3D structured light scanner
General information
Three-dimensional digitisation has become an essential tool for documenting, studying and preserving cultural heritage. A high-resolution 3D model records both the shape and, when acquired under controlled conditions, the surface colour of an object. This digital replica can be measured, compared over time and shared without handling the original. The results are important for documenting the conservation status of an artwork and for the long-term memory of heritage collections.
In particular, geometric data make it possible to measure surface morphology, deformations and small damage such as cracks, losses and canvas deformations. Colour texture, acquired together with the geometry, add the visual appearance of the surface, including decorations, polychromy and texture. Combining the two in one registered model supports detailed virtual inspection of an object. It also lets researchers compare the object before and after a restoration intervention, and makes the object available for study and dissemination.
The Heritage Science Group uses the MICRON3D colour stereo, a 3D scanner produced by SMARTTECH3D and designed for high-resolution digitisation of coloured objects. The procedure is completely non-invasive and contactless, so it is safe for delicate surfaces. The instrument is portable and can be used both in the laboratory and on site, in museums, storage rooms or even archaeological excavations.
Technical details
The MICRON3D colour stereo is a structured-light scanner that uses a stereo configuration of cameras with a high-resolution detector [6, 12 or 20 Mpix – specify the configuration in use at HSG]. It reaches a certified accuracy of up to 60 μm. Measurement relies only on structured white light projection, with no lasers. An integrated shadeless lighting system illuminates the object evenly during acquisition, so colour and texture are reproduced consistently across the whole surface. The adaptive detector also allows effective scanning of challenging materials, such as dark or glossy surfaces.
The scanner is factory-calibrated and comes with a certificate of accuracy, so no calibration is needed on site. Objects can be acquired automatically on a rotary table, or with reference markers for larger items. The single views are then aligned and merged into a complete 3D model by dedicated processing software running on the connected workstation. The carbon-fibre, temperature-resistant casing and replaceable dust filters protect the instrument during field campaigns.
3D STRUCTURED LIGHT SCANNER
Potential results
3D colour scanning produces accurate, measurable models that combine geometry and surface appearance. The models can be used to document the conservation status of an object, to detect and quantify surface damage and deformation, and to monitor changes over time or after restoration. They can also be combined with other diagnostic data, for example, by mapping multispectral or spectroscopic results onto the 3D surface. Finally, they support virtual study, digital archiving and dissemination, including virtual exhibitions and 3D printed replicas.