How 3D Scanners Work: How to Quickly Capture Human Body Data?

With the advancement of modern technology, 3D scanning has become increasingly popular. In the field of personalized 3D printing, 3D scanners capable of quickly capturing human body data have revolutionized the industry. But how do these scanners work? And how do they efficiently obtain human body data? This article will explore their principles and key technologies in detail.

1. Basic Principles of 3D Scanning

The core function of a 3D scanner is to capture the three-dimensional shape of an object using optical, laser, or photogrammetry techniques and convert it into a digital model for 3D modeling and printing. For human body scanning, the system quickly collects surface feature points and generates a complete 3D model.

Currently, the most common 3D human scanning technologies include:

(1) Structured Light Scanning

A structured light scanner projects a specific light pattern onto the human body, and cameras capture the deformation of the light pattern. By analyzing these distortions, the scanner reconstructs the 3D shape.

• Advantages: High accuracy, detailed scans, suitable for body and facial scanning.
• Disadvantages: Sensitive to lighting conditions and can be affected by external light sources.

(2) Laser Scanning

Laser scanners emit laser beams and measure the time of flight (ToF) or angle deviation of the reflected light to determine distances, thereby constructing a 3D model.

• Advantages: Works in various environments, covers large scanning areas, and provides high accuracy.
• Disadvantages: Expensive and may pose slight eye safety concerns.

(3) Photogrammetry

This technique uses multiple high-resolution photos taken from different angles and processes them through computer algorithms to generate a 3D model. Matrix full-body scanners typically use this technology.

• Advantages: Captures both color and texture information, suitable for high-precision human body modeling.
• Disadvantages: Requires powerful computing resources and has a longer processing time.

2. How to Quickly Capture Human Body Data?

To capture human body 3D data quickly, the design and scanning method of the scanner are crucial. The most common fast human body scanning devices in the market can be categorized into two main types:

(1) Rotating Full-Body 3D Scanner

This type of scanner typically uses a small number of high-precision cameras (e.g., 5-6) combined with a rotating platform or surrounding scanning method to complete data collection in just a few seconds.

• Working Principle:
  1. The subject stands on a rotating platform or is surrounded by a scanning device.
  2. The device captures images or point cloud data from multiple angles in 5-6 seconds.
  3. The software automatically stitches the images to generate a complete 3D model.
• Advantages: Affordable, portable, easy to install, and ideal for small studios or commercial events.

(2) Matrix Full-Body 3D Scanner

This scanner features 60-90 cameras that capture the subject simultaneously, completing full-body data collection in just 0.3 seconds, making it ideal for high-precision applications.

• Working Principle:
  1. The subject stands still while the scanner simultaneously activates all cameras.
  2. The device captures multi-angle images in 0.3 seconds and processes them using advanced algorithms.
  3. The resulting model is more detailed, requiring minimal post-processing.
• Advantages: Ultra-fast scanning, high accuracy, and suitable for high-end markets such as film, special effects, and medical 3D modeling.

3. Applications of 3D Scanning

As 3D scanning technology matures, it is widely used in various industries, including:

• Personalized 3D Printing: Creating customized 3D figurines for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
• Medical Industry: Used for rehabilitation, prosthetic customization, and body scanning for medical applications.
• Custom Clothing: Scanning human body measurements for perfectly fitting custom garments.
• Entertainment & Gaming: Used in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and character modeling for video games.

Conclusion

3D human scanning technology is advancing rapidly. From traditional manual measurements to today’s ability to complete high-precision body modeling in seconds, it has significantly contributed to the development of the personalized customization industry. Whether for 3D printing, medical rehabilitation, or digital entertainment, 3D scanners are becoming essential tools.

If you're interested in experiencing 3D scanning technology, feel free to explore our 3D scanning equipment and customization services!