OpenScan Pi
The Raspberry Pi control unit offers many advantages over microcontroller control (e.g., Arduino).
Easy control via the browser (offline)
Supports Raspberry Pi Camera
Easy customization for individual scanner setups
100% Compatible with existing scanner builds
Getting Started
Detailed instructions on soldering, wiring and setup of the Raspberry Pi can be found at the following link:
The current Raspbian Image (as of 2020-02-11) is available here:
The circuit diagram of the control unit can be found at the following link:
See the following video for a detailed description of the func
Important notes & UPDATES
- I am constantly working on further improvements and especially the documentation will be extended regularly! Make sure to check out this page, as there will be some major additions soon :) Feel free to share your thoughts and let me know, if there is something missing!
- Since I am not a professional programmer by any means, updates of the software will have to take place regularly, especially in the initial phase. These can be imported directly via the user interface with an existing internet connection.
- I'm very grateful for any help in finding and fixing bugs. Any suggestions for improvement can be shared in the forum or by email to info@openscan.eu.
For more details on recent updates see: Changelog on Github
- 2020-04-08 added Feature Detection & OpenScan Cloud
- 2020-03-19 Added Software Improvements (Acceleration/Experimental Functions/new settings, ...)
- 2020-01-26 added USB-Support for many digital cameras. It is now possible to connect a digital camera via USB to the control unit. The preview and shutter can be controlled through the browser interface. A list of all supported cameras can be found here: List of almost 350 cameras (based on gphoto2)
Recommended hardware
Raspberry Pi
The Raspbian image has been tested on the following devices:
- Raspberry Pi 3B +, 3A +, 3B, 2B (no wifi)
The following versions DO NOT work:
- Raspberry Pi B +, A +, Zero
Pi camera
It is recommended to use the Raspberry Pi Camera v2.1 (8 megapixels) as it offers the maximum resolution as well as a adjustable focus. The software also supports the Raspberry Pi Camera v1.3 (5 megapixels), but this version does not have an adjustable focus, which is needed for full functionality of the scanner.
Ringlight
The optional ringlight creates shadowless illumination and thus creating optimal lighting conditions.
External camera
Any external cameras can be used with an existing, modified remote shutter release. The shutter release can be connected to the front of the control unit and is triggered via an optocoupler.
3D Scanner
The software can be easily adapted with just a few clicks to various 2-axis scanner setups. The default settings are optimized for the following setup: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3050437
Power Supply
A 12V/2A DC Power Supply is needed.
SD Card/Cable/Stepper motors
See user manual (linked below)
3D printable file
easy to print
optional with base mount
optional with ringlight
optional with polarizer and/or diffusor
User Interface
- Easy to use, as the camera settings can be changed directly via the browser
- Preview of the camera image
- Direct download of the created images via the browser for further processing in your photogrammetry software
- Adaptability of the interface through easy access to the backend (Node-Red)
User Interface

Settings
Backend (Node-Red)
