Structured Light

Structured light scanners typically project a known light pattern on to the 3D surface of the object to be modelled. The light pattern is distorted by the surface relief. Different light patterns can be used (ie. grids, circles, sinusoidal). Triangulation is used to calculate the 3D points.

Structured light scanners capture complete surfaces from a particular point of view. The data from multiple points of view can be combined to create a complete 3D model. The light source is usually an ordinary halogen white light, so there are no safety concerns as with laser scanners.