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3D Scanning

3D scanning is the process of converting a 3D object into a 3D model by capturing its shape, texture, color and other details. It uses multiple scans from different angles to recreate a complete digital model. Common 3D scanning technologies include photogrammetry, light-based scanning using projected patterns or lasers, and applications include 3D printing, healthcare, animation, design, real estate and more.

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98 views3 pages

3D Scanning

3D scanning is the process of converting a 3D object into a 3D model by capturing its shape, texture, color and other details. It uses multiple scans from different angles to recreate a complete digital model. Common 3D scanning technologies include photogrammetry, light-based scanning using projected patterns or lasers, and applications include 3D printing, healthcare, animation, design, real estate and more.

Uploaded by

mugadza.joseph86
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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What is 3D scanning?

3D scanning is the process of converting a 3D object into a 3D model. This technique


captures information like the shape, the texture, the colour, and other details of the object
being scanned.

A 3D scanner collects information about the object being scanned as well as the environment
(e.g. room) in which the object is present.

Besides objects, a person can also be 3D scanned.

3D scanners essentially create the digital copy of a real world object. This digital copy or 3D
file can then be edited and 3D printed as per the user’s requirements.

A single scan is not enough to re-create a complete model of the object being scanned.
Normally, hundreds of scans are necessary to capture all of the information from various
sides and angles. All of these scans then have to be integrated through a common reference
system known as alignment.

Finally, the individual scans are merged to re-create the final model. This entire process of
bringing together the individual scans and merging them is known as 3D scanning pipeline.

Technologies Used in 3-D Scanning

1. Photogrammetry
This technology is quite simple. It involves stitching together photographs of an object taken
from different angles. The photos are taken using a camera or even your smartphone, while
the stitching of those photos is done by special software. The software identifies pixels which
correspond to the same physical point and brings pictures together accordingly.

2. Light-based scanning

This method projects light onto a real world object and then measures certain metrics to
recreate the object in a digital form. There are two types of light scanning technologies that
can be used for 3D scanning.

The first light-based scanning method involves projecting patterns onto the subject. The
varying surface of the subject deforms the pattern that was projected on it. The light scanner
projecting the pattern measures these deformations and re-creates a 3D model accordingly.

The second light-based scanning method involves the projection of lasers onto the subject.
The laser gets deflected by varying angles in different places depending on the surface of the
subject. The light scanner measures these deflection angles and converts them into
coordinates of the 3D model. Ultimately, a 3D mesh of the object is created.

Laser scanning technology is the more commonly used light-based scanning method in 3D
scanning. It has now become so easy to use laser scanning technology that you can simply
mount a scanner on your iPad or smartphone and start scanning your living room or any
object.

Applications of 3D scanning
3D scanning is a significant technology not just for re-creating objects or designing models
for 3D printing, but also for many other applications.

3D scanning can preserve ancient art and protect it from damage due to wars.

It can also be of tremendous value in areas like health care where a fractured skull can be
rebuilt using 3D scanned models or prosthetics can be custom made.

Even animated movies and special effects are created with 3D scanning.

Automotive and aeronautics industries use 3D scanning to create models and designs.

Real estate and tourism are other exciting areas of application for 3D scanning. Buildings can
be scanned and shown to clients remotely as part of a virtual tour. A tourist area can also be
scanned and re-created in a virtual reality form.

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