System and Method for Part Identification Using 3D Imaging

A method for identifying any particular part not otherwise identifiable, by using 3D imaging, using a system comprising:

• a first 3D imaging device for imaging substantially all available 3D models of the any particular object or part and creating a database including the 3D imaging scans and associated identifying information and parameters,
• a second 3D imaging device which provides a 3D imaging scan of one model of the particular object or part which is not otherwise identifiable,
• a computer having access to the database and being programmed to assess the available models against the 3D image scan and parameters from the second 3D imaging device,
• a communication network between the second 3D imaging device and the computer with its associated database which compares the 3D image scan from the second 3D imaging device to those available in the associated database and provides information to a user of the second 3D imaging device for at least one model of the any particular object or part which fits the parameters of the object or part scanned by the second 3D imaging device, the method including the steps of:
• creating the database of substantially all available 3D models of the any particular object or part using a 3D imaging device,
• creating a 3D image of the otherwise unidentifiable object or part using the second 3D imaging device,
• associating a computer preprogrammed to assess or compare a 3D image or scan of the otherwise unidentifiable object or part provided from the second 3D imaging device to the database of models,
• using the communication network to send the 3D image of the otherwise unidentifiable object or part to the computer for comparison to the 3D models in the associated database, and,
• providing at least one 3D model of the particular object or part which fits the parameters of the object or part scanned by the second 3D imaging device.