Structured-light 3D scanner
lastmod 2026-03-09created 2026-03-092 edits
A structured-light 3D scanner is a device used to capture the three-dimensional shape of an object by projecting light patterns, such as grids or stripes, onto its surface. The deformation of these patterns is recorded by cameras and processed with specialized algorithms to generate a detailed 3D model.
Structured-light 3D scanning is widely used in many fields, including industrial design, quality control, cultural heritage preservation, augmented reality games, and medical imaging. Compared to laser-based 3D scanning, structured-light scanners use incoherent light sources such as LEDs or projectors, which allows faster data acquisition and avoids potential safety issues associated with lasers. However, the accuracy of structured-light scanning can be affected by external factors such as ambient lighting conditions and the reflective properties of the object being scanned.
See also
- Machine Vision
- Depth map
- Kinect
- Laser Dynamic Range Imager (LDRI)
- Light stage
- Range imaging
- Virtual cinematography
- Camera