3D Scanning for Advanced Manufacturing, Design, and Construction

Chapter 4 Data Acquisition and Processing Software

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Given the speed and complexity of acquiring scan data, it’s inevitable that some kind of computerized control interface is required. On some instruments, such as long-range scanners, the interface is built into the scanners’ on-board computer. Most scanning instruments however rely on an interface through a connected computer. No matter how the interface occurs, to make it work specialized software is required.

This software can be classified into three functional categories:

• Data Acquisition – collecting and processing point cloud data
• Inspection – comparing the point cloud data to the nominal, or design intent
• Modeling – also called documentation or reverse engineering, creating a visual representation (via CAD, or physical 3D model) of the data.

Often two or more of these functions are combined in a single software package for practical purposes and usability.

4.2 DATA ACQUISITION SOFTWARE

Data acquisition software can be obtained from an instrument manufacturer, a third-party developer, or one’s self-developed proprietary scripts and algorithms. Software written by the instrument’s manufacturer might only function with a particular brand of instrument. Third-party software, written by an independent company, is typically compatible with a number of instruments from different manufacturers, often even serving different instrument types.

Creating one’s own data collection interface requires programming ...