Characterization of Irregularly-Shaped Objects Using 3D Structured Light Scanning

Volume computations are important for the characterization of three-dimensional (3D) objects. In the case of irregularly-shaped objects, volumetric analysis remains challenging due to the missing symmetry in the geometry. 3D scanners provide a solution for digitizing the shape of objects for 3D visualization; however, typical scanners do not provide detailed quantitative information which offers significant advantage in both research and development applications. In this work, tools and operations that utilize digital 3D data captured via a 3D structured-light scanner are investigated to develop algorithms that accurately model and compute the volume of non-uniform objects. Specifically, limpet seashells are utilized to develop the models for volumetric analysis and characterization using MATLAB programming toolboxes after the 3D scans are completed.