Laser scanning systems and methods

A three-dimensional scanner uses a rotatable mounting structure to secure a laser line source in a manner that permits rotation of a projected laser line about an axis of the laser, along with movement of the laser through an arc in order to conveniently position and orient the resulting laser line. Where the laser scanner uses a turntable or the like, a progressive calibration scheme may be employed with a calibration fixture to calibrate a camera, a turntable, and a laser for coordinated use as a three-dimensional scanner. Finally, parameters for a scan may be automatically created to control, e.g., laser intensity and camera exposure based on characteristics of a scan subject such as surface characteristics or color gradient.