Abstract: A scanning system for the 3D measurement of a surface of an object includes a 3D scanner and a computing system. The 3D scanner includes a scanner frame, a set of imaging modules and a communication module. The imaging modules include a light projector unit for projecting a structured light pattern onto the surface of the object, at least one camera for capturing image data, and at least one image data compression module that compresses the image data using a nonlinear conversion that compresses a dynamic range of intensity values in the compressed image data such that lower intensity values are amplified and mapped to a larger portion of the compressed dynamic range while amplification of higher intensity values is limited. The computing system controls an exposure setting of the 3D scanner based on background intensity values for images in the compressed image data. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A scanning system for the 3D measurement of a surface of an object includes a 3D scanner and a computing system. The 3D scanner includes a scanner frame, a set of imaging modules and a communication module. The imaging modules include a light projector unit for projecting a structured light pattern onto the surface of the object, at least one camera for capturing image data, and at least one image data compression module that compresses the image data using a nonlinear conversion that compresses a dynamic range of intensity values in the compressed image data such that lower intensity values are amplified and mapped to a larger portion of the compressed dynamic range while amplification of higher intensity values is limited. The computing system controls an exposure setting of the 3D scanner based on background intensity values for images in the compressed image data. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A fixture for establishing stop surfaces against which a workpiece can be held to accurately locate it during robotic machine tool operations. The fixture includes a table surface having frusto-conical openings arranged in a preselected pattern to receive locator pins. Each locator pin has a frusto-conical base which automatically centers itself in the opening so that a robotic machine can insert the pins without having to first precisely align them with the openings. Each locator pin is locked in its opening by a releaseable slide mechanism which acts against the pin on opposite sides by wedging action to securely hold the pin down on the table.