A 3d scanner can scan living objects, but several factors affect its accuracy and effectiveness. Scanning living objects, such as humans or animals, presents challenges due to movement, skin texture, and surface reflectivity. However, modern 3d scanners equipped with advanced technologies like structured light and laser triangulation can capture dynamic surfaces with high precision. For example, a 3d scanner like the Revopoint POP 2 has the capability to scan in real time with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, which is sufficient for scanning a wide range of surfaces, including the contours of the human body. While static objects are easier to scan, the real-time data capture of handheld 3d scanners enables them to scan living objects, provided there is minimal movement.
The human body is a common subject for 3d scanning, especially in healthcare applications. Medical professionals use 3d scanners for creating custom prosthetics, with scanners like the Artec Eva achieving scan resolutions of up to 0.1 mm. In these applications, the ability to scan living tissue requires careful handling of motion and skin details, but it is fully possible. 3d scanners can also be used to create accurate 3D models of human anatomy for research and surgical planning. For example, 3d scanning is used in creating virtual models of organs, allowing doctors to simulate surgeries before performing them on patients.
However, a challenge remains in ensuring accuracy when scanning living objects in motion. The movement of the subject can cause distortion in the scanned data, leading to lower precision. Some 3d scanners come equipped with motion sensors and algorithms to compensate for slight movements during scanning, but these models may require more time or involve a higher degree of complexity.
In specific cases, such as scanning animals, the process becomes more complex due to fur or feathers, which can interfere with the scanner’s ability to capture precise details. Despite these challenges, companies like Revopoint and Artec have improved their handheld 3d scanners to handle such situations, making them highly effective tools for scanning living beings under controlled conditions. 3d scanners equipped with structured light or laser scanning techniques are typically used for scanning non-static living subjects, as they can capture even small details of soft tissues without physical contact.
The ability to scan living objects has broadened the applications of 3d scanners across various industries. From healthcare to entertainment, where 3d scanning is used for creating lifelike animations of humans or animals, these devices continue to evolve, becoming more capable of handling intricate details of living beings. Whether for medical, research, or creative purposes, 3d scanners are instrumental in creating detailed, accurate models of living subjects, proving their versatility beyond static objects.