3-D Laser Scanner History

Individual laser scanners often capture their information using different methods and different numbers of data points.

3-D laser scanning developed during the last half of the 20th century in an attempt to accurately recreate the surfaces of various objects and places. The technology is especially helpful in fields of research and design.

History

The first 3-D scanning technology was created in the 1960s. The early scanners used lights, cameras and projectors to perform this task. Due to limitations of the equipment it often took a lot of time and effort to scan objects accurately. After 1985 they were replaced with scanners that could use white light, lasers and shadowing to capture a given surface.

Basics

A 3-D laser scanner works by first projecting laser light onto the object or surface, then detecting the reflected light. Based on where the lights fall in relation to each other, the scanner calculates their positions and creates data points. These points help a computer recreate it visually.

Applications

3-D laser scanning is used in a variety of fields and academic research. It has benefited clothing and product design, the automotive industry and medical science. Laser scanning can also be used to record buildings, especially in places that people may not be able to access due to safety hazards.

References

• "Journal of Textile and Apparel"; 3D Laser Scanning: A Model of Multidisciplinary Research; Lerch, Terry; Fall; 2007
• Building Conservation: Measured Building Surveys
• "Computer Graphics Forum"; The 3D Model Acquisition Pipeline; Bernardini, Fausto and Rushmeier, Holly; 2002