An Introduction to Object Scanning

3D scanning is the process of analysing real-world objects or environment to collect three dimensional data of its form and colour. The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models. It is a non-destructive, non-contact technology. 

Object scanning is when this process is used to scan objects. For more information about 3D scanning in general, see our introduction to 3D scanning page. 

Object scanners can either be handheld or fixed (usually on a tripod). 

At uCreate, all of our object scanners are EinScan's from Shining3D. We have three different scanners: EinScan-SP, EinScan H and EinScan HX. All of these scanners work in a similar way (using structured light) and use different versions of the same software. This means that if you can use one of the EinScan's, you can use them all. 

Please note that all of our object scanners are wired and must be plugged in to a wall socket to be used and therefore are not suitable for use where there is no access to power.

See below for more information on each of the different scanners available at uCreate and their uses. 

Structured light scanning is when a precisely-calibrated pattern of white or blue light is projected onto the object you are scanning. Usually this pattern is a series of parallel lines, stripes, or a grid.

When the structured light strikes the surface of the object, the pattern of light is distorted as it falls across any curves, depressions, or raised areas.

As that’s happening, the scanner’s camera is capturing frame after frame of these distorted light patterns as they’re reflected back, while the scanning software is analysing the patterns and using them to accurately reconstruct in digital 3D all the surfaces of the object being scanned.

The scanning software’s pattern-recognition and reconstruction algorithms understand that when a strip of light is thicker or thinner in places, then that means those points on the surface are respectively closer or farther away from the camera, while other shapes and structures are determined by varying types of deformations in the structured light patterns.

After these frames have been captured, they are transformed into a 3D model by processing them in the scanning software. This is achieved by first making use of various tools to remove any unwanted data, before aligning the frames together into one seamless 3D model.

Some 3D scanners also include an additional camera that captures an object’s “texture.” In the world of 3D scanning and modelling, texture refers to an object’s colours and other visible surface characteristics.

All of the images taken by this additional camera are collated into one jpeg file. This file must stay with the model file in order for the texture to remain in tact. 

There are some limitations of object scanning using structured light. These limitations are due to the patterns of light not being able to successful bounce of the objects surface and back to the scanner. It is difficult to scan objects which are:

• Transparent
• Shiny/reflective
• Objects with a hollow pattern (like a tube)
• Dark coloured objects (or objects with both very light and very dark colours)
• Unstable (objects must not move during scanning). 

In order to scan transparent or shiny/reflective objects, the object can be painted a matt colour or covered in chalk powder. uCreate has chalk powder brushes available for use when scanning. 

The EinScan HX has a laser scan mode (not using structured light) that can cope with scanning shiny/reflective and dark coloured objects. See below for more details. 

Please note that the types of objects mentioned above are difficult to scan and even after following the advice above, you may not get a successful scan. 

In order to secure objects when scanning, you can secure them with blue tac or reduce the turntable speed (if using the EinScan-SP). 

Our structured light object scanners use flashing lights. With this, there is an epilepsy risk.

Please be aware that if you are using the EinScan H to scan a person, this will include flashing lights pointed at the person's face whom you are scanning. 

We have signs displayed around uCreate in the scanning area and signs available to be put out when our scanners are taken out on loan. It is important that you let people around you know if you are scanning and there will be flashing lights. 

We offer training sessions for our object scanners. It is not compulsory to attend the training to use the scanners but it is strongly advised. Training sessions are bookable via our events calendar. 

uCreate has scanners set up in the Digital Transformation suite, as well as available on our loans service. When booking out a scanner on our loans system, users must also reserve an EinScan laptop, as the laptop contains the licensed software which runs the scanner.