Using a Low-cost Scanner for 3D Shape Acquisition: Applications in Horticultural Research

An important aspect in horticultural research is the shape in three dimensions that reflects adaptation to environmental conditions.  3D representations can convey information not obtainable from 2D images. Current commercial systems for capturing plant shape based on regular RGB cameras can measure some parameters like projected plant area but fail to exploit the full potential of 3D shape analysis. Advances in sensors and algorithms and more recently from the gaming industry and 3D printing have spurred the development of low-cost sensor systems. Laser scanning devices are currently available for coarse measurement like estimating biomass or canopy. However, relatively expensive laser scanners with higher resolutions are needed for observation of smaller objects like fruits and other storage organs. Thus, there is a need for low-cost 3D imaging techniques to address the trade-off between efficiency of image acquisition and the cost of the sensor system with sufficient accuracy. In this presentation, a low-cost 3D scanner will be used to demonstrate the generation of 3D models and acquisition of parameters like length, area, and volume of some plant organs like fruits, tubers, and storage roots. The advantages and disadvantages of this 3D scanner will be discussed. The prospects and limitations of using 3D scanners in horticulture research will be addressed.