Photographing architectural models presented an intriguing challenge: capturing the interior. Tiny cameras typically shoot at a resolution too low to produce an acceptable result. After some Internet research, some experimentation in our fabrication lab, and much trial and error, I emerged with a solution. Using 3D-printed parts and a few other supplies, I was able to hack together an inexpensive, Raspberry Pi-driven camera rig for architectural models—and much more. My specific need for a small, flexible camera was built with the aid of the creative community and the result is ripe for experimentation and innovation to photograph other difficult spaces. Imagine capturing the detail inside a Ming vase or documenting the interior welds of a John Chamberlain sculpture. Faculty and students spent an immense amount of time creating these model spaces adding figures for scale and experimenting with lighting sources to give the viewer an accurate view of their vision for the structure. However, the viewer was forced to look through the windows and never truly experience the interiors. Enter experimentation. I started with what people have done and adapted to my needs. A pattern emerged of working until a question arose and then tracking down a solution. How do I run cable through the conduit? What about lighting? There's always a chance someone has found a solution and has shared it with the community. Whether digitizing student work at The Ohio State University or photographing ancient vases at the Kenchreai excavations in Greece, I've found there are always problems that require creative solutions. This project demonstrates how tech tools are exponentially more powerful when driven by the power of community. No one had created exactly what I needed, but by grabbing parts from work shared by others, I've been able to create tools with applications beyond architectural models.

1. Hacking Technology for
Documenting Difficult Spaces
Chris Strasbaugh, Digital Library Archivist and Curator

2. “Wouldn’t it be
great if…”
Many great projects start with a simple phrase:

3. Many great projects
start with a simple
phrase.

4. Many great projects
start with a simple
phrase.

6. “Wouldn’t it be great if…
we could photograph the
interiors of the sophomore
student models?”

7. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: The Challenge
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

8. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Research
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

9. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Research
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

10. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Research
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

11. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Research
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

12. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Construction
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

13. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Construction
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

14. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Adapting
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

15. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Testing
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

16. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Testing
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

17. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

18. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Construction
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

19. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Low-Tech Solutions
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

20. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Construction
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

21. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

22. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Lights
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

23. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Finding Experts
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

24. Summarizing lessons learned and next steps:
• Some assembly required
• It helps to be on IT’s good side
• Just because something is supposed to work, doesn’t mean it will work
the first time
• Simplicity is best
• Technology keeps changing. Always keep looking to see if something
new can solve your latest problem.
• You are never fully done. There is always something to tweak
Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

25. Raspberry Pi Inspection Camera: Focusing
Case Study: Toy Capsule Project in the Sophomore Studio

26. “Wouldn’t it be great if
we could have something
that can scan large, delicate
materials for less than the
$20K scanner?”

27. Rolling Camera Rig: Research
Case Study: Archive Digitization

28. Rolling Camera Rig: Preliminary Sketches
Case Study: Archive Digitization

29. Rolling Camera Rig: Parts (and Inspiration)
Case Study: Archive Digitization

30. Rolling Camera Rig: Parts
Case Study: Archive Digitization

31. Rolling Camera Rig: Assembly
Case Study: Archive Digitization

32. Rolling Camera Rig: Problems & Problem Solving
Case Study: Archive Digitization

33. Rolling Camera Rig: Problems & Problem Solving
Case Study: Archive Digitization

34. Rolling Camera Rig: Think Break
Case Study: Archive Digitization

35. Rolling Camera Rig: a Jig for the Rig
Case Study: Archive Digitization

36. Rolling Camera Rig: a Jig for the Rig
Case Study: Archive Digitization

37. Rolling Camera Rig
Case Study: Archive Digitization

38. Rolling Camera Rig: Rigidity and Stability
Case Study: Archive Digitization

39. Rolling Camera Rig: Continuous Track Hack
Case Study: Archive Digitization

40. Rolling Camera Rig: Testing
Case Study: Archive Digitization

41. Rolling Camera Rig: Testing
Case Study: Archive Digitization

42. Rolling Camera Rig: Testing
Case Study: Archive Digitization

43. Rolling Camera Rig: Processing with Photoshop
Case Study: Archive Digitization

46. • PVC is a great first step but not suitable for really large rigs
• Comments below any help guide are almost as useful as the instructions
• Make sure the camera is fully level and square
• Make sure to have overlapping focus points
• Don’t crack your car’s windshield with PVC
• Shooting order matters
Rolling Camera Rig: Testing
Case Study: Archive Digitization
Summarizing lessons learned and next steps:

47. Rolling Camera Rig: Optimal Shooting Order
Case Study: Archive Digitization

48. All workflow documentation,
resources, and links
will become available at
http://knowlton.osu.edu/people/strasbaugh

49. Special Thanks:
Knowlton School Digital Library
and IT Student Staff
Lauren Mansperger David Kozan
Ryan Hillyer Molly Clarke
Erin Pesa Kymberly Ware
Andrew Spiller Nicole Potts
Michael Schwartz Ryan Fisher
Navarre Fletcher
Knowlton School Staff
Jeff Shaw Sam Everett
Craig Ryan Philip Arnold