Glossary of Terms

A point cloud is a set of vertices in a three dimensional coordinate system. These vertices are usually defined by X, Y & Z coordinates. Point clouds are also sometimes referred to as 'clouds of points'.  Point clouds are used for many purposes, including creating 3D CAD models for manufactured parts, quality inspection, and a multitude of visualization, animation, rendering and mass customization applications.  Point clouds themselves are generally not directly usable in most 3D applications, and therefore are usually converted to triangle mesh models, NURBS surface models, or CAD models through a process commonly referred to as reverse engineering so that they can be used for various purposes.

A construct used in computer graphics. It comprises a set of triangles (typically in three dimensions) that are connected by their common edges.  Many people think of digital terrain models or TINS when speaking of meshes.

The process of discovering the technological principles of a device, object or system through analysis of its structure, function and operation. It often involves taking something apart and analyzing its workings in detail, usually to try to make a new device or program that does the same thing without copying anything from the original.  In 3-D scanning it often is practiced in industrial applications to analyze the as-built structures, process, and stability.

Sets of data acquired by sampling the same scene or object at different times, or from different perspectives, will be in different coordinate systems. Image registration is the process of transforming the different sets of data into one coordinate system. Registration is necessary in order to be able to compare or integrate the data obtained from different measurements.

Is the angular extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment at the scanners position.

Describes the detail an image holds. The term applies equally to digital images, film images, and other types of images. Higher resolution means more image detail.  In the scanning world it pertains to the point density; i.e.  “I want an observation every 0.05’ at 500’.”

Point clouds obtained by scanning from different positions and at different distances are often not uniform in terms of point density. This method allows you to obtain a point cloud with a homogeneous density that you can define. This allows you to reduce or match the densities for the particular task at hand.

In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical, wireframe representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living) via specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D Printing devices.