3D SCANNING

3D scanning is the process of using a device to capture the shape and appearance of a physical object and convert it into a digital 3D model. This process can be done using a variety of technologies, mainly based on optical methods, which may suit specific applications and provide 3D data with the necessary requirements in terms of accuracy, resolution and range of sizes.

Some research groups affiliated to ADM are involved in developing innovative technologies that are commonly used for 3D scanning, including structured light methods, stereo vision and laser triangulations.

In some Labs, the research regards the development of optical systems based on projecting structured light patterns onto the object and using a camera to capture how the pattern is distorted by the object's surface. The calibration of the optical system and the analysis of the distorted pattern allow the scanner to create a 3D model of the object.

In other studies, the developed solutions use stereo vision to capture images of an object from different angles. By comparing the images, the scanner can calculate the 3D coordinates of reference points on the object's surface.

3D scanning technologies are used by our research groups in a wide range of applications, such as industrial design, reverse engineering, inspection and cultural heritage. Another interesting application concerns anatomical shape reconstruction to be used for medical diagnosis and therapeutical treatment planning.

Keywords:
3D shape capturing, 3D Reconstruction, Reverse Engineering.