3D Images using a flat bed scanner

I have seen a couple of sites recently where images of 3D objects (eg
flowers) have been created using a flat bed scanner.
The images appear exactly as if taken with a camera (with macro lens) ie no
flat sections because it is sitting on a scanner.

Images are crystal clear with white backgrounds etc.

Can anyone explain how these images of 3D objects are created using a
scanner?

Any attempts to replicate this have turned out very ordinary.

regards

PeterH

 

Thanks Mike.
I have a Canon scanner with CIS - that would explain the poor quality scan
of 3D objects.
PeterH

 

This is the website I was talking about
http://www.pbase.com/accordsystems/floral_scanography

 

I know that some Linotype (professional grade) flatbed scanners were pretty
good at scanning 3D - objects, googling for it I found a couple of links.
One of them is:

http://www.flatbed-scanner-review.org/Linotype-Hell_flatbed_scanner/Japan_candy_Heidelberg_CPS.html

I wrote "were" because the company discontinued the product line, but I am
sure that many are still in use.

 

I came across this article yesterday http://tinyurl.com/y68uhm

 

Nearly any scanner that does -=NOT=- use a lens system (such as the older
Microtek legal size) will do a credible job on 3D items.