3Dskanneri

3Dskanneri, or 3D scanner, is a device that captures the three-dimensional shape of real-world objects and environments and converts it into a digital representation. In Finnish contexts the term 3Dskanneri is used to denote such devices. Most 3D scanners are non-contact systems that project light or emit a laser and measure how the light interacts with the surface to reconstruct geometry. The collected data are typically a point cloud or a polygonal mesh and may be textured with color information. The resulting digital model can be used in design, engineering, heritage preservation, medical imaging, film and game production, robotics, and quality inspection.

Common sensing approaches include structured-light scanners, which project known patterns and compute depth from pattern distortion; laser triangulation, which uses a laser line or dot scanned by cameras; time-of-flight systems, which measure the travel time of emitted light; and photogrammetry, which builds 3D models from multiple photographs. Scanners range from handheld to desktop to industrial units, with varying resolution, accuracy, and scanning ranges. In practice, data are processed into formats such as point clouds and meshes, often with texture maps.

Output formats often include STL, OBJ, and PLY, among others, and post-processing is typically required. This can involve aligning multiple scans, reducing noise, filling holes, and applying textures. The achievable accuracy and performance depend on the scanning method, hardware, object surface properties (shiny or transparent surfaces pose challenges), and environmental conditions. Calibration and proper setup are important for reliable results. 3D scanners are used for reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, archival documentation, cultural heritage recording, and preparation for 3D printing or visualization.

See also: 3D modeling, photogrammetry, laser scanning, reverse engineering.