A 3D scanner measures and compiles millions of points on a real world object in a short amount of time by emitting and receiving signals. 3D software then assembles these points into a multidimensional image. Contact, active non-contact, and passive non-contact are types of scanners used for data collection. Health care providers, historical agencies, and product manufactures are some of the industries that make use of 3D scanner equipment. Companies also refer to 3D scanners as 3D digitalizers, laser scanners, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scanners, and white light scanners.
3D scanner technology begins by emitting light, radiation or ultrasound signals which travel toward the object under evaluation. These signals reflect off the object and travel back to sensors contained within the device. The software receives this data as measured points and determines the distance from the time it takes each signal to leave the scanner, contact the object, and return to the sensors. The program then compiles these points into a point cloud or mesh and recreates the
three dimensional image on a screen.
