Performance evaluation of 3D imaging systems based on GD&T

We present a method for evaluating the performance of short-range non-contact 3D imaging systems. This method is intended to address the lack of internationally-recognized standards for the characterization of these systems. We begin by presenting characterization-specific terminology before introducing a geometrical and dimensional tolerancing-based approach for the characterization of these systems. This approach focuses on what these systems are typically used for rather than being designed specifically for specific classes of 3D imaging systems. A Portable Characterization Target (PCT) is then presented as an artifact that provides a simple way to perform the characterization of short-range non-contact 3D imaging systems.