using Zdepth pass for a depth Scan effect on AE

[autong.]

hey guys, I'm sure you are familiar with the Z-depth pass, especially those who work in the CG industry. 

i wonder is there a way to create this "DEPTH SCAN" effect by using the depth map?

To be precise, I'm looking for a way to extract the information in between the depth length, so that i can SLICE them like the reference above.

I kinda tried it with the  PS arbitrary map  effect, animated then duplicate the layer, delay the keyframe a bit then turn the layer Blend Mode to  (difference) to get this result. but i found this method stupid and the edge looks quite noisy. 

is there a better way or tool to achieve this? 

thank you in advance.

[Mylenium]

Typically they are a combination of custom passes from a normal pass and the depth pass, possibly a custom "intersection pass" using Ambient Occlusion and colro coded geometry passes. The point here is that you need extra info along the viewing direction to even out the thickness of the beam. the depth pass itself does usually not have enough info and certain depth levels will simply end up being hairline thin as in your example. The beam slice itself can be created in a multitude of ways from applying Color ama to using your Z pass as a matte for other effects while animating its grey levels to push the sweep back and forth. Entirely depends.

Mylenium

[autong.]

Thank you! Mylenium.

Turns out Colorama is exactly what I've been looking for.

the result is clear, and can easily adjust the thickness of the beam slice.

it's very informative and helpful.

I appreciate it!