Abstract: A scanning system for a three-dimensional object digitizing system comprises circuitry for directing a set of sequential light beams to a plurality of points on an object. The light beams are directed by the normalizing circuitry to be normal to the surface of the object at the point of incidence. With this orientation, the scanning system associates with the ranging system for the determination of a set of a range measurements to the points on the object. Circuitry of the scanning system predicts the location of a point on the surface as a function of a plurality of previously measured points. Additional circuitry adaptively pivots the light beams away from the normal incidence angle to reach a plurality of points in response to a measurement substantially deviating from the predicted point.

Abstract: A scanning system for a three-dimensional object digitizing system comprises circuitry for directing a set of sequential light beams to a plurality of points on an object. The light beams are directed by the normalizing circuitry to be normal to the surface of the object at the point of incidence. With this orientation, the scanning system associates with the ranging system for the determination of a set of a range measurements to the points on the object. Circuitry of the scanning system predicts the location of a point on the surface as a function of a plurality of previously measured points. Additional circuitry adaptively pivots the light beams away from the normal incidence angle to reach a plurality of points in response to a measurement substantially deviating from the predicted point.

Abstract: An apparatus for digitally representing the surface of a three-dimensional object uses a laser beam to establish a laser line-of-sight from the laser source having a predetermined position to a surface point on the three-dimensional object. The laser beam produces a reflected light beam that a reflecting surface or mirror receives along a view line-of-sight from the surface point through an aperture. By way of triangulating a laser line-of-sight, a view line-of-sight, and a base line-of-sight, it is possible to calculate the laser line of sight distance to the three-dimensional object. The laser line of sight distance is then converted into a digital representation of the surface point on the object. By associating numerous of these surface points, it is possible to form a digital representation of the surface of a three-dimensional object. The result is a high resolution and accurate digital representation of the object surface.