Steps in the 3D Scanning Process

September 24, 2010 –

The 3D scanning process involves two vital steps. These steps are collection of information and modeling of the information to create a 3D model. These two steps depend on each other, the level of accuracy and precision of information collected will influence the accuracy of the 3D model.

Collection of Information

Information collected by the 3D scanner includes information on the size and shape the object and in some cases information on the color of the object. Depending on the nature of information to be collected, the appropriate 3D scanner should be used. A triangular scanner will be ideal for collection of information from artifacts while a contact scanner will be ideal for collection of information from items in a manufacturing process.

Contact scanners will collect information by physically touching objects. However, non-contact scanners like laser scanners will collect information without physically touching objects. Non-contact scanners can be active non-contact scanners or passive non-contact scanners. Active scanners emit radiation or laser light to a subject matter. Active scanners use the radiation emitted or the laser light emitted to probe the object. Scanners that emit laser light in the 3D scanning process include the triangular scanner, the time of flight scanner and the modulated light 3D scanners.

When carrying out 3D scanning over long distances, the time of flight scanners should be used. The triangular scanners are ideal for collecting information from objects that are near. The modulated light 3D scanners are normally used for collecting information from large objects such as monuments.

Modeling of the Information

The final and complete 3D model will be produced after a thorough analysis of information from different scans. During collection of information, up to a 100 scans are usually carried out on one object. The purpose for carrying out all these scans is to collect all the possible information about all the sides and angles of an object. All the information from the different scans will be modeled to form the final 3D model in the modeling process.

In the 3D scanning process, collection of information and modeling of the scans should be done with utmost accuracy and precision. The success of the scanning process will depend on how well the information collected portrays the object. It is therefore important to collect data using the most appropriate 3D scanner.

 

 

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