3D Scanning

Brueckmann smartScan HE

In July 2010 the Center acquired a Breuckmann smartSCAN HE 5 MegaPixel Color system. This is a fringe projection close-range 3d digitizing system. The system works by projecting a patterned light across the object and uses two cameras to very precisely calculate the locations. Different lenses permit variable sizes of objects and levels of detail to be recorded. The system simultaneously records RGB data. The Center currently has three lens systems M-125 (100-75 mm FOV and 60 mm measuring depth), M-475 (380-285 mm FOV and 235 mm) and an M-825 (660-495 mm FOV and 410 mm measuring depth). Additional lenses up to 1200 mm are available. Example performance specifications of the M-125 configuration are an X, Y resolution of 40 micrometers, resolution limit (z) 2 micrometers with +/- 5 micrometers noise in Z and a feature accuracy of +/- 9 micrometers. As is the case with all scanning, when multiple scans are merged to create a "complete" 3D digital object, the final aggregated output specifications are less than the individual scan specifications. Nonetheless this scanner provides exceptional detail for object work. The system also includes a calibrated rotating table which can be used to quickly acquire scans and merge them. The system also includes a set of calibration panels that allow on-site recalibration of the scanner system.

Konica-Minolta VIVID 9i

The Konica-Minolta VIVID 9i is a short range, high resolution color scanning system. This instrument captures micron-level detail of small objects. Though the VIVID 9i has a small field of view, users can scan objects of unlimited size using specialized field techniques. This scanner features an on-board VGA digital camera allowing color textures to be mapped on to the 3D surface data. While it is best suited for use in a laboratory/indoor environment, with minor field modifications it can be used across a variety of on-site locations. An optional calibrated turntable, when used in conjunction with the VIVID 9i, serves to automate the scanning process and expands the utility of the instrument. The use of a professional lighting system is typically required to ensure accurate color capture with this instrument.

Leica ScanStation C10

The Leica C10 Scan Station scanner is a time-of-flight scanner with an effective operating range of +/- 1-200 m (up to 300 m with 90% reflectivity). Its motorized head allows scanning of a complete 360 degree by 270 degree area. Data is acquired at a rate of 50,000 points/second and can be stored on-board or on a wireless or wired laptop. The C10 has a number of features which make it particularly effective. For example it has automatic target acquisition capabilities that quickly allow survey control points to be integrated to the scan data. The Center has a number of targets for this purpose. It has an on-board video camera which can be used for scan management/planning and is automatically aligned with the scans to texture the point clouds. Published specifications indicate that the accuracy of a single measurement is 6 mm in position and 4 mm in depth (at ranges up to 50 m). The system supports traverse and resection capabilities.

Optech ILRIS-3D

The Intelligent Laser Ranging Imaging System (ILRIS-3D), manufactured by Optech, Inc., is an imaging system that offers direct-to-digital 3D models of any scene. The scanner is about the size of a motorized total station, with on-board digital camera and large-format LCD viewfinder. The ILRIS-3D has a visual interface similar to that of a digital camera. The unit is portable, weighing 12 kg and can easily be used in the field by a single person. As the laser is Type 1, it can be safely used in all settings. With a 20% reflectance surface it has a range of 3m - 1 km. Accuracy in the X,Y and Z dimensions is +\- 10 mm at 100 m. Point cloud data are captured at 2000 points/second. A typical scene with adjacent point spacing can be fully scanned in 10-15 minutes, capturing 1.2 to 1.8 million points.

Z+F 5006i

The Z+F 5006i scanner is one of the Center's three long/mid-range scanners. The Z+F is a phase based system while the Optech and Leica systems are time-of-flight. The Z+F is designed for an effective working range of 1m to ca 50 m - though somewhat longer distances are possible out to its design limit of 79 m. Because it is a phase based system it can acquire data very rapidly - up to some 500,000 points/second and its motorized head permits data to be acquired in a 360 degree (horizontal) by 310 degree (vertical) coverage. As a result it is ideal in scanning building interiors, complex urban spaces and similar situations. Like the CS-15 it can be used in stand-alone mode or with wireless or wired connection to a laptop.