-Source Macro 3D scanner

Описание: scAnt - an open-source platform for the creation of 3D models
of arthropods and other small objects

Paper:
https://peerj.com/articles/11155/

Fabian Plum & David Labonte (2021)
Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London

All code available from
https://github.com/evo-biomech/scAnt

Manufacturing and assembly instructions, as well as component lists:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:469...

Models generated with the described 3D scanner and processing pipeline:
https://sketchfab.com/EvoBiomech

Dataset generator developed jointly with René Bulla
The Pocket Dimension, Munich, Germany


Abstract:

We present scAnt, an open-source platform for the creation of digital 3D models of arthropods and small objects. scAnt consists of a scanner and a Graphical User Interface (GUI), and enables the automated generation of multi-view Extended Depth Of Field (EDOF) images. These images are then masked with a novel automatic routine which combines random forest-based edge-detection, adaptive thresholding, and connected component labelling. The masked images can then be processed further with a photogrammetry software package of choice, including open-source options such as Meshroom, to create high-quality, textured 3D models. We demonstrate how these 3D models can be rigged to enable realistic digital specimen posing, and introduce a novel simple yet effective method to include semi-realistic representations of approximately planar and transparent structures such as wings. As a result of the exclusive reliance on generic hardware components, rapid prototyping, and open-source software, scAnt costs only a fraction of available comparable systems. The resulting accessibility of scAnt will (i) drive the development of novel and powerful methods for machine learning-driven behavioural studies, leveraging synthetic data; (ii) increase accuracy in comparative morphometric studies as well as extend the available parameter space with area and volume measurements; (iii) inspire novel forms of outreach; and (iv) aid in the digitisation efforts currently underway in several major natural history collections.

This study is funded by the Imperial College’s President’s PhD Scholarship (to FP) and is part of a project that has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant agreement No. 851705, to DL).

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