Abstract: A three-dimensional non-contact scanning system is provided. The system includes a stage and at least one scanner configured to scan an object on the stage. A motion control system is configured to generate relative motion between the at least one scanner and the stage. A controller is coupled to the at least one scanner and the motion control system. The controller is configured to perform a field calibration where an artifact having features with known positional relationships is scanned by the at least one scanner in a plurality of different orientations to generate sensed measurement data corresponding to the features. Deviations between the sensed measurement data and the known positional relationships are determined. Based on the determined deviations, a coordinate transform is calculated for each of the at least one scanner where the coordinate transform reduces the determined deviations.

Abstract: A noncontact object scanning system includes a horizontal table rotatable on a vertical axis, one or more scanners above the table and one or more scanners below the table. The table allows passage of radiant energy therethrough due to its transparency or construction as a nonreflective grid. A controller automatically steps the scanners through a scanning sequence, each scan associated with a segment of the object's exterior surface. Surface segments scanned from above the table and from below the table combine to provide a comprehensive scan of the entire exterior surface. Adjacent surface segments overlap one another to provide redundant data used to overcome shadowing effects from the grid and to accurately align and merge the segments into a three dimensional representation of the complete exterior shape of the object. The scanners can incorporate color responsive light detectors whereby the three dimensional representation portrays color and shape.