Basics
There are three general types of light technology utilized in three-dimensional surveying.
Devices either measure the time-of-flight of light; the change of phase of a continuous pulse; or integrate stereo images of shaped beams of light.
Time-of-flight scanners are considered the primary tool for long-range scanning needs. Phased scanners are preferred for shorter measurement distances and for their speed.
Stereoscopic surveying is known for being inexpensive, but there are few companies that specialize in producing this type of equipment, with only Breukman being a major player in the market promoting this technology for large scale analysis and heritage documentation.
The fourth type of non-contact measurement, mostly used in industrial production and in the production of small scale implants, is laser line profile scanning which utilizes optical triangulation of a laser line to measure profiles and surfaces.
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