Optical scanning system and method

An optical scanning system comprising:

• a digitizing arm comprising a processing circuit for processing images;
• a digitizing arm interface fixedly coupled to the digitizing arm;
• an optical attachment coupled, via the digitizing arm interface, to the digitizing arm for use in a three-dimensional (3D) scan of a surface of a partially closed volume, the optical scanning attachment comprising:
• at least one laser operable to generate a laser light at a frequency;
• at least one optical element operable to receive the laser light and create a light pattern, wherein the at least one optical element is configured to provide the light pattern on the surface of the partially closed volume, and wherein an image of the light pattern on the surface of the partially closed volume comprises surface contours;
• at least one camera comprising a lens and configured to receive the image of the light pattern on the surface of the partially closed volume, and wherein a portion of the lens positioned outside the elongated member is co-planar to the elongated member;
• and
• an elongated member having a proximal and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is positioned closer to the digitizing arm as compared to the distal end, wherein the at least one laser is positioned so that external laser light emanates adjacent the distal end of the elongated member, and wherein the at least one camera is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongated member.