Description

Our device for surface acquisition comprises two laser devices (Handyscan & NextEngine) with associated reconstruction software. These systems have different acquisition protocols and renderings. Handyscan, based on a spatial reference system using optical reflectors, permits to scan large objects and to acquire morphological details down to 50 µm. The NextEngine system is preferred for objects which size is from a few centimeters to a few dozen centimeters with a resolution of 100 µm. It also captures the object texture.

Use

Acquisition and processing of 3D images are nowadays at the heart of paleontology as they allow collecting raw data (anatomical virtual models of fossils from collections stored in France and abroad, osteological models for comparative analysis) as well as performing shape analyses (geometric morphometrics, internal structures, fossil reconstitution and retrodeformation…). The laser systems are particularly important tools for acquiring surface morphology of specimens stored in collections for which loans are not possible.

Funding

The available material has been acquired by co-fundings from the CNRS, the University of Poitiers and the Poitou-Charentes ex-region (New Aquitaine region).

Contact

• Franck GUY,  Jérôme SURAULT  & Guillaume DAVER (PALEVOPRIM)