Abstract
Three Dimensional (3-D) scanning is a critical image analysis technology that presents images of an object in three dimensional models and facilitates manufacturing of tangible models. 3-D scanning is used in health care such as image analysis of the artificial teeth and 3-D scanning for surgical purposes. 3-D scanning is used for image analysis of player’s realistic movements and incorporates it to visual 3-D representation of games. In the modern times, 3-D scanning technology is developing in the market. The worldwide sales of three dimensional scanners have increased with the unit sales growth of about 171.4 % for the last four years. This proposal is a state-of-the-art research report and will investigate the current status of 3-D scanning technology and its future developments. This proposal will also analyze several barriers for the development of 3-D scanning technology and solutions to avoid these problems. This project’s investigator (PI) is well suited to conduct this research. PI has conducted more than 20 experiments in bioelectronics and biomechanics which deal with isolating and calibrating images. PI researched the Kinect sensor, a 3-D camera, as his senior design. PI has access to all the necessary facilities. PI will complete this task for $2,982.
Introduction
The objective of this paper is to have a proposal regarding the research for a state-of-the art report on the current state of the three dimensional scanning and its projected developments in the future. This report is a requirement for EGR 3350, Technical Communication for Engineers and Scientists.
Background
The recent development of the technology of three dimensional printing was due to the increased availability of three dimensional scanners in the market. In the past, there are only limited amounts of three dimensional scanners which are commercially available. These scanners are also limited to the technology of cameras and lasers which moves around the object. In the modern times, the market for three dimensional scanners increased due to the increasing attention on three dimensional printing technology. Some of the currently available three dimensional scanners in the market are summarized in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Current three dimensional scanners available in the market and its cost and capabilities.
Source: Straub, J., & Kerlin, S. (2014). Development of large, low-cost, instant 3D scanner. Technologies, 2(1): 76-95
The market for the current three dimensional scanners are increasing. The annual growth rate of three dimensional scanner market is about 21.4% and its average is about 25% during the last three years. The increasing demand for three dimensional scanners are driven by the adoption and penetration of home consumer three dimensional printing. Manufacturers of three dimensional scanners increased their productivity since more people are now becoming interested in acquiring three dimensional printers. The worldwide sales of three dimensional scanners have increased with the unit sales growth of about 171.4 % for the last four years.
The three dimensional scanners provide a wide range of applications. These devices could be used in the surveying of large areas or sites. It could also be used in the architecture, construction, and engineering. In the future, three dimensional scanners could be used in forensics and crime scene investigation. It could also be developed in order to be used in the field of medicine and military tactics.
Scope
My research report will be only limited to the current status and future developments of the three dimensional scanners. The current development of three dimensional printing is also related to the increasing market of three dimensional scanners. However, this paper will primarily focus on the development of the technology of three dimensional scanners.
Discussion
Approach
My proposed state-of-the-art report will start with an overview of the possible applications and importance of the three dimensional scanners. Then, I will research on the mechanism and the technology of the three dimensional scanners. The report will primarily focus on the current technological status of the three dimensional scanners as well as its future developments. This report will also investigate the limitations and barriers to the development of three dimensional scanner technology as well as some possible solutions for future development.
2.2 Result
I will finish and deliver a report with 10 pages which analyzes the current technological status of the three dimensional scanners as well as its future developments. My report will describe and investigate the limitations and barriers to the development of three dimensional scanner technology as well as some possible solutions for future development. The proposed report will also fulfill the requirements for EGR 3350, Technical Communication for Engineers and Scientists.
2.3 Statement of Work
Write an overview about current state of the three dimensional scanning and its projected developments in the future.
Research and document the current three dimensional scanners which are commercially available.
Research and document about the mechanism of the three dimensional scanner device and how it could be used in some of its major applications.
Research and document the barriers for its development and its current technological limitations as well as possible solutions to these problems.
Produce and deliver a presentation in the class about my research report at the time and place given by my instructor.
Deliver the 10-page formal report which follows the guidelines included in the syllabus of the course.
Resources
Personnel
I only need myself in order to perform the research and write the report. I am a current student which has a solid background on computers and engineering. I have access to the facilities of the school which could be helpful for me in performing my tasks regarding my report.
Facilities and Equipment
I need a computer with a high-speed internet access in order to conduct my research report which could be provided by the university. There are many computer labs at the university which could be accessed by all students. The computers at the school also have the necessary software in order to help me in conducting research and creating my report. The university also has printers which could be used by all students.
Costs
Fiscal
As stated in the Section 2.3 (statement of work) of the proposal, the research report requires 24 hours of my labor. In order to use the facilities in the university, it will take 30 miles to drive to and from my home to the Wright State University. The projected costs of the research report is summarized in Table 1.
Time
I will finish the task during the last 4 weeks of my semester and I will deliver the requirements based from the schedule that will be determined by my instructor.
Conclusion
Summary
The development of the technology of the three dimensional scanners are driven by the advancements of its complementary technologies such as three dimensional printing and software engineering. There are several current limitations and barriers for the development of the three dimensional scanners in the future. This research reported will provide me more opportunities to learn more about the three dimensional scanning technology if this proposal is approved.
5.2 Contact
For more information, please contact me @
Annotated Bibliography
Abdelmajid, Y. (2012). Investigation and Comparison of 3DLaser Scanning Software Packages. Royal Institute of Technology.
This source provides information regarding one of the current commercially available three dimensional scanner. This source also compares the mechanism of various three dimensional scanners.
Boubela, R., et al. (2014). Scanning fast and slow: current limitations of 3 Teslafunctional MRI and future potential. Frontiers in Physics, 2(1): 1-8.
This paper includes information regarding the development of three dimensional scanner and its current limitations and barriers.
Breuckmann, B., (2013). 25 years of high definition 3D scanning: history, state-of-the-art, outlook. EVA Florence
This source provides information regarding the history of the technology of three dimensional scanning. I could use information from this source regarding the development of the technology through the years.
Lyons, P., Rioux, M., & Patterson, P. (2000). Application of a three-dimensional color laser scanner to paleontology: An interactive model of juvenile tylosaurus sp. Basisphenoid-basioccipital. Paleontologia Electronica, 3(2): 1-16
This source provides information regarding one of the current commercially available three dimensional scanner.
Reeves, P., & Mendis, D. (2015). The current status and impact of 3D printing within the industrial sector: an analysis of six case studies.
This paper includes information regarding the development of three dimensional scanner and its current limitations and barriers.
Salvadori, F. (2003). Three-Dimensional Scanning Techniques Applied to3D Modelling of Pottery Finds. Retrieved from http://www.ergo-eg.com/uploads/digi_lib/61.pdf.
This source provides information regarding one of the current commercially available three dimensional scanner.
Sansoni, G. Trebeschi, M., & Docchio, F. (2009). State-of-The-Art and Applications of 3D Imaging Sensors in Industry, Cultural Heritage, Medicine, and Criminal Investigation. Sensors, 9(1): 568-601.
This source provides information regarding the mechanism and design of current three dimensional scanners which are available in the market.
Straub, J., & Kerlin, S. (2014). Development of large, low-cost, instant 3D scanner. Technologies, 2(1): 76-95
This paper described the development of the large, low-cost, instant 3D scanner. I intend to use the information regarding the mechanism of a three dimensional scanner from this source.