Using an Arduino Due development board, Kerry Wong has created an awesome Arduino-controlled single pixel scanner. This innovative project utilizes the skeleton of a hacked HP 7044A plotter to scan images with impressive precision and creativity.
The Arduino single pixel scanner, which you can see in action in the video embedded below, records RGB color values in a 128 x 128 grid. These values are then passed to a computer thanks to the use of the Arduino Due, which serves as the brain of the operation.
How the Single Pixel Scanner Works
The process begins with the hacked HP 7044A plotter, which has been repurposed to move a single pixel sensor across the image. As the sensor moves, it captures the RGB color values of each pixel in the 128 x 128 grid. This method is quite different from traditional scanners that capture multiple pixels at once. Instead, the single pixel scanner captures one pixel at a time, which can be advantageous for certain applications where high precision is required.
The Arduino Due plays a crucial role in this setup. It controls the movement of the plotter and the timing of the pixel captures. Once the RGB values are recorded, the Arduino Due sends this data to a connected computer. The computer then uses these values to rebuild and assemble the scanned image into a low-resolution document. This method of scanning can be particularly useful for educational purposes, demonstrating the fundamentals of image processing and data transfer.
In the video seen below, Kerry D. Wong does just this using his hacked HP 7044A plotter to scan a picture, recording RGB color values in a 128 x 128 grid. As the device scans, the Arduino Due used for control passes these values to a computer, which assembles them together into a low-resolution image.
Applications and Future Improvements
This project opens up numerous possibilities for further exploration and improvement. For instance, the resolution of the scanned image could be increased by using a finer grid, such as 256 x 256 or even higher. This would require more precise control of the plotter and faster data processing capabilities, but it could result in much higher quality images.
Another potential improvement could be the integration of more advanced image processing algorithms on the computer side. These algorithms could enhance the scanned images, correct any distortions, and even add color correction to improve the final output. Additionally, the single pixel scanner could be adapted to scan different types of materials, such as reflective surfaces or transparent objects, by adjusting the sensor and lighting conditions.
For more details on the project, jump over to Kerry Wong’s website via the link below. There, you can find a detailed explanation of the build process, the code used for the Arduino Due, and additional insights into the challenges and solutions encountered during the project.
Source: AB : Wong
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