Laser Scanning
Types of Laser Scanners
There are a range of 3D scanning technologies that utilise lasers to construct three dimensional point clouds.
Laser Scanning Examples
Last updated
There are a range of 3D scanning technologies that utilise lasers to construct three dimensional point clouds.
Last updated
Time of Flight (ToF) Scanning
A laser pulse is directed towards an object, and as it reaches the object's surface, a portion of the pulse is reflected back to the scanner. By measuring the time it takes for the pulse to return (Time of Flight), the distance to the object is calculated.
Typical Applications
Scanning very large objects (eg buildings, airplanes, wind turbines)
reverse engineering and quality inspection purposes
Mobile mapping
Benefits
Full colour & texture scans
Long range
function well in low light or complete darkness
Real-time feedback
Disadvantages
Sensitive to secondary reflections from environment
Cost
Phase Shift Scanning
Phase shift scanners emit light at alternating frequencies to determine an object's distance from the scanner. This is done by measuring phase difference between the emitted and reflected signals.
Typical Applications
Scanning medium sized & large objects (large pumps, automobiles, small structures & industrial equipment)
Terrestrial
reverse engineering and quality inspection purposes
Benefits
Fastest laser scanning technology
Higher resolution than ToF
Medium to long range
Disadvantages
Sensitive to environmental conditions
Cost
Triangulation Based Laser Scanning
Laser triangulation scanning is a 3D scanning technique that uses the principle of triangulation to measure the distance to an object's surface points. Unlike other laser scanners, a laser beam is projected onto the object from a known angle, and a specialised camera sensor captures the reflected laser light.
Typical Applications
reverse engineering and CAD-based design
healthcare, archaeology, forensics, and many more.
Benefits
Suitable for objects in motion
Less sensitive to lighting conditions
Real-time feedback
Disadvantages
less accurate
noisy scan data
