3D Scanner, 3D Scanning, and 3D Scanners
3D
Scanner, 3D Scanning, and 3D Scanners along with technology for 3D Scanners
3D scanner: 3D scanning implies analyzing the
real-world environment or objects for collecting data on their appearance, i.e.
color and shape. Digital 3D models can be constructed from the data collected.
Such devices are being used by the amusement industry extensively for producing
video games and movies. This technology is more widely used in reverse
engineering, industrial design, prototyping, keeping records of cultural
artifacts, and computer vision. A number of technologies have been used for
building the three-dimensional scanning devices. Every technology has
limitations, costs, and advantages.
Functionality: The idea behind using a
three-dimensional scanner is creating a Point Cloud of the Geometric Samples on
the subject’s surface. The subject’s shape can then be extrapolated by using
these points. If information regarding color is gathered at every juncture, the
determination of colors on subject’s surface can be easily done. 3D scanners
share analogy with cameras. If one tries to define a Spherical Coordinate
System wherein the origin would be the scanner and vector would be drawn from
front of it such that ¸=0 and ¢=0, then every point in picture would be
associated with ¸ and ¢. Combined with distance that corresponds to r component
3D position of every point in picture is described by the spherical
coordinates.
Technology: 3D scanners consist of two types-
non-contact and contact. Non-contact three-dimensional scanners could be
divided further into 2 major categories- passive and active scanners.
Non-Contact Active: Some light or radiation is always
emitted by active scanners. It is advised to detect the reflection of this
light, as it would help in locating environment or an object. The kinds of
emission possibly used include x-ray, ultrasound, or light.
Contact: Contact three-dimensional scanners locate
the subject by the way of physical touch. The best example of contact
three-dimensional scanner is a CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). It is widely
used in manufacturing processes due to its precision. However, it has a
disadvantage that contact with object to be scanned is required. The target
object might get modified or damaged by scanning. Historical artifacts, in
particular, have to be specially taken care of.
3D Prototyping: 3D prototyping is the subset
of rapid prototyping. The basic advantage of 3D prototyping is that numerous
materials can be used as base materials. It involves taking of virtual designs
through CAD (computer-aided design) or Animation Modeling software,
transforming them into virtual, thin, and horizontal cross sections, and then
creating every cross-section in the physical space, 1 by 1 till the model gets
completed.
It should be noted that STL File Format is the interface
between machines and CAD software. This interface carries out the approximation
of shape of an assembly or part by making use of triangular facets. Surfaces of
a superior quality are produced by smaller facets. 3D prototyping is believed
to be the ?next level’ equipment by most of the experts of this field. Pioneer
companies are striving to master the technique. The conservative prototyping
machines cost around 25000 pounds , as per the study conducted in the year
2005.
About the author
Go to Prototype Zone to get your free ebook on Prototyping. Prototype Zone also has a
Prototype Forum, Rapid
Prototyping Information, and a Prototype
Blog with daily news on Rapid Prototyping. Go to www.prototypezone.com to visit the
site.
Tags: 3d models, 3d scanner, 3d scanners, 3d scanning, analogy, artifacts, component 3d, computer vision, design prototyping, digital 3d, juncture, point cloud, reverse engineering, scanner 3d, scanning devices, spherical coordinate system, spherical coordinates, ultrasound, world environment, x ray
Posted
on
Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 8:09 pm under
