How does a Laser Scanner Work?

A laser scanner is an electronic device that scans the image of a piece of artwork by emitting a laser beam. The laser beam hits the artwork and reflects off the artwork’s surface back to the scanner. The scanner measures the time between when the beam strikes the artwork and when it returns to the scanner. This measurement is converted into binary data, a series of ones and zeros representing various shades of gray. A laser scanner reads a variety of artworks and prints, including black and white, color, and high-resolution artworks.

How a laser scanner works

A laser scanner works by sending a monochromatic beam of light to the object’s surface that needs to be digitized. This beam of light then bounces off the object and is received by a camera capturing the reflected light. The camera then detects the micro-movement of the object’s surface, processes it, and creates a point cloud of the object. The point cloud is then used to create a 3D wireframe or a 3D surface model.

Applications of Laser Scanners

Laser scanners scan objects for digitization, 3D modeling, measurement, and other functions. If you are an artist or designer, you can use laser scanners to capture real-world objects and use them to design your dream object. Work in the architecture or construction industry. Laser scanners can help you ensure the accuracy of the design, geometry, size, and location of the building at the construction site.

Companies like Google and Microsoft are working on car technology and trying to make self-driving cars. Laser scanners are a vital component of it. Besides, laser scanners are used in medical imaging and object recognition/tracking.

Usage of Laser Scanner

Laser scanners are a great way to get highly accurate measurements of your building and surrounding landscape. They are portable, can be controlled remotely, and accurately within one millimeter. A laser scanner can be used for smaller areas or larger areas. They can also be used for outdoor scanning and come in hand for measuring land, buildings, and even trees. Take a look at the video below for a brief overview of what a laser scanner can do.

Conclusion

As you may be aware, many different types of scanners are used in a wide range of industries. Depending on your industry, you may need to use a particular scanner. However, if you’re not sure what type of scanner you need, this blog may be able to help you choose the suitable scanner for your needs.

FAQs

How much does a laser scanner cost?

Laser scanner price depending on the size, the number of beams to be used, and other features. There is a difference in the price of scanners depending on the material to be scanned. Lasers are cost-effective when used in large areas. The price of laser scanners is falling as technology improves.

How does a laser scanner work for scanning text?

There are several different laser scanners, but they all work on the same principle. All documents contain text and images, so they all must first be scanned to be processed. There are two different types of scanners that are used to scan text. Optical scanners (like the ones used to read barcodes) scan the text image, while a flatbed scanner or a handheld scanner will use a particular sensor that reads the electrical impulses in the text.

What are the benefits of using a laser scanner?

It’s great to have both a laser and a scanner that work together as a team. A scanner works to capture images, and a laser works to capture dimensions and critical architectural details. This allows the scanner to do the tedious work but still allows the laser to provide essential measurements for your building.