Handheld 3D scanners have been profusely used in 3D photography. It has several applications in different fields of engineering.
With a handheld 3D scanner, one can scan a person by moving the 3D scanner around him to capture various parts of their body. It is a quick process that does not take more than 2–3 minutes. Once you are done capturing the data, you need to match the resulting point clouds and then you can generate the entire 3D model.
A handheld 3D scanner works efficiently provided you stand still while the scanning process is going on. Any movement can destroy the data and you will have to start scanning again. There are Structured light handheld 3D scanners available but they also face problems for scanning transparent materials and reflective surfaces.
You can scan a single person completely by using many smaller scans. You need to match them programmatically or by hand or by both, as per the captured data and software demands. Once you match the points clouds generate a 3D model, there will be a lesser need for retouching if the person has kept it still. But if the person moves during a 3D selfie, then it will take a long time to fix the geometry so it is better to scan the person again.
It also needs good lighting conditions along with the need of the subject not to move while scanning. Uneven lighting can create shadows that need to be fixed.
A high-quality 3d scanner is portable and you can easily put the same in a small briefcase. Even the Setup time does not take more than 5 minutes. Scan processing time of a handheld 3D scanner is it uses structured light to calculate depth. A structured light handheld scanner can scan extremely small particles with fine details.There are many types of 3D scanners and technologies. While some may be best used for short-range scanning and others are a perfect fit for long-range scanning. Short Range 3D scanners use Laser or Structured Light technology. It uses a process called trigonometric triangulation to capture a 3D shape. These scanners work by projecting laser lines on the object and then capturing the reflection. They use sensors to calculate accurate point measurements, and then calculate the reflection angle of the laser light.
Laser scanners are very popular. Using the same, you can scan tough surfaces with dark finishes. It works even in changing light conditions. It is portable and has a simple design. It is easier to use and comes at a low cost.
Structured light 3D scanners use blue or white LED projected light and have sensors. It also uses the trigonometric triangulation method just like laser scanners. It has a fast scan time and can scan a large area.
