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3D Scanner Dictionary Terms

3D Scanner Dictionary Terms

3D scanning is a technology used in Land Surveying for creating high-precision 3D models of real-world objects. 3D Scanners work like this: First, a 3D scanner takes multiple snapshots of an object. Next, the shots are then fused into a 3D model, an exact three-dimensional copy of the object that was scanned, which you can rotate and view from different angles on your computer.

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Here are a list of Related Terms to 3D Scanning for you to learn (found in this post inside the 3D scanner Hub)

  • 6763020062?profile=RESIZE_400x2D DrawingĀ ā€“ A 2D representation of a CAD model typically complete with
    measurements and dimensions for use in many manufacturing processes.
  • 3D Laser ScannerĀ ā€“ A 3D scanning device that uses a laser to reflect off
    the part and triangulate with a camera lens, allowing the scanner to determine and create
    XYZ coordinates. The scanner then uses these points to form a 3D digital model of the part.
  • 3D ModelingĀ ā€“ 3D modeling refers to the creation of three-dimensional objects that are
    defined mathematically and geometrically (i.e. a circle extruded to a certain value to create a cylinder
    defined by its location, radius and length). 3D modeling can be aided by the use of scan data
    (see Reverse Engineering).
  • 3D ScannerĀ ā€“ 3D scanners come in many forms, but the purpose of every one of them is to
    capture the shape, and sometimes color, of real-world physical objects or environments. This captured data
    is typically stored as a list of xyz-coordinates in a point cloud file. 3D scanners can be categorized as
    contact (CMM arms) or non-contact (white light, 3D laser scanners, or stereo-vision based). Some can even
    capture internal features. ā€œ3D scannerā€ is sometimes mispelled as ā€œ3D scanerā€.
  • 3D ScanningĀ ā€“ 3D scanning is the fast and accurate process of using a 3D scanner to
    capture and convert physical objects into digital 3D data.
  • AccuracyĀ ā€“ The accuracy is the closeness of a measurement to the actual feature.
    The opposite of accuracy is uncertainty, which is an inverse perspective of the same value. See Uncertainty.
  • AlignmentĀ ā€“ The process of aligning two objects in a common coordinate system. Commonly
    refers to aligning scan data to reference objects in inspection applications.
  • As-BuiltĀ ā€“ An objectā€™s real-world condition and appearance.
  • As-DesignedĀ ā€“ How the object was originally designed, usually in a CAD environment.
  • Auto SurfacingĀ ā€“ Wrapping a patch-work quilt of freeform NURBS surfaces around scan data,
    quickly and automatically generating surfaces.
  • CADĀ ā€“ Computer Aided Design. CAD is a standard term defining a group of software that
    aides in design. CAD software is what is used for 3D modeling and to create 2D drawings. It is typically used in
    manufacturing or other engineering disciplines. For example: An engineer designs in SolidWorks, Pro-E, AutoCAD, CATIA,
    or Unigraphics; all of which are CAD or CAE programs. Often confused with CAE.
  • CAIĀ ā€“ Computer Aided Inspection. CAI is a set of technologies that convert designs into
    data used to run the inspection process.
  • CAMĀ ā€“ Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAM is a set of technologies that convert designs into
    data used to run the manufacturing process.
  • CAQĀ ā€“ Computer Aided Quality Assurance / Inspection / Control. See CAI.
  • Class AĀ ā€“ The most simple mathematical curve or surface that can describe a shape. Example:
    A customer requests a ā€œClass Aā€ IGES surface when he needs a super smooth surface typically used in aerospace
    or automotive applications.
  • Color MapĀ ā€“ A color plot visually representing deviations from actual to theoretical.
    Example: A customer requests a colormap inspection when needing to compare an as-built object to its
    as-designed CAD data.
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Ā ā€“ Computational fluid dynamics is the study and analysis
    of fluid and gas flow in a system with the use of numerical methods algorithms. Computers are required to handle
    the millions of calculations involved in CDF analysis with applications such as aerodynamic (wind tunnel) and
    hydrodynamic testing. It is common to use a 3D scanner to capture object surface data for use in such tests.
  • DatumĀ ā€“ A certain feature such as a point, line, plane, cylinder, etc. that can be
    used to establish the location or geometric relationship of another feature.
  • DecimationĀ ā€“ Decimation in general refers to reducing the number of samples in a
    population. In 3D scanning, decimation usually refers to lowering the number of triangles on a surface
    without distorting the detail or color. Decimation is used when there are a large number of unnecessary
    triangles.
  • Degrees of FreedomĀ ā€“ Describes the numbers of directions of movement and refers to how
    the position and orientation of an object is described relative to a coordinate system. In 3D scanning
    it usually consists of three linear translations (X, Y, and Z) and three rotations about the three
    axes (pitch, yaw, and roll).
  • DeviationĀ ā€“ As typically applied to 3D scanning, deviation refers to the difference
    in the size and shape of a manufactured part versus its design specifications. Deviation is easily
    discovered by quality inspection with the use of color maps and cross-sectional analysis found in CAI
    applications.
  • Digital ArchivingĀ ā€“ Storing data digitally. Objects can be scanned and processed
    for digital archiving purposes, reducing the need to store physical parts in locations such as a warehouse.
  • ā€œDumbā€ IGESĀ ā€“ ā€œDumbā€ IGES is a term used to refer to any IGES, STEP or
    other surface file format. Though technically a mathematical model, it is considered ā€œdumbā€ because the data
    contains no parametric history of the model; it is simply a surface that cannot be intelligently edited.
    Ex: If a cylinder is modeled in 3D and exported in .IGES file format, the cylinder cannot be edited by
    changing its radius or extrusion length.
  • FEAĀ ā€“ Finite Element Analysis. When a surface model is subjected to various tests
    to determine or establish its integrity under specified conditions.
  • FEMĀ ā€“ Finite Element Model. The creation of a mathematical surface description of
    an object resulting in a model ready for analysis.
  • FilletĀ ā€“ A surface that connects two or more faces. This surface is usually an arc.
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)Ā ā€“ Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
    is a standard used to define the nominal geometry of parts and assemblies, to define the allowable
    variation in form and possibly size of individual features, and to define the allowable variation between features.
  • Hybrid Surface ModelĀ ā€“ An IGES or STEP surface that usually combines auto-surfaced
    features with typical 3D modeling operations. Hybrid models are ā€œdumbā€ because the data contains no parametric history
    of the model; it is simply a surface that cannot be intelligently edited. Such models have areas that are not ideally
    mathematical in nature, and instead are composed of NURBS surface estimates of the scan data.
  • IGESĀ ā€“ Initial Graphics Exchange Specification / System is a standard mathematical
    surface file, used for over 25 years in most CAD systems to mathematically represent physical data.
    It is the most common format for exchanging CAD data between software programs. See also STEP.
  • InspectionĀ ā€“ See Quality Inspection.
  • Laser Scanner or Laser-Line ScannerĀ ā€“ See 3D Laser Scanner.
  • Legacy PartĀ ā€“ A part that is already created or existent in the customer environment.
    As typically applied to 3D scanning, legacy parts usually do not have CAD data.
  • Median Part VerificationĀ ā€“ When several of the same parts are scanned and the resulting
    data is averaged and used to create one representative 3D model. Median part verification is used to minimize the effect
    of manufacturing defects on the resultant model.
  • MergeĀ ā€“ Combining two or more scan data sets into one larger data set.
  • MeshĀ ā€“ See Poly-mesh.
  • NoiseĀ ā€“ Noise is the existence of extraneous recorded data within a point cloud. It
    can be caused by an object obstructing the sensor or ambient light and reflections into the sensor
    during the data capture process.
  • NURBSĀ ā€“ Non Uniform Rational Basis, or BĆ©zier Spline. It is a mathematical model
    commonly used for generating and representing curves and surfaces that cannot be decimated in a
    uniform manner. It can also be a surface created by two or more b-splines. First developed mid-century
    but didnā€™t arrive on the desktop until 1989.
  • Organized STLĀ ā€“ Mesh data consisting of point cloud data with mathematical point
    spacing based on surface data. An organized STL of a cube would consist of 8 points (1 for each corner).
  • Parametric ModelĀ ā€“ A data set that retains the history of how it was designed, so
    that modifications update all downstream features. Exchange of such models is supported by IGES.
    SolidWorks is a software program that is popular for creating and modifying parametric models.
  • Performance SurfacesĀ ā€“ Surfaces that are affected by certain aerodynamic and
    hydrodynamic forces. The shape of these surfaces is usually key to the performance of the object.
  • PhotogrammetryĀ ā€“ The process of taking precise measurements by using digital
    pictures and coded targets. For 3D scanning purposes, the coded targets and reference markers in
    the picture frame serve as anchor points where scans can be aligned to. Photogrammetry ensures
    extremely accurate scan data. Also see Videogrammetry.
  • PrecisionĀ ā€“ The repeatability of performing a measurement.
  • Point CloudĀ ā€“ A point cloud is the computer visualization of the XYZ coordinates
    that describe a physical object or environment. Each point represents an actual point on the object
    or in the environment, and collectively describes its shape and measurements. Points can be captured
    individually, such as with a CMM, or thousands at a time, such as with a 3D laser scanner that
    captures multiple point sets from different perspectives that can be merged into a cloud. Point
    clouds are typically represented by an unorganized STL file. Synonomous with raw scan data.
  • Poly-meshĀ ā€“ A polygonal model that is used in 3D computer graphics. A mesh is a
    visualization of point cloud data that basically connects the dots to form triangles. See also STL.
  • Quality InspectionĀ ā€“ The process of evaluating a physical part and comparing it to
    the design specifications that are described in the objectā€™s CAD file. Inspection is an ā€œas builtā€
    vs ā€œas designedā€ comparison. See also Deviation.
  • Rapid SurfacingĀ ā€“ See Auto Surfacing.
  • Reference MarkersĀ ā€“ Adhesive backed retro-reflective dots used in 3D scanning
    applications to create reference points and help align pieces of scan data. Some scanners, such as
    the Handyscan 3D, use reference markers to position themselves in space, eliminating the need for
    attachment to a CMM arm or a fixed focal length.
  • RegistrationĀ ā€“ The process of aligning two data sets together based on known
    coordinates in each. Registration enables the alignment and integration of two of more point cloud
    data sets to complete larger models that must be captured in multiple scans.
  • RenderingĀ ā€“ A graphical representation of a computer model. It is often used to
    describe the visual output of CAD and Modeling software. By rendering a computer model, you can often
    add characteristics and effects to its surfaces and features.
  • ResolutionĀ ā€“ The spacing of points in a grid. The higher the resolution, the more
    data that will be captured. Likewise, the lower the resolution, the ā€œflatterā€ the detail.
  • Reverse EngineeringĀ ā€“ Reverse engineering broadly refers to analyzing and dissecting
    something with the goal of recreating it. In 3D scanning, reverse engineering typically means the
    process of measuring an object using a 3D scanner and then creating CAD data that reflects its original
    design intent. This can also be done by using rulers, calipers, or a CMM. Reverse engineering is sometimes
    referred to as Reverse Modeling.
  • Reverse ModelingĀ ā€“ See Reverse Engineering.
  • ScanĀ ā€“ Measuring the part, capturing data, and transferring the measured points to
    the computer. It also refers to the computer file that is based on the physical part, i.e., xyz coordinates
    that represent physical measurements taken by the scanner.
  • ShellĀ ā€“ A particular operation for CAD. In 3D scanning, involves the creation of an
    offset surface from the original surface in order to create thickness.
  • Shrink Wrap Surface ModelĀ ā€“ Refers to the way in which 3D scanning software like Geomagic,
    RapidForm, and Paraform fit mathematical IGES surfaces to a ā€œphysicalā€ scan. Similar to how plastic shrinkwrap
    ā€œshrinksā€ down onto a part being ā€œwrappedā€.
  • Stereo VisionĀ ā€“ A method of capturing three dimensional data based only on cameras. An algorithm
    of stereo vision involves receiving inputs from two or more different cameras oriented at different angles and
    analyzing the differences between the images to obtain 3D information. This 3D information is easily read as a
    3D point cloud.
  • STEPĀ ā€“ Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data is a comprehensive ISO data standard
    (ISO 10303) for the exchange of object descriptions between systems. STEP is a file format that is usually
    interchangeable with IGES.
  • STLĀ ā€“ Standard Tessellation Language. STL is a special internationally recognized file format
    that stores XYZ coordinate measurements and their normals. Gives the added functionality beyond XYZ coordinates
    enabling visualization of a partā€™s ā€œfrontā€ and ā€œback.ā€ STL is the standard file format for rapid prototyping,
    and is used in reverse engineering. See Organized STL and Unorganized STL.
  • SurfaceĀ ā€“ Refers to the part being scanned or to the computer file from the scanner. It typically
    means a computer file in IGES format. See also IGES.
  • SurfacingĀ ā€“ The process of defining or creating a surface on a CAD model. Typically refers to
    converting a polygonal representation of an object to a NURBS or other mathematical representation. It is the
    process of converting physical based 3D data to mathematical based 3D data. See also Auto Surfacing and Reverse
    Engineering.
  • TalcĀ ā€“ Talc powder is typically applied to translucent, reflective, or black/near-black
    objects during the 3D laser scanning process in order to improve the ability of the laser scanner to
    capture data. Talc powder is predominantly white and is usually applied with a pen or an aerosol spray.
    Talc can easily be wiped off and cleaned, and generally will not damage an object.
  • TargetsĀ ā€“ See Reference Markers.
  • TessellationĀ ā€“ Generally refers to filling a surface plane or surface with shapes that
    create no gaps or holes. In 3D scanning, this concept applies to wrapping a mesh around a CAD body. A jigsaw
    puzzle is a great real world example of a collection of tessellated shapes.
  • Time of FlightĀ ā€“ 3D laser scanners that calculate measurements based on the time it
    takes for the laser beam to detect a surface and report back.
  • Touch ProbeĀ ā€“ A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) that requires physical contact
    with the part to measure it.
  • TriangulationĀ ā€“ Using trigonometric functions to calculate measurements, used in
    certain types of 3D laser scanners to determine point locations based on transmission and reflection
    positions of the laser beam. In 3D modeling, triangulation also refers to the generation of triangles
    out of point cloud data in creating 3D surfaces.
  • UncertaintyĀ ā€“ The uncertainty is the quantity of how much a measurement is
    unknown compared to the actual feature. Uncertainty is the inverse perspective of accuracy, which is defined
    as the closeness of a measurement to the actual feature. The uncertainty essentially describes how much of
    a measurement is uncertain. See Accuracy.
  • Unorganized STLĀ ā€“ Mesh data based on point cloud data taken from a scan. Point
    spacing is based off the number and resolution of scans and not dependant on the shape or features
    of the object being scanned.
  • VideogrammetryĀ ā€“ The process of taking precise measurements by using video images
    taken from two or more video cameras taken at different angles.
  • WatertightĀ ā€“ Refers to mesh or surface data that does not contain any holes much
    like a real objectā€™s ability to hold water.
  • White Light Scanning (Interferometry)Ā ā€“
    Optical non-contact method for measuring physical parts. White light scanners obtain measurements of
    an object by determining changes in the fringe and distortion of a pattern of white light projected on
    an object.

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Land Surveyor

Panama City FL Land Surveying
<a href="https://panamacitylandsurveying.com/">https://panamacitylandsurveying.com/</a>
ā€‹(850) 640-6404

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