Stationary 3D Scanning System for IoT Applications

In various types of industrial applications, such as reverse engineering, machine operation, technical metrology, or modern factory maintenance, it is important to have systems that enable the quick and easy scanning of selected mechanical parts. This study presents the design process and analysis of a low-cost, 3D scanning system which can be used in industrial applications. The system collects point cloud data using an infrared distance sensor based on optical triangulation, controlled by a 32-bit microcontroller. Communication with the system is enabled through a serial interface and a dedicated window application, allowing users to monitor and adjust scanning parameters. The output data in the form of a point cloud are saved in a text file in the scanner's controller memory and then sent wirelessly to an external device, e.g., cloud and/or a diagnostic controller. The electronic system is equipped with a radio module that can be used to communicate with other devices in line with the idea of the Internet of Things and the concept of Industry 4.0. The results of the study are based on the accuracy of the three-dimensional digitization of the tested object and on the determination of the average measurement uncertainty.