snowfox computer animation - Handheld Laser Scanner
 

Scott Hamm
3D Modeler/Animator
Instructional Learning Consultant
hamms@umich.edu
HandyScan3D Handheld Laser Scanner

This amazing device developed in Montreal allows realtime laser scanning of surface data of almost any object. Objects up to the size of a toaster can easily be scanned in one session. Larger items such as a full-sized automobile, while taking significantly longer, may also be scanned. The only limit to the maximum size of the data set is logistics and computer memory.

In my present employment I've scanned a broad range of objects such as a frisbee, a camera, arrowheads, art objects, automotive parts, several different types of bones, and others.

Learning the technical aspects of the HandyScan's operation doesn't take long, but much practice is needed before the user can acquire a useful amount of data in a reasonable length of time. Significant post-scanning cleanup is also required.

For more information on this technology, visit the 3D Lab website.


Statuette

To the left is an example of scan data generated from a student sculpture. Although the student provided the original clay model, he did not participate in the scanning or post processing.

These are screen captures of the original, post-scanning data set from Materialise's 3Matic software.

The black rectangles on the surface indicate bad curves and overlapping polygons. The red areas are backfacing polygons, indicating massive holes in overhanging and line-of-sight obscured regions of the sculpture.

On the far left, the edited model.

On the near left, the printed physical duplicate from our Rapid Prototyping machine.

Running Shoe
For this Engineering project, the students needed the basic outline of a modern running shoe. Because all sides of the model were required, it was scanned in two sessions, one for the bottom and one for the top, and the resulting surface data stitched together in 3Matics.

The original shoe was decorated with the reflective white dots needed for the Handyscan's optical camera to reference the object in space, and placed on a black mat done up with the same dots. Some of the shoe's white material had a silvery finish, which would cause the laser light to scatter and produce erratic data, so the shoe was sprayed with a talcum powder and alcohol solution to make those areas less relective.

To the right is the finished model.

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