A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or
environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its
appearance (i.e. color). The collected data can then be used to
construct digital, three dimensional models. Many different
technologies can be used to build these 3D scanning devices;
each technology comes with its own limitations, advantages and
costs. Many limitations in the kind of objects that can be
digitized are still present, for example, optical technologies
encounter many difficulties with shiny, mirroring or transparent
objects. The purpose of a 3D scanner is usually to create a
point cloud of geometric samples on the surface of the subject.
These points can then be used to extrapolate the shape of the
subject (a process called reconstruction). If color information
is collected at each point, then the colors on the surface of
the subject can also be determined. 3D scanners share several
traits with cameras. Like cameras, they have a cone-like field
of view, and like cameras, they