APPARATUS FOR SCANNING A RESPECTIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL

OBJECT

Technical field

This invention relates to an apparatus for scanning a respective three- dimensional object. Background art

Apparatuses are known for scanning a respective three-dimensional object, which comprise means for supporting corresponding means for scanning the three-dimensional object, in particular comprising means, or video camera, for capturing images of the three-dimensional object, and means, or projector, for projecting a corresponding electromagnetic radiation designed to reflect, at least partly, on the three-dimensional object.

More specifically, some of the prior art scanning apparatuses comprise a frame for supporting the scanning means and a turntable, on which is applied the workpiece or three-dimensional object to be scanned.

According to another prior art configuration, the scanning apparatuses comprise a supporting frame which, in addition to the turntable, mounts respective scanning means which are movable vertically to allow a scanning of objects of different dimensions from each other.

In any case, the fixed frame scanning apparatuses allow the scanning of objects which have dimensions which differ only slightly from each other and are therefore not very flexible in use.

Moreover, it is also necessary to consider that some three-dimensional objects to be scanned have complex shapes and require, in order to be scanned using prior art apparatuses, removal from the supporting turntable and repositioning, on this, in a different position, in order to allow the capturing of parts of the object which could not be captured with the workpiece in the previous scanning position. However, all this is annoying and time-consuming to actuate for the user of the scanning apparatus.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which operates in a particularly effective manner.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which can be set up in a particularly fast manner.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which has a particularly reduced size, at least during the storage and transport.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is easy to use for the users.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is particularly reliable to operate or use.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is particularly flexible to operate or use.

The need is also felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which is easy to set up.

However, the need is felt in the sector to provide an apparatus which can operate on a wide range of various products. Aim of the invention

The present invention therefore proposes a new and/or alternative solution to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs felt in the trade or inferable from the above.

The invention accordingly provides an apparatus for scanning a respective three-dimensional object; comprising supporting means for corresponding means for scanning the three-dimensional object, in particular comprising means, or video camera for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and/or means, or projector for projecting a corresponding electromagnetic radiation designed to reflect, at least partly, on the three- dimensional object, and means for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular comprising a corresponding surface for fixing the three-dimensional object; characterised in that the supporting means define, or allow, between the scanning means and the surface for fixing the three-dimensional object, a connection which comprises a number of degrees of freedom, or relative movement, of the scanning means and/or of the surface for fixing the object, which is greater than 2, especially a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 3, preferably a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 4, and even more preferably a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 5.

In this way, it is possible to achieve a considerable range of adjustment of the apparatus and therefore scan objects with dimensions quite variable from each other, in particular progressively increasing, that is to say, with particularly complex shapes.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous features of the invention, are set out in the appended claims, the technical features and advantages of which will become apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred advantageous embodiments thereof which however must be considered purely as non-limiting examples on the invention; the description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to this invention in an extended condition;

- Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a detail of a part of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 5 shows a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 6 shows a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in an extended condition;

- Figure 7 shows a top plan view of a detail of Figure 6 of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 8A shows a side view of a detail of the means for the supporting the three-dimensional object of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 8B shows a top plan view of a detail of the means for supporting the three-dimensional object of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 8C shows a front view of a detail of the means for supporting the three-dimensional object of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 9A shows a perspective view of a detail of the scanning means of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 9B shows a top plan view of a detail of the scanning means of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

- Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of the scanning means of the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in a different operating condition;

- Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in a fully extended condition;

- Figure 12 shows a top plan view of a detail of the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 10 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus 10 for scanning a respective three-dimensional object, the apparatus 10 comprising means 12 for supporting corresponding means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object, in particular comprising means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and/or means, or projector, 18 for projecting a corresponding electromagnetic radiation designed to reflect, at least partly, on the three-dimensional object, as well as means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular comprising a corresponding surface 22 for fixing the three- dimensional object.

Advantageously, the supporting means 12 define, or allow, between the scanning means 14 and the surface 22 for fixing the three-dimensional object, a connection which comprises a number of degrees of freedom, or relative movement, of the scanning means 14 and/or of the surface 22 for fixing the object, which is greater than 2, especially a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 3, preferably a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 4, and even more preferably a number of degrees of freedom which is greater than or equal to 5.

In this way, it is possible to achieve a considerable range of adjustment of the apparatus and therefore scan objects with dimensions quite variable from each other, that is to say, with particularly complex shapes.

More specifically, as illustrated, the body 12 of the supporting means comprises an element 120, as a base or for resting on the ground, which supports the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, from which extends an elevation element 13 which carries the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the base element, or element for resting on the ground, is in the form of a frame 120.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the elevation element is in the form of a corresponding column 13 which extends vertically relative to the base element, that is to say, perpendicularly to the frame element 120, extending preferably to a longitudinal end zone, and preferably an edge, of the base element or frame element 120.

Advantageously, the supporting means or body 12 allow the surface 22 for fixing the three-dimensional object a degree of freedom G1 of rotation relative to an axis R perpendicular to the supporting surface 22 and/or, at least, as described in more detail below, in the position of supporting surface not rotated relative to the corresponding transversal axis T, to the base element 120 of the supporting means or body 12.

In this way, it is possible to turn completely by 360° the supporting surface 22, that is to say, the workpiece or three-dimensional object carried on this, and thus capture the entire outer perimeter surface of the workpiece or object.

More specifically, as illustrated, the degree of freedom G1 of rotation relative to the perpendicular axis R, at the supporting surface 22 and/or the base element 120 of the supporting means or body 12, allows a rotation of at least 360°, in particular a continuous rotation according to at least one angular direction.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object comprise a turntable 201 , defining, with the respective upper face, the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object, the turntable 201 being supported by a corresponding supporting portion 202, in particular in the form of a corresponding table fixed in rotation and in particular provided under the turntable 201 , and in particular the supporting portion 202 supporting means for rotating the turntable 201 , especially hanging beneath and preferably in the form a respective electric motor 203 for driving the turntable 201 .

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 allow the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object at least one degree of freedom of perpendicular, or vertical, translation G2, preferably along the elevation element 13, in particular according to both the lifting and lowering directions, especially relative to the base member 120, that is, relative to the surface 22 for fixing the three-dimensional object.

In this way, it is possible to scan three-dimensional objects with heights significantly different from each other.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, and in particular from Figure 4, the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object can be positioned according to the perpendicular, or vertical, degree of freedom G2, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a lower position hi , an upper position h3 and at least one position intermediate to these, h2, that is, preferably in an number equal to three or four predetermined operating positions.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 1 1 and 12, relating to a second preferred embodiment 100 of the scanning apparatus, the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object can be positioned according to a perpendicular, or vertical, degree of freedom G2, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a lowered or lower position hi , an raised or upper end position h4, and a first and a second position h2, h3 intermediate to these.

Basically, the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object can be positioned according to the perpendicular, or vertical, degree of freedom G2, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a lower position, a raised end position and at least one position intermediate to these, that is, in a first and a second position intermediate to these, preferably in an number equal to three (for the first preferred embodiment) or four (for the second preferred embodiment) predetermined operating positions hi , h2, h3, h4.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4, the predetermined operating positions hi , h2, h3, h4, for perpendicular, or vertical, positioning, of the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object, are defined by corresponding notches, provided with respective identification signs, for example defined by a corresponding whole number, in particular the notches being provided on the elevation element 13 which supports the scanning means 14.

In this way, even unskilled personnel can easily and rapidly find the optimum working position for capturing the specific workpiece or three- dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 comprise a crosspiece 131 for supporting the scanning means 14, in particular for supporting the capturing means 16 and/or the projection means 18, the crosspiece 131 being slidable perpendicularly or vertically on the elevation element, or column, 13 and which can be locked to this thanks to respective engagement and disengagement means with the latter, which are not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, and which are in particular actuated through respective knob means 131 m. In this way, it is possible to easily disengage, move perpendicularly or vertically, to the new operating position and engage the crosspiece 131 which carries the scanning means with the elevation element or column 13.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings and in particular from Figure 4, the supporting means 12 allow the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object at least one degree of freedom of spherical rotation, that is, rotation on a corresponding ball joint, G3, in particular relative to the supporting crosspiece 132, that is, relative to the surface 22 for fixing the three-dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings and in particular from Figure 4, the degree of freedom of spherical rotation G3 is defined by a corresponding ball joint 132 which supports the scanning means 14, in particular the ball joint 132 being supported by the supporting crosspiece 131 , especially at a respective free end of this, the ball joint 132 preferably protruding above the crosspiece 131 and preferably comprising a portion 132a for coupling to the crosspiece 131 and which defines a spherical hinge of movement, by friction, for one end of a corresponding portion 132b which carries the scanning means 14.

In this way, it is possible to adjust the position of the optical axis relative to the supporting surface, that is to say, respective to the workpiece or three- dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 1 and 3, the supporting means 12 define at least one degree of freedom of longitudinal translation G4, in particular according to both the forward and backward directions, of the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular of the respective surface 22 for fixing the latter, relative to the scanning means 14, that is, relative to the elevation element 13 for supporting the latter.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120 comprises a base frame 121 , from which extends the elevation element 13, and a frame 122 movable relative to the base frame 121 , the mobile frame 122 being slidably supported by the base frame 121 and carrying the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, moreover, the means for supporting the three-dimensional object 20 are also movable relative to the mobile frame 122 of the base element, or element for resting on the ground 120.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the relative drawings, according to the first preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10, the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular the respective surface 22 for supporting or fixing the three-dimensional object, can be positioned according to the degree of freedom of longitudinal translation G4, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a retracted position 11 , an elongate end position I3 and a position I2 intermediate to these.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 1 1 and 12, according to the second preferred embodiment of the apparatus 100, the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular the respective surface 22 for supporting or fixing the three-dimensional object, can be positioned according to the degree of freedom of longitudinal translation G4, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a retracted position 11 , an elongate end position I4 and a first and a second position I2, 13 intermediate to these.

Basically, the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular the respective surface 22 for supporting or fixing the three- dimensional object, can be positioned according to the degree of freedom of longitudinal translation G4, in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a retracted position, an elongate end position, and at least one position intermediate to these, that is to say, preferably in an number equal to three (for the first preferred embodiment) or four (for the second preferred embodiment) predetermined operating positions 11 , 12, 13, 14.

The predetermined operating positions 11 , I2, I3 I4 for longitudinal positioning of the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, in particular the respective surface 22 for supporting or fixing the three- dimensional object, are defined by corresponding notches 11 , I2, I3 I4, provided with respective identification signs, for example defined by a corresponding number, in particular the notches being provided on the base frame 121 and on the frame 122 movable relative to the base frame 121 .

In this way, it is possible to scan three-dimensional objects with heights and dimensions significantly different from each other.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the frame 122 movable relative to the base frame 121 can be locked to it, in a respective operating position 11 , I2, I3 I4, and unlocked from it, to perform the relative movement towards a different operating position, using corresponding engagement and disengagement means, which are in particular actuated through respective knob means 121 m. Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the means for supporting the three-dimensional object 20 can be locked relative to the mobile frame 122 of the base element, or element for resting on the ground 120, in a respective operating position 11 , I2, I3 I4, and can be unlocked from it, to perform the relative movement towards a different operating position, using corresponding engagement and disengagement means, which are in particular actuated through respective knob means 22m.

In this way, the mobile frame and/or the supporting means of the three- dimensional object may be easily disengaged, moved and engaged in the new operating position.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 allow at least one degree of freedom of translation G5, in particular according to both the forward and backward directions, of the scanning means 14 with respect to the corresponding supporting ball joint 132.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figure 3, the degree of freedom of translation G5 is defined by a corresponding runner 133, in particular comprising a first portion 133a, preferably lower, for fixing to the protruding portion 132b of the ball joint 132 and a second portion, preferably upper 133b, which supports the scanning means 14 and which is mounted in a slidable fashion on the first portion 133a.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, the supporting means 12 allow at least one degree of freedom G6 of rotation of the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object according to a transversal, or horizontal, axis T relative to the supporting means 12, that is, relative to the scanning means 14.

In this way, it is also possible to scan objects which have undercut or recessed parts, without having to remove the workpiece or three- dimensional object from the respective supporting surface for refitting it in a different position. More specifically, as illustrated, the degree of freedom G6 of rotation of the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object according to a transversal, or horizontal, axis T relative to the supporting means 12, that is, relative to the scanning means 14, is of rotation according to both the opposite angular directions.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 of the three-dimensional object comprise a block 20 perpendicular in extension, in particular supported by the base frame 120, especially by the mobile frame 122, the block 20 perpendicular in extension defining the surface 22 for supporting and fixing the three- dimensional object, in particular in the form of an upper surface, or surface facing upwards, of the block 20 perpendicular in extension.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the block 20 perpendicular in extension comprises arm means perpendicular in extension, in particular including at least a first perpendicular arm, that is preferably, as illustrated, opposite first and second perpendicular arms 204, 205, the arm means 204, 205 in particular rise up and are carried by the base frame 120, that is, by the mobile frame 122, and the arm means 204, 205 carry in a freely rotatable fashion the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object, that is to say, the unit for rotating the supporting surface 22 relative to the perpendicular axis R, and in particular comprising one or more between the following components: turntable 201 , table fixed in rotation 202 and motor for actuating rotation 203.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, the degree of freedom G6 of rotation of the supporting surface 22 of the three- dimensional object according to an axis T transversal, or horizontal, to the frame, is provided using corresponding means 206 for rotation, with respect to the a transversal or horizontal axis T, of the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object, that is to say, of the rotation unit, in accordance with the respective perpendicular axis, of the supporting surface 22. Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, the means 206 for rotation, with respect to the transversal or horizontal axis T, of the supporting surface 22 of the three-dimensional object, that is to say, of the unit for rotation of the supporting surface 22 relative to the perpendicular axis, comprise a corresponding electric motor 206 which is carried by a respective perpendicular arm 204 of the block 20 which carries the three- dimensional object to be scanned. The drive motor 206 preferably rotates the shaft T which supports the supporting surface 22 of three-dimensional object, that is to say, which supports the unit for rotating the supporting surface 22 in accordance with the respective perpendicular axis, on the arm means 204, 205 of the supporting block 20, and in particular operating through respective transmission means, in particular comprising respective gears 207, 208 integral, respectively, with the shaft of the drive motor 206 and the rotatable supporting shaft T.

Advantageously, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 3, the supporting means 12 allow at least one degree of transversal, or horizontal, freedom GO, in particular according to both directions towards the left and right, between the scanning means 14 and the surface 22 for fixing the three-dimensional object, that is, between the scanning means 14 and the base element 120 and/or the elevation element 14, the transversal translation being especially designed to define the centring of the optical axis of the video camera 16 of the scanning means 14 relative to the surface for supporting and fixing the three-dimensional object.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the crosspiece 131 for supporting the scanning means 14 is movable transversally relative to the elevation element, or column, 13 and can be locked to this thanks to respective engagement and disengagement means with the latter, which are in particular actuated through respective screw means 131 v.

In this way, the transversal adjustment may be performed by the manufacturer and prevents it from being inappropriately performed by the user of the apparatus

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, and in particular from Figures 9A, 9B and 10, the supporting means 12 allow at least one degree of freedom G7 between the means, or video camera 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the projection means, or the projector 18, and in particular of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the projection means, or projector 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, and in particular from Figures 3, 9A, 9B and 10, the degree of freedom G7, between the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the projection means, or projector, 18, comprises a transversal, or horizontal, translation away from or towards, in particular of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the projection means, or projector, 18, and/or an angular rotation according to a respective perpendicular, or vertical, axis, however not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, in particular of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the projection means, or projector, 18 and/or an angular rotation according to a respective transversal axis to the capturing means, or video camera, 16, in particular defined by a respective horizontal axis, and especially in the form of an angular rotation of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the projection means, or projector, 18, that is, with respect to the corresponding supporting means 135.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 9A, 9B and 10, the degree of freedom G7 between the means, or video camera, (16) for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the projection means, or projector, 18 of a corresponding electromagnetic radiation, allows a transversal, or horizontal, translation into a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a close position t1 , a far position t3 and at least one position t2 intermediate to these, that is, preferably in a number equal to three predetermined translational operating positions; and/or a rotation of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a rotated position r1 , of minimum convergence between the optical axes of the projection means, or video camera, 16 for capturing and projection means, or projector, 18, a rotated position r3 of maximum convergence between the optical axes of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and projection means, or projector, 18, and at least one rotated position r2 intermediate between these, that is, preferably in a number equal to three predetermined rotational operating positions.

Advantageously, with reference to the second preferred embodiment 100 of Figures 1 1 and 12, the degree of freedom G7 between the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the projection means, or projector, 18 of a corresponding electromagnetic radiation, allows a transversal, or horizontal, translation into a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a close position, a far position and a first and a second position intermediate to these, that is, preferably in a number equal to four predetermined translational operating positions; and/or a rotation of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 in a plurality of predetermined operating positions, in particular comprising a rotated position, of minimum convergence between the optical axes of the projection means, or video camera, 16 for capturing and projection means, or projector, 18, a rotated position of maximum convergence between the optical axes of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and projection means, or projector, 18, and a first and a second rotated position intermediate to these, that is, preferably in a number equal to four predetermined rotational operating positions.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from Figures 9A, 9B and 10, in relation to the degree of freedom G7 between the means, or video camera 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the means, or the projector, 18 for projection of a corresponding electromagnetic radiation, the close position t1 between the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18 coincides with the rotated position r1 , of minimum convergence between the optical axes of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18; the far position t3 between the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18 coincides with the rotated position r3, of maximum convergence between the optical axes of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18; and the respective intermediate position, in particular t2, between the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18 coincides with the respective intermediate rotated position, in particular r2, between the angular positions of minimum and maximum convergence between the optical axes of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and the projection means, or projector, 18.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 comprise a rod 135 for supporting the scanning means (14), in particular for combined supporting of the means, or video camera (16) for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and/or projection means, or projector, 18; preferably, the supporting rod 135 being carried by the elevation element, or column, 13 and in particular by the crosspiece 131 , which is carried by the elevation element, or column, 13, preferably through the ball joint 132 and the runner 133, at the upper part 133b of which the rod 135 is fixed.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the supporting means 12 comprise a plate 161 for supporting the capturing means, or video camera, 160, the supporting plate 161 being in particular supported and preferably connected in an manner which can be engaged and disengaged, in particular by respective screws, to the rod 135 supporting the scanning means 14.

More specifically, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 9A to 10, the plate 161 for supporting the capturing means, or video camera, 16, is composed of a lower plate 1610 for engagement and coupling, to the respective supporting means, that is, to the transversal supporting rod 135, and an upper plate 161 1 , which directly supports the capturing means, or video camera, 16 and which is supported by the lower plate 1610 and rotatable angularly relative to the latter, according to a respective axis transversal to the capturing means, or video camera, 16, in particular defined by a respective horizontal axis, to allow the corresponding angular rotation of the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the projection means, or projector, 18.

Advantageously, there are means, in particular in the form of corresponding adjustment screws 1613 which allow adjustment of the angular position of the capturing means, or video camera, (16), relative to a corresponding transversal axis, in particular horizontal, and especially which allow adjustment of the angular position of the upper plate 161 1 , which directly supports the capturing means, or video camera, 16 relative to the lower plate 1610 for coupling to the supporting means 12, that is, to the respective transversal rod 135.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the predetermined operating positions t1 , t2, t3 for translated positioning between the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the means, or projector, 18 for projecting a corresponding electromagnetic radiation, are defined by corresponding notches, in particular by pairs of notches which indicate the corresponding coupling ends of the capturing means, that is to say, for coupling the plate 161 for supporting the capturing means 160, the notches being provided with respective identification signs, for example defined by a corresponding whole number, and in particular they are, with advantage, provided on the rod 135 for combined supporting of the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the means, or projector 18 for projection of a corresponding electromagnetic radiation. Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the predetermined operating positions r1 , r2, r3, for rotated positioning, between the means, or video camera, 16 for capturing images of the three-dimensional object and the means, or projector 18 for projection of a corresponding electromagnetic radiation, are defined by corresponding notches, in particular by pairs of notches, which indicate corresponding coupling ends of the capturing means 16, that is, of the respective supporting plate 161 , which are provided with respective identification signs, in particular the notches, or pairs of notches, are provided on the plate 161 for supporting the capturing means 16.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, and in particular from Figure 9B, the notches, or pairs of notches, which are provided on the plate 161 for supporting the capturing means, or video camera, 160, denote corresponding holes fO, f1 , f2, f3 for insertion of respective fastening bolts provided in the supporting plate 161 . more specifically, the pairs of notches comprise a respective common notch at a single hole fO, which is at one end of the capturing means 16, that is, at the end the capturing means 16 which faces the projection means, or projector, 18, and a plurality of notches at the opposite end of the capturing means 16, the notches at the opposite end being located at respective holes f1 , f2, f3 which are angularly spaced from each other and which define the respective angular positions of the capturing means 16.

In this way, even unskilled personnel can easily and rapidly find the optimum working position for capturing the specific workpiece or three- dimensional object.

Advantageously, the elevation element 13, which carries the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object, has, relative to the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120, supporting the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, at least one degree of freedom G8 for positioning the elevation element 13 in the rest position, in particular in the position of transport of the apparatus.

More specifically, as illustrated, the degree of freedom G8 for positioning the elevation element 13 in the rest position, especially in the transport position, of the apparatus, is defined by a relative rotation between the elevation element 13 and the base element, or the element for resting on the ground, 120, preferably by an angle substantially equal to 90°. Advantageously, although not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in the rest position, especially in the transport position, of the apparatus, the element which carries the means 14 for scanning the three-dimensional object is positioned above the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the elevation element, or column, 13 which carries the means 14 for scanning the three- dimensional object is connected to the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120, supporting the means 20 for supporting the three-dimensional object, through a respective rotation hinge 1213, in particular which allows the rotation of the elevation element, or column, 13 towards the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120.

Advantageously, as may be inferred from the drawings, the hinge 1213 of rotation of the elevation element, or column, 13 relative to the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120, is situated at the respective end, in particular lower end, connecting the elevation element, or column, 13 to the base element, or element for resting on the ground, 120.

Advantageously, although not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, there are means for connection to the control and electronic processing means, that is, computer means, in particular outside the apparatus and connectable thereto.

Moreover, although not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, there are means for connection to electricity supply means, for actuating various components or operating means of the apparatus.

Advantageously, according to a further preferred embodiment not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the apparatus comprises computer means or electronic processing means, which process the data measured and control the corresponding operating means of the apparatus, the computer means, in particular, are directly supported by the supporting means 12 of the apparatus. The computer means are therefore directly connected to the corresponding components or operating means of the apparatus to be controlled.

In practice, as is evident, the technical features described above allow the present invention, individually or in respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- achieving the scanning of objects which have dimensions which are quite different from each other;

- achieving the scanning of objects which have complex shapes;

- providing an apparatus which operates in a particularly effective manner;

- providing an apparatus which can be set up in a particularly fast manner;

- providing an apparatus which has a particularly reduced size, at least during the storage and transport steps;

- providing an apparatus which is easy to use for the users;

- providing an apparatus which is particularly flexible to operate or use;

- providing an apparatus which can operate on a wide range of various products.

The invention described has evident industrial applications. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. It is also easy to imagine further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, it will be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.