A 3D camera is an imaging device that enables the perception of depth in images to replicate three dimensions as experienced through human binocular vision. Some 3D cameras use two or more lenses to record multiple points of view, while others use a single lens that shifts its position. In fact, the first 3D whole body scanning system, the Loughborough anthropometric shadow scanner (LASS) was developed by the University of Loughborough (UK) in 1989 with the aim of conducting anthropometric surveys.

Complete full body scanning systems are usually accompanied by software solutions for the determination of body sizes from the 3D scan data. Such solutions are available since many years. The new advancements in this case are in the automation of the processing. Nowadays, typical software solutions measure completely automatically
anatomical landmarks (about 90 points) and body measures (about 120). Moreover, the extracted measurements are often compatible with anthropometric and ergonomics norms (e.g. ISO7250, EN13402)

Modern technology requires that the entire scanning procedure and data processing are fully automatic and autonomous, so that there is no need of personnel to operate the scanner. The person operates alone the scanner and triggers the scanning process by pressing a button located on holding levers inside the scanning cabin. Recorded messages and video presentations inside the cabin give additional information and instructions.

The obtained 3D data is then processed fully automatically to extract body measures. The data resulting from a full body scanner is usually in form of a 3D surface model representing the scanned person.