docs

README.md

 # open-frame-scan
 
+<img src="img/frame.jpg" width=90%></img>
 
+This device is an open-source approach to scanning flat surfaces. The frame is simply placed on top of the surface to scan, and a computer vision software analyzes the picture to extract a rectified picture with real dimensions (pixels/unit).
 
-## Getting started
+<img src="img/comparison.jpg" width=90%></img>
 
-To make it easy for you to get started with GitLab, here's a list of recommended next steps.
+This project is inspired by the [Shaper Trace](https://www.shapertools.com/en-us/trace), but offers an open source interface and lets users scan color images, not just vectors.
 
-Already a pro? Just edit this README.md and make it your own. Want to make it easy? [Use the template at the bottom](#editing-this-readme)!
+## designs
 
-## Add your files
+<img src="img/sizes.png" width=50%></img>
 
-- [ ] [Create](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/repository/web_editor.html#create-a-file) or [upload](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/repository/web_editor.html#upload-a-file) files
-- [ ] [Add files using the command line](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/gitlab-basics/add-file.html#add-a-file-using-the-command-line) or push an existing Git repository with the following command:
+There are three different sizes:
 
-```
-cd existing_repo
-git remote add origin https://gitlab.cba.mit.edu/quentinbolsee/open-frame-scan.git
-git branch -M main
-git push -uf origin main
-```
+|            | **Outer dimensions** | **Content size** |
+|------------|----------------------|------------------|
+| **Small**  | 170x250mm            | 130x210mm        |
+| **Medium** | 240x320mm            | 180x260mm        |
+| **Large**  | 300x380mm            | 240x320mm        |
 
-## Integrate with your tools
+The smallest one can be printed on an A4 page (or letter size), and the largest one can fully scan a page of that size. The medium size is an in-between, with a similar form factor as the [Shaper Trace](https://www.shapertools.com/en-us/trace).
 
-- [ ] [Set up project integrations](https://gitlab.cba.mit.edu/quentinbolsee/open-frame-scan/-/settings/integrations)
+## Fabrication
 
-## Collaborate with your team
+### Vinyl cutting
 
-- [ ] [Invite team members and collaborators](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/members/)
-- [ ] [Create a new merge request](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/merge_requests/creating_merge_requests.html)
-- [ ] [Automatically close issues from merge requests](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/issues/managing_issues.html#closing-issues-automatically)
-- [ ] [Enable merge request approvals](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/merge_requests/approvals/)
-- [ ] [Set auto-merge](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/project/merge_requests/merge_when_pipeline_succeeds.html)
+If you have access to digital fabrication tools, the most straightforward way to build your frame is to laser cut the shape, then vinyl cut the features to be added onto it.
 
-## Test and Deploy
+The first step is to weed the vinyl in place:
 
-Use the built-in continuous integration in GitLab.
+![](img/vinyl1.jpg)
 
-- [ ] [Get started with GitLab CI/CD](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/quick_start/index.html)
-- [ ] [Analyze your code for known vulnerabilities with Static Application Security Testing (SAST)](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/application_security/sast/)
-- [ ] [Deploy to Kubernetes, Amazon EC2, or Amazon ECS using Auto Deploy](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/topics/autodevops/requirements.html)
-- [ ] [Use pull-based deployments for improved Kubernetes management](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/user/clusters/agent/)
-- [ ] [Set up protected environments](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/ci/environments/protected_environments.html)
+The result is then stuck onto transfer tape and laid flat:
 
-***
+![](img/vinyl2.jpg)
 
-# Editing this README
+After joining to the frame, the transfer is peeled off, revealing the finished frame:
 
-When you're ready to make this README your own, just edit this file and use the handy template below (or feel free to structure it however you want - this is just a starting point!). Thanks to [makeareadme.com](https://www.makeareadme.com/) for this template.
+![](img/vinyl3.jpg)
 
-## Suggestions for a good README
+### Inkjet printing
 
-Every project is different, so consider which of these sections apply to yours. The sections used in the template are suggestions for most open source projects. Also keep in mind that while a README can be too long and detailed, too long is better than too short. If you think your README is too long, consider utilizing another form of documentation rather than cutting out information.
+Alternatively, you can print the design of the frame using an inkjet printer, then glue it to a thin piece of cardboard:
 
-## Name
-Choose a self-explaining name for your project.
+![](img/cardboard.jpg)
 
-## Description
-Let people know what your project can do specifically. Provide context and add a link to any reference visitors might be unfamiliar with. A list of Features or a Background subsection can also be added here. If there are alternatives to your project, this is a good place to list differentiating factors.
+The small frame is designed to be printable on an A4 page (or letter), and the medium frame fits on an A3 page.
 
-## Badges
-On some READMEs, you may see small images that convey metadata, such as whether or not all the tests are passing for the project. You can use Shields to add some to your README. Many services also have instructions for adding a badge.
+## Results
 
-## Visuals
-Depending on what you are making, it can be a good idea to include screenshots or even a video (you'll frequently see GIFs rather than actual videos). Tools like ttygif can help, but check out Asciinema for a more sophisticated method.
+To quantify the accuracy of the scanning, a 25mm calibration grid was built:
 
-## Installation
-Within a particular ecosystem, there may be a common way of installing things, such as using Yarn, NuGet, or Homebrew. However, consider the possibility that whoever is reading your README is a novice and would like more guidance. Listing specific steps helps remove ambiguity and gets people to using your project as quickly as possible. If it only runs in a specific context like a particular programming language version or operating system or has dependencies that have to be installed manually, also add a Requirements subsection.
+![](img/grid.jpg)
 
-## Usage
-Use examples liberally, and show the expected output if you can. It's helpful to have inline the smallest example of usage that you can demonstrate, while providing links to more sophisticated examples if they are too long to reasonably include in the README.
+Here is the image used for analysis, showing the detected features (aruco markers in blue, corners in red):
 
-## Support
-Tell people where they can go to for help. It can be any combination of an issue tracker, a chat room, an email address, etc.
+![](img/features.jpg)
 
-## Roadmap
-If you have ideas for releases in the future, it is a good idea to list them in the README.
+Here is the extracted image:
 
-## Contributing
-State if you are open to contributions and what your requirements are for accepting them.
+![](img/result.jpg)
 
-For people who want to make changes to your project, it's helpful to have some documentation on how to get started. Perhaps there is a script that they should run or some environment variables that they need to set. Make these steps explicit. These instructions could also be useful to your future self.
+The grid feature points are automatically extracted:
 
-You can also document commands to lint the code or run tests. These steps help to ensure high code quality and reduce the likelihood that the changes inadvertently break something. Having instructions for running tests is especially helpful if it requires external setup, such as starting a Selenium server for testing in a browser.
+![](img/grid_features.jpg)
 
-## Authors and acknowledgment
-Show your appreciation to those who have contributed to the project.
+Finally, the distance between neighboring grid points is measured, revealing the accuracy of the scanning process. Here is a comparison of all frames, including the Shaper Trace, showing improved accuracy and less variance:
 
-## License
-For open source projects, say how it is licensed.
-
-## Project status
-If you have run out of energy or time for your project, put a note at the top of the README saying that development has slowed down or stopped completely. Someone may choose to fork your project or volunteer to step in as a maintainer or owner, allowing your project to keep going. You can also make an explicit request for maintainers.
+![](img/plot.png)