3DUNDERWORLD-SLS vs Creaform.OS

3DUNDERWORLD-SLS is a free Linux project that reconstructs point clouds from camera image sequences illuminated by patterned light. Its structured-light process has CPU and GPU implementations, and the command-line program can save reconstructed models as PLY or OBJ files. Version 4.x requires two or more cameras and provides a generic camera interface that programmers can extend. Camera acquisition is not implemented, so users must supply a camera class through the provided interfaces. The project accepts camera image folders, calibration files, and a patterned-light projector as inputs. It does not provide real-time capture or mesh reconstruction. Libraries are included for integration into other projects, with CPU and GPU examples, and an API was included in OpenCV 3.1 for a stereo approach using time-multiplexing Gray encoding. The repository supplies demo binaries, example data, and CMake build instructions. Dependencies are OpenCV 2, CUDA 6.0 or later, and glm. CUDA detection enables CPU and GPU constructors; without CUDA, only the CPU constructor is generated.

Creaform.OS is integrated operating software supplied with Creaform 3D measuring and scanning devices. It supports Creaform scanners, optical CMMs, and probe or photogrammetry workflows, with real-time capture, mesh reconstruction, and exports to IGES, STEP, and DXF on Windows 11. Its interface, embedded content, tools, and tutorials are intended to help users learn scanners and optical CMMs. The Metrology Suite adds Scan-to-CAD, Inspection, Automation, and Dynamic Tracking modules. Scan-to-CAD extracts features and supports CAD modeling from scan data for product development, reverse engineering, and additive manufacturing. Inspection handles dimensional quality checks. Automation provides a digital-twin environment for automated measurement and quality control. Dynamic Tracking measures multiple objects’ positions and orientations over time for assembly monitoring and robot calibration. Creaform.OS Viewer is a free download for viewing meshes, inspection programs, and results. The main software is paid with pricing on request.